Gardener

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking a dedicated Grounds Maintenance Worker to ensure the beauty and functionality of its outdoor spaces. This full-time role involves various tasks, including planting, pruning, and maintaining trees and shrubs, as well as operating heavy equipment for snow removal and grounds upkeep. The ideal candidate will thrive in a physically demanding environment and possess a passion for landscaping and horticulture. Join a vibrant community that values sustainability and outdoor aesthetics, and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being and professional growth.

Benefits

Paid Vacation

Health Insurance

Paid Holidays

Retirement Benefits

Qualifications

• Ability to maintain and operate groundskeeping equipment.
• Knowledge of landscaping and plant care techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance of grounds and landscaping.
• Operate heavy equipment for snow removal and landscaping tasks.

Skills

Landscaping

Pesticide Application

Heavy Equipment Operation

Physical Stamina

Plant Identification

Education

Associates Degree in Horticulture

Commercial Pesticide Applicator License

Tools

Dump Trucks

Backhoes

Mowers

Snow Removal Equipment

Job description

This position is responsible for the maintenance of grounds and landscaping. Employees in this class perform a variety of tasks, including the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials and bulbs, plant propagation, application of herbicides and pesticides, and tree and shrub pruning. Employees in this class also support the overall groundskeeping operation of the University including grounds maintenance tasks such as; snow removal, athletic field maintenance, and litter and trash removal. Overtime work will be required for snow removal and for Special Events including but not limited to the WIAA State Track Meet. The normal work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00pm. This position reports to the Grounds Services Manager.

This is a full-time position with expected continuous employment and includes a State of Wisconsin benefits package.

NOTE : Work schedule and hours are subject to change based on departmental needs.

Position Type

Position Type Staff/Administrative

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Hourly

FLSA

FLSA Non-Exempt

Contingent Upon Funding No

Is this position eligible for employment sponsorship, (H1B or PERM)?

Is this position eligible for employment sponsorship, (H1B or PERM)? No

Required Qualifications

• The ability to hold and maintain a valid driver’s license meeting the criteria for driving a state vehicle.
• Individuals must have or have the ability to obtain State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License Category 3.0 Turf and Landscape within 6 month of hire and must maintain certification throughout employment.
• Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry tools, equipment or supplies, up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Physically be able to work in various positions, i.e. with arms above your head for periods of time; bending, twisting, crawling, squatting, climbing, stooping or kneeling; on scaffolding, ladders or stairs; standing, sitting or walking, while continuously performing job functions.
• Physically be able to work in various environments without adverse physical reaction, e.g.; within extreme temperature ranges; in hot, noisy, dirty or dust-filled areas; at heights above 30 feet, etc.
• Ability to wear protective equipment, i.e. respirator, breathing apparatus, hearing, or eye protection, etc.
• Knowledge of safe, efficient operation of heavy equipment.
• Ability to identify different varieties of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs.
  Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or for other special events as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates degree or professional certification in a directly related field.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance of heavy equipment.
• Ability to safely operate equipment in areas with high levels of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle activity.
• Knowledge of essential job functions and ability to safely perform the duties with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge or ability to learn relevant software and/or computer languages in order to operate preventive maintenance, work order, time reporting and inventory control programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally or in writing, using the English language, in various situations, i.e. face to face, via phone or two-way radio, correspondence, taking messages, email, etc.
• Ability to comply with all University of Wisconsin Systems work place expectations including safe work practices.

Physical Demands

• Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry tools, equipment or supplies, up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Physically be able to work in various positions, i.e. with arms above your head for periods of time; bending, twisting, crawling, squatting, climbing, stooping or kneeling; on scaffolding, ladders or stairs; standing, sitting or walking, while continuously performing job functions.

Reasonable Accommodations
UWL provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact [e-mail] or 608.785.8013. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

All position descriptions are required to provide physical demands and working condition/environment and may not be published in the job announcement. For information on the physical demands and/or working conditions/environment for this position, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] or 608.785.8013.

Working conditions and environment

• Physically be able to work in various environments without adverse physical reaction, e.g.; within extreme temperature ranges; in hot, noisy, dirty or dust-filled areas; at heights above 30 feet, etc.
• Ability to wear protective equipment, i.e. respirator, breathing apparatus, hearing, or eye protection, etc.
• Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or for other special events as needed

Information about your Benefits
Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university.
Highlights include:

• paid vacation for 12-month positions.
• excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
• paid holidays and sick days.
• after 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.
• benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.

