Garden & Landscape Technician

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a grounds maintenance professional in Norfolk, Virginia, to ensure the university's landscape presents a clean and well-maintained appearance. Responsibilities include operating maintenance equipment, performing horticultural practices like mowing and planting, and maintaining irrigation systems. Basic horticultural knowledge and a valid driver's license are required, with a commitment to working during emergencies. Ideal candidates will have experience in garden maintenance and prior knowledge of pesticides.

Qualifications

• Basic horticultural experience in garden and landscape maintenance.
• Ability to lift/move/carry 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Knowledge of plants, insects, and diseases.

Responsibilities

• Maintain landscape for a neat and clean appearance.
• Operate grounds maintenance equipment.
• Perform horticultural practices such as mowing and weed control.

Skills

Basic horticultural knowledge

Equipment operation

Ability to work in various conditions

Knowledge of pesticides

Education

Basic education

Tools

Grounds maintenance equipment

Hand tools

Job description

Job Description

To properly maintain the landscape of the University to present an neat, clean and well maintained appearance. This will include the performance of grounds maintenance, operate grounds maintenance equipment such as truck with or without manual transmission, riding and push mowers, pesticide application equipment, tractors, and small powered equipment. This will also include horticulture practices such as mowing, weed control, turfgrass maintenance, planting, litter removal and other aspects associated with the upkeep of the landscape of the campus. Position is designated as “essential personnel” for emergency closing.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Basic knowledge of proper way to maintain and/or plant trees, shrubs and flowers. Basic knowledge of the proper way to trim, spray, mow, remove trash and debris, weed, fertilize, sweep, rake, cultivate, dig, water, shovel or plow snow, remove ice, spread salt and/or sand and other related functions. Basic knowledge of how to prune different species of shrubs and trees. Basic knowledge of and experience in the operation of grounds equipment. Some knowledge of pesticides. Basic mechanical knowledge to recognize malfunctions of equipment. Demonstrated ability to recognize irrigation malfunction. Demonstrated ability to work in extreme heat or cold; to lift/move/carry 50 pounds many times per week. Demonstrate the ability to read and write. Demonstrate ability to work independently or to work with others.

Special licenses, registration or certification

Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record which must be maintained. Demonstrate the ability to acquire a valid Pesticide Technician License within 1 year of employment.

Education or training

NONE

Level and type of experience

Basic Horticultural experience in garden and landscape maintenance. Basic knowledge of insects, diseases, weed identification, and plant material. Some prior experience using hand tools and operating related equipment.

Additional Considerations (supplemental knowledge, skills, abilities, education, experience, licensure, certification)

Virginia Department of Agriculture Certified Technician or Commercial Applicator 3 A or 3B License. Professional Certifications, Licenses, and/or Credentials from: VNLA, ISA, PLANET, State Master Gardener Program, VTC, or any other industry specific recognized organization. Irrigation Repair Experience associate. Membership in any Horticulture related organization.

Conditions of Employment

Facilities Management employees are considered essential personnel and subject to working during university closings.

Equity Statement

It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.