Assistant Gardener

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 33,379 - 38,820; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Care flexible spending accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Competitive wages and generous time off

Continuous learning opportunities

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking an Assistant Gardener in Saint Paul to assist with the care of grounds and gardens on the Twin Cities campus. This position involves planting various flora, maintaining garden beds, mowing, and performing irrigation system maintenance.

Qualified candidates should hold a High School Diploma or equivalent and have experience in commercial gardening or grounds maintenance. A valid driver's license and the ability to lift 50 lbs are mandatory. The role offers a pay range of $24.23-$28.18/hr.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience in commercial gardening or grounds maintenance.
• A valid Driver's License is required.
• Ability to repetitively lift and carry 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the care of the grounds and gardens.
• Plant annuals, perennials, shrubs, or trees.
• Maintain turf areas through mowing and aeration.
• Perform irrigation system maintenance checks.
• Prune trees and shrubs and operate grounds maintenance equipment.

Skills

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to lead student workers

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Skid steer

Irrigation system

Mowers

Hand tools

Job description

About the Job

Teamster priority period runs from March 1, 2022 - March 8, 2022.

Assistant Gardener, Facilities Management - Landcare Department, reports to Landcare Maintenance Supervisor.

Overview: The assistant gardener has the responsibility of assisting with the care of the grounds and gardens on the University of MN Twin Cities campus.

Responsibilities

• Plants annuals, perennials, shrubs or trees.
• Maintains annual and perennial and shrub beds, including spreading mulch, pulling weeds, pruning, applying fertilizers to annuals and perennials, and picking litter.
• Mows, aerates and edges turf areas; prepares lawn areas for seeding or sodding and lays seed or sod.
• Performs irrigation system maintenance checks and repairs as needed; assists with irrigation start up and blow outs.
• Prunes trees and shrubs and operates the chipper.
• Installs and maintains storm water management gardens (BMP's).
• Operates ride and walk behind mowers, skid steers, edgers, weed whips, litter lifts, backpack blowers, shovels, rakes, pruners, saws, hand tools and other equipment associated with grounds maintenance.
• Cleans and organizes facilities associated with Landcare.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and one year of experience or 1 year of education in commercial gardening, grounds maintenance, or related field.
• Experience as a lead worker.
• A valid Driver's License.
• Ability to repetitively lift and carry 50 lbs.

Essential Qualification:

• Regular attendance is an essential qualification for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Valid MDA non-commercial pesticide applicators license.
• Experience operating a skid steer with attachments and other equipment associated with grounds maintenance.

Preferred skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisory staff.
• Ability to lead student workers on specific tasks.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $24.23-$28.18/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment.

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Health Care and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.