Gardeners

Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Job summary

The University of Utah is seeking Gardeners to perform skilled to advanced horticultural, landscape, and grounds-management services across campus properties. You will manage designated landscape zones, seasonal beds, and maintenance tasks including mowing, turf care, pruning, irrigation, and snow operations throughout the year.

Role may be filled at Gardener III or Gardener IV level based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Requires a current valid driver’s license and three (3) years of related experience.
• Equivalency statements allow substitution of education for experience as described in the Minimum Qualifications.
• Gardener III/IV levels depend on qualifications, experience, and department needs.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced landscape and grounds maintenance with extensive horticultural knowledge.
• Develop and implement maintenance plans for trees, shrubs, turf, and seasonal plantings.
• Monitor irrigation system performance and coordinate repairs and improvements.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, regulatory, and safety requirements.

Skills

Driver's license

Horticulture knowledge

Irrigation systems

Job description

Details

Open Date 11/02/2026

Requisition Number PRN46658B

Job Title Gardeners

Working Title Gardeners

Career Progression Track S00

Track Level S4 - Highly Skilled, S3 - Skilled

FLSA Code Nonexempt

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

Standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:00am to 2:30pm.

Snow Schedule includes being on call nights and weekends and possibly starting at 12:00am during a snow storm.

VP Area President

Department 01747 - PRESIDENT'S DISTRICT

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range $22.00-$29.00

Close Date 12/04/2026

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

Job Summary

Performs skilled to advanced horticultural, landscape, and grounds-management services throughout assigned campus properties and landscaped areas, with primary responsibility for designated landscape zones and specialty planting beds. The position provides comprehensive landscape care, including mowing, turf care, planting, pruning, tree trimming, irrigation, seasonal maintenance, spring and fall cleanup, snow operations, and general property upkeep.

The position maintains exceptional standards of landscape appearance, property readiness, and horticultural health within specialized campus landscapes that require advanced horticultural expertise, independent judgment, initiative, and exceptional attention to detail. Responsibilities include coordinating special projects, seasonal enhancements, contractors, events, supplies, and landscape improvements while ensuring outdoor environments are maintained to exacting standards throughout the year. Serving as a steward of some of the University’s most prominent and meticulously maintained landscape settings, the incumbent works closely with Facilities Management Grounds teams and leadership to identify priorities, address property needs, anticipate landscape concerns, and coordinate daily operations and long-term landscape enhancements.

This position may be filled at either the Gardener III or Gardener IV level based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competencies, as well as the needs of the department.

Responsibilities

Gardener III Responsibilities

Perform advanced landscape and grounds maintenance requiring extensive horticultural knowledge and expertise in landscape management practices. Assess, diagnose, and resolve complex issues related to plant health, irrigation systems, turf management, drainage, and landscape performance.

Develop and implement maintenance plans for trees, shrubs, turf, seasonal plantings, specialty beds, and other highly maintained landscape areas.

Monitor irrigation system performance, identify deficiencies, and coordinate repairs and improvements.

Evaluate environmental stress factors, pest pressures, and invasive species concerns and implement corrective actions to protect landscape health and appearance. Recommend landscape enhancements, plant selections, and sustainable maintenance practices that support long‑term landscape stewardship.

Serve as a technical resource for horticulture, irrigation, turf management, and landscape best practices.

Train, mentor, and provide guidance to Gardener I and Gardener II staff. Assist with work planning, project coordination, quality assurance, and prioritization of daily and seasonal activities.

Ensure compliance with environmental, regulatory, and safety requirements while supporting the preservation and enhancement of campus landscape assets.

Requires a current valid driver’s license and three (3) years of related experience.

Requires a current valid drivers License and 3+ years of related experience.

Gardener III Responsibilities

Perform advanced landscape and grounds maintenance requiring extensive horticultural knowledge and expertise in landscape management practices. Assess, diagnose, and resolve complex issues related to plant health, irrigation systems, turf management, drainage, and landscape performance.

Develop and implement maintenance plans for trees, shrubs, turf, seasonal plantings, specialty beds, and other highly maintained landscape areas.

Monitor irrigation system performance, identify deficiencies, and coordinate repairs and improvements.

Evaluate environmental stress factors, pest pressures, and invasive species concerns and implement corrective actions to protect landscape health and appearance.

Recommend landscape enhancements, plant selections, and sustainable maintenance practices that support long‑term landscape stewardship.

Serve as a technical resource for horticulture, irrigation, turf management, and landscape best practices. Train, mentor, and provide guidance to Gardener I and Gardener II staff. Assist with work planning, project coordination, quality assurance, and prioritization of daily and seasonal activities. Ensure compliance with environmental, regulatory, and safety requirements while supporting the preservation and enhancement of campus landscape assets.

Requires a current valid driver’s license and three (3) years of related experience.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Gardener, III : Requires 3+ years of related experience.

Gardener, IV: Requires 5+ years of related experience.

Preferences

A current drivers license will be required.

Type Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

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). Contact Human Resources at [phone] for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at [phone] or [phone] or University Human Resource Management at [phone] if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page. Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

**https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/**This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South. As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.