Groundskeeper Horticulture Worker

Penn State University; University Park (AL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a full-time Groundskeeper Horticulture Worker to manage campus flora, including selecting plants, maintaining irrigation systems, and training staff. This role requires a Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification and offers competitive benefits, including a tuition discount for employees and their families.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members

Qualifications

• 9 to 12 months of effective work experience required.
• Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification (Categories 6 and 7) is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Select and design plant materials for campus.
• Organize plant material orders and maintain records.
• Lead and train staff in horticultural practices.

Skills

Horticultural practices

Plant health inspection

Record keeping

Heavy materials handling

Job description

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For application instructions:

• Current Penn State employees (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
• Current Penn State students (not previously employed at the university) seeking employment, please login to Workday to apply internally. Do not apply here.
• Non-current applicants, click “Apply” to complete the external application process.

Job Description and Requirements

Penn State is seeking a full-time Groundskeeper Horticulture Worker (Office of Physical Plant) - Grade 6. Responsibilities include:

• Selecting plant materials, designing plant combinations, and coordinating campus planting with the Landscape Architect.
• Layout and maintain campus flora including flowers, trees, shrubs, and turf.
• Organize plant material orders and keep accurate records.
• Lead and train staff in horticultural practices.
• Plan and inspect horticultural work schedules.
• Inspect plant health and perform routine maintenance on nursery and greenhouse equipment.
• Maintain watering and irrigation systems, repair plumbing, and set up electrical devices.
• Interpret sketches and specifications for planting projects.
• Establish grades for planting beds and turf.
• Plant, water, prune, fertilize, and cultivate nursery and campus plantings.
• Apply pesticides as needed and prepare soil mixes.
• Handle heavy materials and operate landscape equipment.
• Remove snow, ice, and debris from campus walkways and lots.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience: 9 to 12 months of effective work experience.

Required Certifications: Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification (Categories 6 and 7).

Additional Requirements

Background checks, valid driver’s license, medical clearance for respirator use, and compliance with federal DOT testing are required. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. and not require sponsorship.

Union and Benefits

This position is part of the Teamsters Local Union No. 8 bargaining unit. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

Additional Information

Includes campus security statistics, equal opportunity employment statement, and policies. For more details, visit the respective links provided.