Gardener I - Facilities Management Services (FMS)

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 34,440,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical and dental insurance

Retirement savings program

Tuition benefits

Paid time off and holidays

Fitness center access

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s Facilities Management group is seeking a full-time Gardener in Pittsburgh, PA. This role includes performing grounds maintenance functions, managing plant care, and using various landscaping equipment.

The ideal candidate should have at least three years of experience and knowledge of horticulture maintenance techniques. Benefits include comprehensive insurance and access to fitness facilities.

Qualifications

• Must have training as a Gardener through on-the-job field experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the trade required.
• Must be a member of or agree to join Local #95 International Union of Operating Engineers.

Responsibilities

• Perform grounds maintenance tasks such as soil preparation and weeding.
• Prepare athletic fields and designated grounds for events.
• Mow grass using various equipment.

Skills

Familiarity with plant materials

Ability to operate landscape equipment

Technical horticulture maintenance knowledge

Tree climbing skills

Ability to work under adverse conditions

Full range of body motion

Education

High School diploma or GED

Training as a Gardener

Formal coursework in horticulture

Job description

Carnegie Mellon University’s Facilities Management group is searching for a Gardener to join the team! This is an exciting opportunity if you thrive in an interesting work environment. Reporting to the Grounds Supervisor, you will contribute to the department in a variety of interesting ways, such as preparing and applying designated fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides for treatment of plant, shrub, tree, and lawn conditions.

Responsibilities

• Performing the following grounds maintenance functions: Soil preparation, pruning, trimming, cultivation, weeding, leaf and trash cleanup and removal.
• Preparing campus athletic fields and other designated grounds for event use.
• Mowing grass using a variety of equipment including tractor mounted or rotary mowers and towed gang mowers.
• Operating trucks and other automotive equipment with attachments for plowing snow, sweeping, landscaping, and other grounds and pavement maintenance tasks.
• Under the direction of the Grounds Supervisor, preparing and applying designated fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides for treatment of plant, shrub, tree, and lawn conditions.
• Requisitioning job parts and supplies.
• Working diligently on assigned work and recording time and other expenses associated with jobs accurately.
• Completing all work safely and in a timely manner.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Must Demonstrate

• Familiarity with plant materials.
• Ability to operate various types of landscape equipment – tractor LBH, forklifts, etc.
• Technical knowledge of accepted horticulture maintenance techniques.
• Tree climbing skills in accordance with I.S.A. standards (preferred).
• Ability to work various shifts, work overtime, and availability for call‑out work.
• Full range of body motion.
• Ability to move and work in confined spaces, up and down ladders and to work from ladders.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds from ground to overhead.
• Operate on and off‑road vehicles in support of assigned work.
• Travel to jobs over a 100+ acre campus with many hills and stairs.
• Be capable of effectively working outside during inclement conditions, adverse conditions and for extended periods of time.

Qualifications

Gardener I

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Training as a Gardener through on‑the‑job field experience required.
• Some level of formal coursework for horticulture required.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the trade required, with experience in a large institutional setting preferred.
• Must be a member of or agree to join Local #95 International Union of Operating Engineers within 90 days of onboarding.

Gardener II

• Minimum of four (4) years’ experience in the trade required, with experience in a large institutional setting preferred.
• Pesticide certification for the state of PA in categories 6, 7 and 10 required.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements

• Successful background check.
• Motor vehicle records conducted annually.
• Pre‑employment drug and alcohol screening.
• Fitness for duty assessment and pre‑employment medical exam.Child protective clearance – Act 153.
• Valid PA driver’s license.

Additional Information

• This is a full‑time (40 hours/week), non‑exempt position based in Pittsburgh, PA.
• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.
• Must be a member of or agree to join Local #95 International Union of Operating Engineers within 90 days of onboarding.
• Location: Pittsburgh, PA.
• Job function: Non‑Craft Trades (L95).
• Position type: Staff – Regular.
• Full time / Part time: Full time.
• Pay basis: Hourly.
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance.

Benefits

Employees enjoy comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions, tuition benefits, paid time off and holidays, life and accidental death and disability insurance, a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to the Family Concierge Team, fitness center access, and more.