Senior Landscape Tech - Plant Health Care

Phase2 Technology; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 37,128 - 50,292; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive health benefits

Retirement plan with 8.25% employer-mэ

Tuition assistance

Paid vacation and holidays

Training through LinkedIn Learning

Library/museum access

Public transportation access

Job summary

University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Senior Landscape Tech focused on Plant Health Care for East Campus. The role emphasizes plant health care, pesticide applications, and safe operation of landscape equipment to maintain campus landscapes.

The position requires 3 years in landscape maintenance, a Class C license, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Immediate start; 40-hour week; in-person on UT Main Campus.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED required.
• 3 years of landscape maintenance experience.
• Obtain a TDA pesticide applicator license within 12 months of hire.
• Valid Class C driver's license and clean driving record.
• Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide quality customer service while performing general landscape duties and maintenance.
• Perform plant health care activities with equipment to apply fertilizers, herbicides, and amendments; act as Spray Tech for East Campus.
• Operate landscape equipment safely and perform routine maintenance.
• Transport crew and equipment using University vehicles.
• Direct and supervise crew in the absence of the supervisor.
• Follow safety procedures and maintain clean, safe work sites.
• Attend safety trainings and complete time reports accurately.
• Purchase supplies per University procedures and contribute to organizational goals.
• Support other departments within University Operations.

Skills

Horticulture knowledge

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Lifting up to 50 lbs

Pesticide handling awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Posting Title: Senior Landscape Tech - Plant Health Care

Hiring Department: Campus Grounds and Landscape

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: UT MAIN CAMPUS

This is a tech position that requires knowledge of plant health care practices and the use of pesticides to maintain campus landscapes.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 8.25% employer matching funds
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

Purpose

Provide additional needed skilled labor in the landscape maintenance of East Campus zones.

Responsibilities

• Provide quality customer service while performing general landscape grounds duties and work associated with the care and maintenance of University grounds and landscaped areas. Plans and executes small scale landscaping operations.
• Perform plant health care activities using a backpack, larger sprayers, and other equipment to apply fertilizers, herbicides, and other products and amendments to the landscape; serve as the primary Spray Tech for East Campus; supply and implement integrated pest management techniques.
• Safely and proficiently operate all landscape equipment/machinery and tools assigned or used by the hiring department. Make minor repairs and perform routine service and preventative maintenance to landscape equipment and tools.
• Drive University owned light and/or medium‑duty trucks and trailers in the transport and delivery of crew members, equipment, tools, materials, and supplies to or from work sites.
• Assist landscape supervisor with directing and checking the work of crew personnel, and in the safe use and proper care of equipment and tools. Lead crew in the absence of landscape supervisor.
• Follow established safety procedures. Maintain the shop areas, work sites, equipment and tools in a safe and orderly fashion.
• Attend shop and departmental meetings. Attend required safety training sessions or classes. Complete and submit accurate daily labor and weekly time reports.
• Purchase supplies and materials in accordance with the University procedures and policies. Perform other related functions, marginal or incidental, to support organizational goals and objectives.
• Other related duties will be assigned, including working with other departments within University Operations and throughout The University of Texas System.
• Ability to pull, push, and lift up to 50 lbs., including shoveling gravel and aggregates. Adhere to and perform related functions as assigned, and work overtime to support special events, emergencies, and planned after‑hours work.

Required Qualifications

High school graduation or GED. 3 years of experience in landscape maintenance and repair or operation of commercial‑sized landscape equipment, including riding mowers. Good understanding of the principles and practices of horticulture with experience performing plant health care activities. Obtain a TDA pesticide applicator license within 12 months of hire. Demonstrate effective communication skills and ability to work in a team environment. Class "C" operator's driver's license and a current three‑year driving record from the current state of residence. If not a Texas resident, obtain a Texas driver’s license within 30 days of becoming a resident.

Preferred Qualifications

More than high school or GED. More than 3 years of landscape maintenance experience. Currently holds a TDA applicator's license. Supervisory experience in landscape maintenance; experience with landscape construction including plant installation, hardscape, and irrigation. Completion of coursework, certifications, or training in equipment operations, maintenance, and plant health care. Technical training in landscaping or horticulture. Working knowledge of Texas native plant material, turf grass care, and organic landscape practices and materials. Prior work on a higher education campus.

Driving Requirements

Class "C" operator's driver's license required. Current three‑year driving record required. Non‑Texas residents must obtain a Texas driver's license within 30 days of becoming a resident. Employees required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing as per university policy.

Salary

$43,680 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Uniform or PPE
• All weather conditions
• Extreme temperatures
• Chemical fumes
• Standard office
• Biohazards/chemicals
• Electrical/mechanical
• Keyboard
• Manual dexterity
• Climbing of stairs and ladders
• Lifting and moving

Work Shift

40 hours, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. In‑person 100%.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with contact information; at least one supervisor reference
• Letter of interest

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.