Landscape Specialist - Facilities Services - UTK

University of Tennessee; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Tennessee Knoxville is seeking a skilled Landscape Technician to lead renovation projects and maintain campus beds on-site. You will schedule daily tasks, oversee event setup/teardown, and protect turf and landscape areas across the Knoxville campus.

Responsibilities include planning, plant selection, soil health management, and coordinating with vendors. A high school diploma or GED and 4 years of landscape experience are required, with strong reading of landscape plans and

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• 4 years of combined landscape industry experience or education.
• Experience leading crews and executing landscape renovations.
• Knowledge of regional horticulture practices.
• Ability to read and interpret landscape plans.
• Experience with chemical applications and safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead landscape renovation projects and oversee daily task scheduling.
• Read, interpret, and apply landscape plans.
• Perform site prep, layout, and plant/material purchasing.
• Install and maintain seasonal flower beds; rotate color beds.
• Monitor soil health and apply soil amendments as needed.
• Calibrate, clean, and sterilize chemical application equipment.
• Coordinate with vendors and event organizers for setup and protection of landscapes.
• Serve as crew lead in foreman’s absence and train staff.

Skills

Plant knowledge

Soil health assessment

Chemical application safety

Equipment operation

Communication skills

Plan interpretation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Skid steer loaders

Tractors

Trenchers

Hand tools

Job description

This role requires strong horticulture knowledge and hands-on experience to lead and execute landscape renovation projects and maintain long-term landscape beds. The position is responsible for scheduling and prioritizing daily tasks and will oversee event setup and teardown activities to help protect campus turf and landscape areas.

Responsibilities

• Manage landscape and hard-scape project planning and job sites.
• Read, interpret, and apply landscape plans.
• Perform site preparation, site layout, and plant and material purchasing.
• Execute proper horticultural practices for plant and tree installation.
• Install and maintain seasonal flower beds.
• Design and implement rotation plans to refresh seasonal interest in all designated color bed locations.
• Monitor soil health and conditions; make corrective adjustments as needed.
• Perform manual and chemical weed and pest control, deadheading, pruning, and water management.
• Apply chemicals in landscape and hard-scape areas, including herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and fertilizers.
• Calibrate, clean, and sterilize spray or push units before and after applications.
• Conduct soil sampling and add amendments to resolve soil issues.
• Manage and monitor event setup and teardown activities.
• Coordinate with vendors and event organizers to ensure proper setup and protection of landscape areas.
• Serve as point of contact to resolve event-related issues impacting Facilities Services.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Serve as a crew lead when the foreman is absent.
• Train landscape services team members on proper horticultural maintenance practices.

Required Qualifications

• Education : High School Diploma or GED
• Experience: 4 years of combined work experience/education within the landscape industry.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to operate skid steer loaders, tractors, trenchers and other common landscape equipment.
• Ability to operate small hand-held landscaping equipment.
• Knowledge of commonly used plants and trees for our region.
• Knowledge of regional horticulture practices.
• Ability to read and understand landscape plans.
• Ability to calibrate and clean/sterilize chemical application equipment.
• Knowledge of chemicals commonly used within the landscape industry.
• Knowledge of how to apply chemicals safely.
• Must have good communication, listening, and problem solving skills.

Other Conditions

• Valid Driver's license

Work Location

University of Tennessee - Knoxville, TN Campus

This is an on-site position

Compensation and Benefits

UT market range: MR05

Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The College/Department/Division

UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville's largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute. The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.