Horticultural Specialist

Brandeis University; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Brandeis University is seeking a Horticultural Specialist to maintain campus grounds, focusing on perennials and nursery stock. You will apply pesticides and fertilizers, manage irrigation, and participate in snow/ice removal to keep outdoor spaces safe and attractive.

The role requires extensive knowledge of landscaping, pruning, and plant materials, with experience in operating grounds equipment and following safety procedures.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate’s degree in landscaping, horticulture, or land management preferred.
• Massachusetts Hoisting License 1C/2A required.
• Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator’s License required.
• DOT Medical Certificate required.
• 4 years of related experience in horticulture.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus grounds including lawns, mulch beds, fields, sidewalks and roadways.
• Apply pesticides and fertilizers per product labels.
• Schedule and troubleshoot irrigation systems.
• Operate and maintain campus equipment; snow and ice removal.
• Keep records and write reports on grounds materials and activities.
• Assist in moving furniture or equipment and assist in campus beautification.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Irrigation systems

Pesticide application

Snow and ice removal

Record keeping

Team instruction

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate’s degree in landscaping, horticulture, or land management (preferred)

Massachusetts Hoisting License 1C/2A

Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator’s License

DOT Medical Certificate

US Driver’s License

Job description

Under the direction of the Manager, Grounds & Fleet, the Horticultural Specialist maintains campus grounds, including lawn areas, mulch beds, athletics fields, sidewalks and roadways. Primarily focuses on the care and maintenance of perennials and nursery stock. Applies pesticides and fertilizers to campus. Removes snow and ice from campus sidewalks and roadways. Participates in the trash, recycling and compost operation on campus. Must have an extensive knowledge of grounds keeping of various types of land to include pesticides and irrigation. This position is a Local 615, 32BJ Service Employees International Union (SEIU) position. The hourly rate for this position is $37.29 per hour, 40 hours per week. The schedule is Monday – Friday 7AM – 3PM

Key Responsibilities

• Horticultural Specialist Functions: Must have sufficient knowledge of landscaping, lawn care, irrigation, and pesticides.
• Must have an extensive knowledge of plant material and pruning techniques and timing.
• Must be able to recommend small horticultural designs and execute the plan for planters and beds.
• Must have a strong passion for campus beautification.
• Instruct and direct fellow employees on horticultural techniques when assigned.
• Mix and apply pesticides, fertilizers, lime and other plant health products to lawns, athletic fields and garden beds in accordance with the product label.
• Keep records, write reports, and identify grounds materials.
• Schedule campus wide irrigation system.
• Utilize Equipment requiring a MA hoisting license.
• Utilize front end loaders to remove and treat snow and ice from all areas on campus.
• Main Functions:
  • Reports any issues to the appropriate supervisor.
  • Maintain campus lawns utilizing both power tools and equipment as well as hand tools and equipment.
  • Troubleshoot and repair campus wide irrigation system.
  • Maintain athletic areas including but not limited to baseball field, softball field, soccer field, artificial turf and tennis courts.
  • Interpret and stake out plans based on drawings and designs.
  • Prune trees and shrubs utilizing hand and power tools.
  • Plant trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and bulbs.
  • Utilize trucks and utility vehicles with plows and sanders, as well as front end loaders to remove and treat snow and ice from all areas on campus.
  • Install asphalt, cold patch, concrete, cement and other construction materials.
  • Perform trash, recycling and litter pickup.
  • Cleans and maintains outdoor furniture.
  • Removes outdoor graffiti including exteriors of buildings and pavement.
  • Removes unapproved signs when directed by the Manager.
  • Assist in moving furniture or equipment as assigned.
  • Refuel emergency generators throughout campus.
• General Functions:
  • Follow proper safety procedures and observe all safety rules and regulations including OSHA.
  • Reports exterior campus damage, destruction, or repairs needed in assigned work areas.
  • Respond to emergency call-ins as needed.
  • Read, write, understand, and carry out oral and written instructions in English.
  • Participates in training to keep and acquire knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to remain current with standard operational practices and revised standards.
  • Establish and maintain a positive cooperative working relationship with supervisors, fellow workers, department heads, and other members of the campus community.
  • Work in an environment, primarily outdoors, subject to frequent changing climate conditions, priorities and deadlines.
  • Drive a University Vehicle.

Job Qualifications and Requirements

Physical/Environmental Demands: Prolonged periods of standing and walking. Work will be performed outside during all New England seasons. Manually lift up to 60 pounds. Heavier material or equipment is lifted using other methods. Drive a University Vehicle.

Education, Licenses and Work Experience: High School Diploma or GED required. Associate’s degree in landscaping, horticulture, or land management preferred. Valid and current United States Driver’s License required. Massachusetts Hoisting License 1C/2A required. Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator’s License required. DOT Medical Certificate. 4 years of related experience in a horticultural field.

Additional Requirements/Qualifications: Frequent use of verbal skills and written skills. May explain and offer guidance on routine horticultural procedures. Must have an extensive understanding of proper perennial, tree and shrub care. Must have thorough understand irrigation system uses and repair Must have a basic understanding of mowing and trimming practices. Must have basic athletic field maintenance and setup knowledge. Must be able to use hand and power tools. Has frequent contact with other employees, professional staff and/or external contacts to give or obtain information or deliver service. Results can affect our own functional area. Must have the ability to follow instructions from supervisors or senior managers. Decisions may affect a work unit or area within a department. May contribute to business and operational decisions that affect the department. Make decisions in lieu of the Grounds Manager when absent. Problems are varied, requiring analysis or interpretation of the situation. Problems are solved using knowledge and skills, general precedents, and practices. Results are defined. Determines how to accomplish results with little guidance. Supervision/manager provides broad guidance and overall direction. Must be able to work within Facilities Services budget.

Pay Range Disclosure The University’s pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a “protected class”).

COME WORK WITH US Brandeis University is a great employer for all the same reasons it is an outstanding university. Its commitment to inclusion, dedication to lifelong learning and commitment to excellence are just a few of the reasons our workplace culture shines bright. We take pride not only in maintaining this culture, but expanding it — by recruiting and retaining outstanding employees who share our values and enrich Brandeis University overall.

Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a “protected class”).

Applicants who require accommodation in the job application process are welcome to contact Human Resources at 781-736-4474 or via email, [e-mail]. The health and safety of the Brandeis community is important. While not required, we strongly recommend that employees are fully vaccinated. For additional information feel free to review the Human Resources Office website.

Certain positions at Brandeis University may require a background check. To review this policy, visit our website at http://www.brandeis.edu/human-resources/onboarding/index.html