Benefit eligibility is determined at point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.

Information about UWL and the Surrounding Region

The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW–La Crosse) provides a challenging, dynamic, and diverse learning environment in which the entire university community is fully engaged in supporting student success. Grounded in the liberal arts, UW-La Crosse fosters curiosity and life-long learning through collaboration, innovation, and the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge. Acknowledging and respecting the contributions of all, UW-La Crosse is a regional academic and cultural center that prepares students to take their place in a constantly changing world community.

For more than a decade UW-La Crosse has been named one of Kiplinger’s 100 Best Values in Public Universities and has appeared prominently on the U.S. News & World Report list of “America’s Best Colleges” for more than 15 years, and is ranked #4 on its list of the Best Regional Public Universities in the Midwest. UW-La Crosse ranks 6th nationally among the Top LGBTQ -Friendly Colleges for 2018-19 by AffordableCollegesOnline.org ( ACO ).

With a student population of roughly 10,500, the university offers 91 undergraduate programs, 21 graduate programs, and 2 doctoral programs through the following three colleges, the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, the College of Business Administration, and the College of Science and Health, as well as the School of Education. There are over 600 full-time faculty and instructional academic staff, 75 percent of whom hold terminal degrees. UW-La Crosse boasts a retention rate (freshmen returning as sophomores) of 84 percent, graduation rate (degree within six years) of 70 percent, and is among only 12 institutions cited nationally by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities for its success in linking campus culture and university leadership to outstanding graduation rates.

UW-La Crosse’s strategic plan Sustaining Excellence continues to move our community forward through its four pillars: increasing community engagement, achieving excellence through equity and diversity, investing in our people, and advancing transformational education. More information about the ongoing work of Sustaining Excellence is available at www.uwlax.edu/info/strategic-plan .

The UW-La Crosse campus is in southwestern Wisconsin, nestled in a residential area of the City of La Crosse and positioned as part of a larger metro area with a population close to 140,000. The area, known as the 7 Rivers Region, is famous for its exceptional natural beauty which includes the Mississippi River on one side, majestic bluffs on the other, and views of rolling farmland and forested valleys in between. Abundant water, woodlands and varying terrain provide ample opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation. Only a couple of hours from Minneapolis or Madison, La Crosse enjoys the affordability and charm of small town living with larger city benefits. Three colleges, two world-class medical institutions, the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, a restored nineteenth century downtown business district, and a number of galleries and art centers have made La Crosse a regional center for culture, entertainment, medical care, shopping, sports and recreation. More information about the La Crosse metro area can be found here: Choose La Crosse . Learn more about UW-La Crosse here: https://www.uwlax.edu/human-resources/services/talent-acquisition-and-employment/finalist-welcome/

Civil Rights and Compliance Statement
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring faculty and staff that are qualified and broadly trained. UWL , in compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act is committed to fostering an environment that embraces inclusive excellence and equitable treatment of all parties. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status. Inclusive excellence is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the Universities of Wisconsin community.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://www.uwlax.edu/police/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000.

Redbook Position

Redbook Position Yes

Division/College

Division/College Administration and Finance Division

Description of College / Department / Program / Division / Unit

The Division of Administration and Finance is committed to providing quality campus services to faculty, staff, students and external constituencies in support of the university’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. The division includes Business Services, Budget Office, Facilities Planning & Management, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, and University Police & Parking Services.

Duties/Responsibilities These are the job duties required for the position. Responsibility Statement Gardening Duties and Landscape Maintenance Duties to Support Responsibility

• Maintain landscape beds, including; soil preparation, soil amendment, planting, herbicide applications, fertilizer applications, weeding, removing of dead or diseased plants, dividing and
• Prune woody plants for shape relative to species or location.
• Remove annual floral displays after frost, dig and store tubers and bulbs, and mulch perennials.
• Tree pruning to remove damaged, dying or dead wood or for structure and function or removal of entire trees either from the ground or using lifts.
• Apply pesticides and herbicides for maintenance of flowers, trees and shrubs in compliance with all federal, state and local regulations and maintain accurate records for all pesticide and herbicide applications.
• Plant seeds, seedlings, bulbs, trees shrubs, annuals and perennials according to plans.
• Assist Supervisor in the selection of plants, tools, and equipment.
• Maintain and place boulders, benches, tables, trash receptacles, bike posts, and other site amenities.
• Direct students, limited term employees, and others assisting with tasks.

