Groundskeeper Horticulture Worker

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (PA, TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a full-time Groundskeeper Horticulture Worker to manage campus plantings and lead a team. Responsibilities include selecting plant materials, maintaining equipment, and ensuring proper horticultural practices. This role requires a valid Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification and offers a competitive benefits package, including a generous tuition discount.

Benefits

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Substantial paid time off

Qualifications

• 9 to 12 months of effective experience required.
• Must hold Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification.
• Ability to operate landscape equipment and perform maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Select and design plant materials for campus.
• Lead and train employees in horticultural practices.
• Maintain and repair nursery and greenhouse equipment.

Skills

Plant selection

Record keeping

Team leadership

Equipment maintenance

Pesticide application

Education

Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification

Tools

Tractors

Backhoe

Mowers

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Penn State is searching for a full time Groundskeeper Horticulture Worker (Office of Physical Plant) - Grade 6 to join the team. Duties include:

• Select plant materials, design plant combinations, and coordinate campus planting with Campus Landscape Architect
• Layout flowers, trees, shrubs, and turf on campus
• Organize plant material orders
• Keep accurate records
• Lead and direct the work of and train full-time and part-time employees in the correct methods and procedures required to manage horticultural plantings
• In conjunction with immediate supervisor, compile daily work schedules, plan and inspect work related to horticultural plantings
• Inspect plant material for disease, insect, or mechanical damage
• Perform routine maintenance on, and modifications to, a variety of nursery and greenhouse equipment
• Maintain watering systems, sprayers, etc.
• Repair or replace faulty plumbing
• Set up and maintain electrical devices such as time clocks, control units and fans
• Interpret simple sketches and/or specifications
• Establish sub-grades and finish grades for planting beds and turf
• Plant, water, transplant, prune, fertilize, cultivate, and maintain nursery, greenhouse crops, and campus plantings
• Select, mix, and apply pesticides to nursery, greenhouse crops, and campus plantings as required
• Prepare proper soil mixes
• Move heavy materials such as soil, stone, wood chips, compost, soil mixes, fertilizers, and plant materials as required in nursery and greenhouse operations
• Refer problems to group leaders and supervisors
• Operate trucks, tractors, hi-lift, backhoe, skid steer loader, tree spade, mowers, spreaders, and other landscape equipment as required
• Adjust, clean, oil and grease equipment. Inspect water level, anti-freeze, engine oil, air filters, and air pressure of tires on equipment
• Repair and adjust equipment as required
• Remove snow and ice from walks, roads, parking lots, and shrubbery
• Spread cinders and other anti-skid material on walks, roads, and parking lots
• Remove brush, leaves, grass clippings, paper, spoil, cinders, and rubbish from walks, roads, curbs, parking lots, lawns, and other University property

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE

9 to 12 months of effective experience

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification with Categories 6 and 7 - Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Employee must be able to wear a respirator and will be subject to medical clearance. This position is subject to federal Department of Transportation testing for alcohol and controlled substances (49 CFR PART 40), and physical examination requirements as per PA. CODE 231.85.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by Teamsters Local Union No. 8. More information can be found here: Collective Bargaining Agreement.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

For details on starting pay rate and progression, please see the above collective bargaining agreement.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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