Landscape Gardener, Equipment Operator

George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

George Washington University is seeking a full-time Landscape Gardener, Equipment Operator to maintain university grounds across GW campuses. Shift is 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, on-site under the Grounds Foreman.

Responsibilities include operating turf equipment, planting and pruning, irrigation, and routine maintenance. Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED plus 1.5 years of related experience, or a Bachelor's degree; valid driver’s license; ability to read

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus 1.5 years of relevant professional experience, or a Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant area of study.
• A valid driver’s license is required to operate vehicular equipment.
• Ability to read and write English.

Responsibilities

• Operate specialized turf maintenance equipment and carry out grounds maintenance tasks.
• Plant, transplant, trim, mulch and care for ornamental plants.
• Water lawns and plants using sprinkler systems or hoses.
• Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges with hand tools.
• Operate vehicles and powered equipment such as mowers, tractors, and related gear.
• May gather and remove litter and assist with other duties as assigned.

Skills

Driver's license

Equipment operation

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma/GED

Bachelor's degree (relevant field)

Tools

Mowers

Tractors

Pruning saws/hedge trimmers

Sprinkler systems equipment

Job description

I. JOB OVERVIEW

Facilities, Construction, and Planning Management, under the Executive Vice President and Treasurer’s portfolio, manages and maintains GW’s property and grounds on all three of GW’s campuses. This includes housekeeping, routine and emergency maintenance, moving services, pest control, project management, life safety upkeep, HVAC repairs, grounds maintenance, and recycling/waste management.

GW Facilities Department is searching for a full-time Landscape Gardener, Equipment Operator to work on University Grounds from Monday thru Friday from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Equipment Operator reports to the Grounds Foreman.

This position is designated as On-Site: Employees who are required to physically report to work or remain at work during an emergency or adjustment to the university’s operating status. This position is a part of the Service Employees International Union, Local 32BJ (SEIU).

This position typically maintains university grounds by using hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush trimmers, or axes. This position waters lawns, trees, and plants, using portable sprinkler systems, hoses or watering cans. This role prunes or trims trees, shrubs, or hedges using shears, pruners, or chain saws. This position may operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, snow blowers, chain saws, electric clippers, sod cutters, or pruning saws. The position may gather and remove litter.

Core responsibilities

• Operate specialized turf maintenance equipment such as vertifier, aerification machine and verticut seeder.
• Operate tractors, front-end loaders and pickup trucks to mow turf, remove snow and transport materials.
• Plant, transplant, trim, mulch and provide necessary care to a variety of ornamental plants.
• Operate electric and gas-powered tools to maintain the grounds of the University.
• Inspect plants for disease and insect damage, and apply chemical sprays under the supervision of a licensed spray applicator.
• Performs other work-related duties as requested. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

This position is covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which governs wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified candidates will hold a high school diploma/GED plus 1.5 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications

In order to operate vehicular equipment, a valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1.5 years of experience in landscaping or related field.
• Ability to read and write English.
• The ideal candidate for this position is a self-starter and enjoys working in a team environment.
• Additionally, this candidate possesses integrity and excellent customer service skills.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

We are looking for an individual with the following characteristics:

• Commitment to GW’s values
• Intellectual, professional and a person of integrity
• Honest, with the highest ethical standards
• Passionate, collaborative, strategic, and smart with a hands-on, roll-up-the-sleeves orientation
• Ability to work independently. Self-starter; hard worker. Takes initiative; very high energy
• Personally accountable. Assumes ownership, control and accountability for all areas of responsibility and commitments made to others;
• Sincere, open, and direct communicator. Puts organizational interests above self- interests and is comfortable expressing candid opinions
• Highest levels of responsiveness
• Combination of strong intellect that is combined with a practical and realistic common sense understanding of how to get things done
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, a strong desire to succeed and exert the extraordinary effort often required
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-growth, entrepreneurial environment
• Ability to work with faculty and staff in a respectful way
• Establish trust and credibility with institutional leadership and across the University
• Seeks "win-win" solutions to help foster continued integration and collaboration
• Flexible and receptive to change; and a positive "can-do" attitude.
• Must be responsive to after-hours calls from associates and other colleagues.

Hiring Range

$21.92

GW Staff Approach to Pay

How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. JOB DETAILS

Campus Location

Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department

Division of Safety and Operation

Family

Safety and Facilities

Sub-Family

Landscaping/Grounds

Stream

Service and Support

Level

Level 2

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

Hours Per Week

40

Work Schedule

6:00 AM - 3:00 PM Monday - Friday

Will this job require the employee to work on site?

Yes

Employee Onsite Status

On-campus (in person)

Telework

No

Required Background Check

Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status

Internal Applicants Only?

No

Posting Number

S014387

Job Open Date

08/06/2026

Background Screening

Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.