Gardener I - Facilities Management Services (FMS)

Carnegie Mellon University’s Facilities Management group is seeking a Gardener to contribute to campus grounds maintenance and horticultural care.

About the role

Reporting to the Grounds Supervisor, you will perform a variety of grounds maintenance tasks to support the university’s landscape and prepare campus areas for events.

Responsibilities

• Perform grounds maintenance functions: soil preparation, pruning, trimming, cultivation, weeding, leaf and trash cleanup, and removal.
• Prepare campus athletic fields and other designated grounds for event use.
• Mow grass using tractor-mounted, rotary, or towed gang mowers.
• Operate trucks and automotive equipment with attachments for plowing snow, sweeping, landscaping, and pavement maintenance.
• Under the direction of the Grounds Supervisor, prepare and apply designated fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides for treatment of plants, shrubs, trees, and lawns.
• Requisition job parts and supplies.
• Record time and expenses associated with jobs accurately.
• Complete all work safely and in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Familiarity with plant materials.
• Ability to operate various types of landscape equipment, including tractors, forklifts, and other machinery.
• Technical knowledge of accepted horticulture maintenance techniques.
• Tree climbing skills in accordance with I.S.A. standards (preferred).
• Ability to work various shifts, overtime, and be available for call-out work.
• Full range of body motion, including working in confined spaces, on ladders, and lifting up to 40 pounds from ground to overhead.
• Ability to operate on- and off-road vehicles across a 100+ acre campus with hills and stairs.
• Capability to work outside during inclement conditions, adverse weather, and for extended periods.
• Successful background check, motor vehicle records check (annual), pre-employment drug and alcohol screen, and fitness-for-duty assessment.
• Pre-employment medical exam and Child Protective Clearance (Act 153).
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

Qualifications

Gardener I

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Training as a Gardener through on-the-job field experience required.
• Some level of formal coursework in horticulture required.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in the trade, with preference for experience in a large institutional setting (college, university, hospital, etc.).
• Must be a member of or agree to join Local #95 International Union of Operating Engineers within 90 days of onboarding.

Gardener II

• Meets all requirements for Gardener I.
• Minimum of four years’ experience in the trade, with preference for experience in a large institutional setting.
• Pesticide certification for the state of Pennsylvania in categories 6, 7, and 10 required.
• A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Schedule

This is a full-time, non-exempt position requiring 40 hours per week.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Ample paid time off and observed holidays.
• Life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass.
• Access to Family Concierge Team for childcare navigation.
• Fitness center access.
• Tuition benefits.

Applicants must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States; sponsorship is not available for this position.