Landscape Technician

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Retirement Contributions

Educational Opportunities

Comprehensive Insurance

Life Insurance

Job summary

Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Associate to perform mowing, edging, trimming, fertilizing, weed control, shrub pruning, planting and watering around campus buildings, and assist with renovation projects to keep the grounds attractive and safe.

The role requires operating riding mowers and related equipment, maintaining records, and supporting tree, hedge and flowerbed care.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Basic grounds maintenance tasks include mowing, trimming, mulching, shrub pruning, and cleanliness.
• Need to read and follow pesticide labels; proficient in record keeping and English communication.

Responsibilities

• Perform mowing, edging, trimming, fertilizing, and weed control.
• Assist landscape maintenance: shrub pruning, planting, watering, and renovation.
• Operate riding mowers and landscape equipment; maintain records and assist with minor equipment maintenance.

Skills

Landscape maintenance

Record keeping

Communication

English proficiency

Math skills

Equipment operation

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Pesticide Applicator’s License (Class 3A/3B)

Tools

Pesticide label reading

Job description

Perform general grounds maintenance duties, including mowing, edging, trimming, fertilizing, and weed control to maintain campus cleanliness and appearance. Assist with landscape maintenance such as shrub pruning, planting, watering, and renovation around campus buildings. Maintain lawns through irrigation, seeding, and sod installation. Operate landscaping equipment including riding mowers, carts, rototillers, lawn sweepers, and aerators as needed. Support the care and maintenance of trees, shrubs, hedges, and flowerbeds, including planting, trimming, and preparing areas for annuals and bulbs. Maintain appropriate records and assist with minor equipment maintenance.

Employees are required to work overtime for special events and campus snow removal and are subject to 24-hour call-back for emergencies.

This position represents a dual-level posting and will be filled as Associate Grounds Maintenance (S1) or Grounds Maintenance (S2). The hiring manager will determine the job level based on the skills, experience, and qualifications of the selected candidate.

Join a team that keeps Purdue University’s campus running smoothly and looking its best year-round, and enjoy a benefits package designed for you and your family:

• Paid Time Off – Generous vacation, holiday, sick, and military leave
• Retirement Contributions – Purdue contributes up to 8% of your annual income
• Educational Opportunities – Tuition assistance for you and eligible family members, including the opportunity to earn a degree through Purdue Global.
• Comprehensive Insurance – Medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy
• Life Insurance – Financial protection for you and your loved ones

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience (S1)
Qualified Candidates Will Need:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Basic grounds maintenance functions of mowing/trimming, mulching, shrub pruning, pesticide application, and grounds cleanliness
• Class 3A or 3B Pesticide Applicator’s License preferred

Skills Needed:

• Demonstrated basic to intermediate skills in landscape maintenance
• Ability to read pesticide label and mixing per label
• Ability to keep records
• Ability to read, write and speak English
• Must be able to communicate effectively with supervisor and co-workers
• Ability to perform basic mathematics
• Good work organization and problem-solving ability
• Landscape equipment operation and maintenance i.e. truck, utility cart, etc.
• Personal protective equipment will be required during specific work duties as determined by the department
• Valid driver’s license required

Education and Experience (S2)
Qualified Candidates Will Need:

• High school diploma/GED
• 3+ years in basic grounds maintenance functions of mowing/trimming, mulching, shrub pruning, pesticide application, and grounds cleanliness
• Class 3A or 3B Pesticide Applicator’s License preferred

Skills Needed:

• Demonstrated basic and intermediate skills in landscape maintenance
• Reading pesticide label and mixing per label
• Ability to keep records
• Ability to read, write and speak English
• Must be able to communicate effectively with supervisor and co-workers
• Ability to perform basic mathematics