Garden Specialist

About the role

The Gardening Specialist performs a wide variety of gardening work in an assigned area of a campus, including horticultural spray work, maintenance of irrigation systems, and plant propagation.

Responsibilities

• Perform horticultural spray and pest eradication work
• Maintain, repair and modify irrigation systems
• Plan, develop and maintain special planting areas or ornamental gardens
• Apply chemicals for the eradication of fungi, pests, insects and weeds to plants, trees, shrubs, lawns, embankments, roads, parking lots, unimproved acreage and buildings
• Inspect, service, and maintain automatic sprinkler control devices
• Establish and maintain sprinkler system preventive maintenance programs
• Install and modify sprinkler systems
• Select plants and flowers for ornamental gardens
• Provide advice and assistance to others regarding proper care of flowers and ornamental plants, pruning, and other technical skills

Requirements

• Two years of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or general grounds, one year of which shall have been in either the maintenance, repair or modification of irrigation systems, specialized pest and/or spray control work, or cultivation and care of nursery plants
• Thorough knowledge of the methods, plants, tools and equipment used in planting, cultivating and caring for flowers, shrubs, lawns and trees
• General knowledge of the composition and structure of soil, Ph factors of soils, compatibility and incompatibility factors between soil and plants, difference between plant mixes, and erosion control
• Ability to identify, diagnose and treat plant disease, and correct plant nutrient deficiencies
• Prepare freehand sketches and make recommendations for possible improvements in landscaping within the assigned area
• Read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position
• Follow oral and written instructions
• Possession of the appropriate California Department of Pesticide Regulation license to perform pest control work
• Possession of a valid driver's license
• Qualified Applicators License (QAL) or Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC) required within 2 years of start date

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest and/or ability in working in a multicultural/multiethnic environment
• California State University, Los Angeles, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California.