Gardener

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Landscape Technician to join their Facilities Management team. This exciting role offers the opportunity to work outdoors, develop horticultural skills, and contribute to maintaining the beautiful campus grounds. You will be part of a dynamic team, learning from experienced colleagues while also taking initiative on individual projects. Enjoy a stable work environment with ample opportunities for career growth, health benefits, and a chance to make a positive impact in the community. If you have a passion for horticulture and excellent problem-solving skills, this position is perfect for you!

Benefits

Health Benefits

Vacation Benefits

Retirement Benefits

Casual Dress Code

Tools Provided

Qualifications

• Nine months of experience managing grounds for five or more acres.
• Valid Utah driver's license and effective communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain landscape aesthetics and safety according to university policies.
• Perform regular gardening tasks like mowing, pruning, and snow removal.
• Control weeds and pests using integrated pest management principles.

Skills

Customer Service Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Knowledge of Plant Identification

Ability to Operate Power Tools

Analytical Skills

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Experience in Grounds Maintenance

Tools

Hand Pruners

Loppers

Lawn Mowers

Chain Saws

Leaf Blowers

Utility Carts

Job description

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

If you are looking for a future in horticulture and enjoy working outdoors, come work as a Landscape Tech on the beautiful University of Utah campus grounds. Learn horticultural skills and plant identification at Utah’s state arboretum, where your dynamic team of 3 to 4 coworkers will teach and learn from you. You’ll also work alone and head projects on your own as you take advantage of our opportunities for education and advancement within the U of U family! Facilities Management mission is to provide a safe, sustainable, and attractive University environment.
As a member of the Facilities Management team, you will enjoy working in a stable Higher Education environment with plenty of opportunities to apply what you know while learning new skills. Do you have excellent customer service and problem-solving skills? Would you like to be challenged to take individual initiative in an environment that rewards your efforts with career growth opportunities? Many of the roles on the University of Utah’s Facilities Management Team are casual dress, tools are provided, and you’ll be working on resolving issues with experienced and knowledgeable team members who will help you build on the skills you bring to the team. This position offers health and vacation, and retirement benefits. Apply today!

Responsibilities

1. Responsible for landscape and installation of a specific area of the University to provide an aesthetically pleasing and safe environment, and accomplished in accordance with university and department policies and procedures.
2. Regular gardening and landscape maintenance such as fertilizing, mowing, edging, laying sod, pruning, litter cleanup, weeding, snow removal, tree planting, and watering to conserve healthy and vigorous plants.
3. Control weeds and pests using principles of integrated pest management (IPM).
4. Must operate different models of tools such as hand pruners, loppers, push and ride lawn mowers, chain saws, leaf blowers, dump trucks, and utility carts.
5. Work expediently, efficiently, and independently with limited direction from Lead Horticulturist.
6. Perform snow removal in winter months utilizing shovels, blowers, and plows.
7. Prepare for and keep campus open and safe during inclement weather such as snow storms.
8. Knowledge of the common names of trees, shrubs, flowers, weeds and insect pests.
9. Employees are required to be available for on call snow removal during winter months.
10. A valid Utah driver’s license is required.

Minimum Qualifications

Nine months professional work experience with the responsibility for five or more acres of grounds, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); a valid Utah vehicle operator’s license required; and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills required. Selected applicant will be expected to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license.

Preferences

Would prefer (but not required) experience with grounds maintenance, including knowledge of different plants and their requirements: watering, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, mowing, etc. Ability to operate power tools and equipment normally associated with landscape maintenance. Ability to withstand extensive standing, walking, bending, squatting, kneeling, digging and ability to lift at least 50 lbs. Ability to work in all types of outside weather conditions, including excessive heat, excessive cold, excessive noise, dust, smoke, slippery or uneven surfaces. Analytical and trouble shooting skills; ability to develop, plan, and implement short and long term goals. Demonstrated oral and written communications skills; basic computing skills, customer service skills.

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work).