Gardener

WMed; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition discount

Job summary

Western Michigan University is seeking a Gardener to perform semi-skilled labor for installing, refurbishing, and maintaining grounds, plantings, and landscape features on campus.

The role runs 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with salary at $22.55 per hour and full benefits. Responsibilities include upkeep of lawns, beds, shrubs, and site preparation for events.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions and safety regulations.
• Ability to identify growth habits of common plants in southwest Lower Michigan.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and hand-grade terrain; apply fertilizers and sods.
• Plant and care for lawns, shrubs, beds; mulch and edge.

Skills

High school diploma

Read and comprehend instructions

Written communication

Plant knowledge

Michigan pesticide license eligibility

Driver's license

Ability to perform essential functions

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

MDARD pesticide license eligibility

Job description

Posting Summary

College

College VP Business And Finance-DIV

Executive Area

Executive Area VP Business And Finance

Department

Department FacilMgmt-Landscape Services

Posting Number

Posting Number S1780P

Job Type

Job Type Full Time, Regular

Pay Type

Pay Type Nonexempt/Hourly

Pay Grade

Pay Grade M35

Campus Location

Campus Location WMU-Kalamazoo - Main Campus

Salary Range

Salary Range $22.55 per hour plus generous benefits.

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

General Summary

• Provides semi-skilled labor required to install, refurbish, and otherwise care for grounds, plantings, landscape forms and features.

Major Duties

• Prepares and hand grades terrain, applies fertilizers, seeds and sods lawns, and transplants flowers, shrubs and plants.
• Plants and cultivates new and repairs established lawns, trims shrubs and cultivates flower beds and gardens.
• Installs major plantings and applies chemical herbicides/pesticides to designated areas to control weeds and infestations.
• Operates power grounds equipment and tools, instructs groundskeepers and students in the operation and maintenance of equipment and tools, as well as other landscape tasks.
• May assist grounds construction crews and special project crews in grading and otherwise preparing sites for landscaping.
• Removes trash, rubbish and detritus from grounds, walkways, parking lots and structures, external receptacles and other surfaces and structures in assigned areas/regions.
• Maintains shrub beds and tree wells, removes leaves and other debris, turns dirt and/or mulch, and trimming edges.
• Weeds and waters flower beds, lawns and other grassy areas, as well as areas of groundcovers and other plantings.
• May operate light equipment for removing snow from streets, parking lots, and walkways, porches, steps and other structures.
• May set up indoor and outdoor facilities for University events.
• This position performs additional duties as requested by supervisory personnel, including, but not limited to, training and programs for staff and students.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Ability to read and comprehend written instructions and safety regulations regarding the performance of job duties, and must be able to understand and comply with oral instructions.
• Sufficient writing ability to prepare any necessary documents or forms.
• Ability to identify, and knowledge of the growth habits of common plants found in southwest Lower Michigan; familiarity with annuals, perennials and bulbs common to the area.
• Considerable knowledge of landscape maintenance practices, principles and techniques through forma landscape training; or, possess three years of proven grounds maintenance experience.
• Currently have or have the ability to obtain a Michigan Department of Agriculture Commercial Pesticide Applicator license in at least the right-of-way (category 6), turf (category 3a), and ornamental (category 3b) within 40 working days of hire. The University will recognize all MDARD reciprocal agreements.
• Posses a valid Michigan driver’s license.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job and use the tools of the trade.
• Ability to complete a physical examination administered by the employer’s designated physician to determine incumbent’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Additional Position Information

• Above is a summary of the description for the position of Gardener. A complete description for this position may be reviewed upon request in the department of Human Resources, Room 1300, Seibert Administration Building or online at: wmich.edu/hr/descriptions-afscme
• Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to: wmich.edu/hr/enrollment-afscme
• This is a first (1st) shift position. The regular work hours for this position are 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The regular work days are Monday through Friday, with Saturday and Sunday off.

Physical requirements and working conditions

• Must wear OSHA -approved safety shoes at all times, and must wear a hard hat and safety glasses as required by MIOSHA rules when operating power equipment.
• Ear plugs are required when operating tools/equipment producing noise levels exceeding OSHA standards.
• Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment ( PPE ) when operating tools and equipment.
• Must wear no loose fitting clothing which might pose a hazard to incumbent’s safety.

Supplemental Questions

• * Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have the ability to read and comprehend written instructions and safety regulations regarding the performance of job duties, and able to understand and comply with oral instructions?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have sufficient writing ability to prepare any necessary documents or forms?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have the ability to identify, and knowledge of the growth habits of common plants found in southwest Lower Michigan; familiarity with annuals, perennials and bulbs common to the area?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have considerable knowledge of landscape maintenance practices, principles and techniques through formal landscape training; or, possess three years of proven grounds maintenance experience?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you currently have or have the ability to obtain a Michigan Department of Agriculture Commercial Pesticide Applicator license in at least the right-of-way (category 6), turf (category 3a), and ornamental (category 3b) within 40 working days of hire? The University will recognize all MDARD reciprocal agreements.
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job and use the tools of the trade?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have the ability to complete a physical examination administered by the employer’s designated physician to determine your ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation?
  • Yes
  • No

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of References

Optional Documents

• Other

WMU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Protected veterans, individuals with disabilities and all other qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.