Responsibility Statement Operation and maintenance of grounds maintenance equipment. Duties to Support Responsibility

• Operate and maintain various equipment, e.g., dump trucks, sky workers/high-lifts, end loaders, backhoes, forklifts, stump grinders, tractors, mowers, tillers, trailers, etc. to maintain and develop the site.
• Operate and maintain snow removal equipment to clear walks, streets, and parking lots of ice and snow. Complete handwork to remove snow and ice from walks, ramps, and steps.
• Operate and maintain equipment including; leaf blowers, water tanks, hedge trimmers, etc…

Responsibility Statement General groundskeeping, maintenance for special events. Duties to Support Responsibility

• Empty outdoor trash and recycling containers and pick litter throughout campus.
• Assist with installation of fencing, bleachers, and other site work.
• Move supplies and equipment to various campus locations and assist with other physical plant operations.
• Prepare playing fields and facilities for athletic events, practices, and teaching stations, including painting lines for athletic fields and set up, tear down and cleanup of site including emptying trash containers.
• Prepare various sites on campus for student or community events, including set up, tear down and clean-up of site, including emptying trash containers.
• Accurately and thoroughly complete work orders.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Posting Date

Posting Date 04/08/2025

Continuous Recruitment

Continuous Recruitment Yes

Continuous Recruitment First Review Date

Close Date

Special Instructions

Application deadlines
TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION : Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013.

Position Contact Name

Position Contact Email

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identities of finalists must be revealed upon request. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).
  • I wish for my name to remain confidential until the university is no longer able to do so.
  • I waive my right to keep my name confidential through the application process.
• * Are you currently employed by or have you been employed by a UW System institution or a State of Wisconsin agency during the last seven (7) years? Please answer yes or no. If yes, provide the institution or agency name, your supervisor and contact information, including phone number and email address.
  • Yes
  • No
• * After you retire from a Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) employer, you may return to work with a WRS employer as a rehired annuitant, provided certain requirements are met. There are no restrictions on what type of position a rehired annuitant can hold. Under the WRS, there is no limit to how much you may earn as a rehired annuitant. (Learn more: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/life-events/empcha/ra/).Are you currently collecting an annuity from the Wisconsin Retirement System, (WRS)?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you an alum of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship for employment at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?(UW-L and UW System institutions pay for some or all of the sponsorship costs. Some candidates may require an H1B or another form of employment sponsorship to work in the US. This question is asked so that if you are the successful candidate, Human Resources can work with your work unit to begin the process of obtaining this visa).
  • Yes, I will require sponsorship prior to employment.
  • Yes, I will require sponsorship for continued employment if hired.
  • No, I do not require sponsorship and am eligible to work in the US.
• * Please provide your most recent employer, supervisor name and contact information, including phone number and email address. (Pursuant to UW System Administrative Policy 1275, UW System requires reference checks related to sexual harassment and sexual violence to be conducted at a minimum with a final candidate’s most recent employer and with all previous UW System institution and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven years. UW-L will notify you prior to contacting your supervisor).

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Are you currently under investigation or have ever left employment during an active investigation in which you were accused ofsexual violenceorsexual harassment?(Required under UW System Administrative Policy 1275)
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you legally eligible to work in the United States?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Were you ever found to have engaged in anysexual violenceorsexual harassment in a previous work assignment?(Required under UW System Administrative Policy 1275)
  • Yes
  • No
• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Chronicle of Higher Education Web Site
  • Discipline-Specific Publication/Web Site
  • HERC Web Site
  • HigherEdJobs.com Web Site
  • Job Center of Wisconsin Web Site
  • Minority Publication/Web Site
  • University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Social Media (i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
  • University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Web Site
  • La Crosse Tribune
  • Personal Referral
  • LinkedIn
  • Indeed
  • WinonaDailyNews.com, LaCrosseTribune.com, ChippewaHerald.com, Journaltimes.com, Kenoshanews.com, Madison.com
  • Department of Workforce Development (WISC)
  • Other