Gardener

amherst; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Amherst College invites applications for the Gardener position. The Gardener is a full-time, year-round role supporting the Landscape and Grounds Department with planning and executing landscaping operations and ensuring proper horticultural maintenance on campus.

The position may require extended shifts, emergency call-ins, and a schedule generally Monday through Friday; compensation ranges from $23 to $25 per hour with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• MA DOT card or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Pesticide and hoisting licenses or ability to acquire within 6 months of hire.
• Valid driver's license and successful credentialing to operate college vehicles.
• CORI checks and pre-employment procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide labor support for horticultural tasks across campus, including pruning, weeding, fertilizing, spraying, repairing damaged areas, grading terrain, seeding, transplanting shrubs and plants, and snow removal.
• Operate department equipment: trucks, utility vehicles, tractors, saws, lawn mowers, tools, and snow equipment; inspect and perform basic maintenance.
• Assist Special Services with setup for functions and support office moves as needed.
• Assist Design and Construction with landscape project planning, inspection, maintenance, labeling, repair operations, and material purchasing.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Time-management

Plant knowledge

Garden design interpretation

Basic computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

MA DOT card or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire

Pesticide and hoisting licenses or ability to acquire within 6 months of hire

Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test

Tools

Trucks and tractors

Lawn mowing equipment

Chainsaws

Irrigation systems

Job description

Job Description

Amherst College invites applications for the Gardener position. The Gardener is a full-time, year-round position.

The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $23 to $25 per hour.

The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations.

Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families.

The Gardener supports the efforts of the Landscape and Grounds Department with planning and executing landscaping operations. Ensures proper maintenance of all horticultural aspects on campus. Assists in the planning, organizing and implementing new plants and renovations, as well as provides labor and equipment operation and support for all aspects of grounds work as required.

The position is designated as providing essential services and may be required to report to work or remain on duty even though the College is closed. Our work is central to student life and their needs occur at a variety of times throughout the day, week, and year. In such, a flexible schedule with extended shift times and emergency call-ins may be required. The work schedule may vary and corresponds to the College's operational needs, but generally is Monday through Friday.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Provide labor support for all horticultural aspects of the diverse campus community, including pruning, trimming, weeding, fertilizing, spraying, repairing damaged areas, grading terrain, seeding, transplanting shrubs and plants, and brush, leaf, and snow removal.
• Operate department equipment, including trucks, utility vehicles, tractors, saws, lawn mowers, tools, and snow equipment as needed. Inspect and perform minor and basic equipment maintenance.
• Assist Special Services with the setup for special functions, including commencement, reunion, freshman orientation, etc. Support office moves as needed.
• Assist Design and Construction with the planning and/or preparation of landscape projects, including inspection, work planning, maintenance, plant labeling, repair operations, and purchasing of materials.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• MA DOT card or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire
• Specialized training in the culture and maintenance of many types of plants
• Pesticide and hoisting licenses or ability to acquire within 6 months of hire
• A valid driver's license and successful credentialing is required in order to operate college vehicles
• Strong written and verbal communication, organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to plan, organize, and multitask when priorities change frequently
• General knowledge in the selection and maintenance of plants
• Experience in the operation of motorized vehicles and equipment; trucks, tractors, chainsaws, and general landscaping tools
• Ability to work with garden design drawings
• Knowledge and Experience in Irrigation maintenance and water conservation
• Basic computer skills
• Successful completion of required reference and background checks
• An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check
• Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test

Preferred

• 1 year of related vehicle operations and equipment use
• 1 year of snow plowing experience
• 1 year of experience within higher ed landscape and grounds
• MA 1A hoisting license
• Category 37 pesticide applicator
• MA DOT License

Legal Information

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.