Gardener Lead

About the role

The Gardener Lead position is part of the Grounds Department within the Division of Facilities Planning & Management at UW–Madison (FP&M). This role plays a key part in guiding and supporting crew members in the field, helping ensure daily operations run smoothly.

Responsibilities

• Develops, coordinates and executes spraying programs for fungicide, pesticide, and herbicide applications
• Maintains and evaluates hardscape maintenance
• Maintains inventory data for assigned area including tagging, insect monitoring, and planting and moving
• Oversees and organizes crew placement, scheduling and mulch delivery during larger mulching projects
• Provides training to full-time and temporary personnel on safety procedures, tool operation, and preventive maintenance
• Captivates the planting, sowing, fertilization, trimming, watering, and spraying of assigned areas
• Aids with overall landscape maintenance, including vegetation control, equipment use, and pest management support
• Performs all necessary snow removal duties in the winter
• Coordinates the spacing of plants, shrubs, trees, and ground cover to ensure proper growth

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of related groundskeeping or horticultural experience
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Ability to obtain a CDL Class B license with air brakes and tanker endorsement within 6 months of hire
• Drivers License Required - Valid and Meets UW Risk Management Standards
• Ability to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license within 6 months of hire
• Requires trapper education course and certification within six months of hire
• Availability for snow removal and overtime work as needed

Qualifications

• High School Diploma Or Equivalent -Preferred

Skills

Hands-on leadership, strong landscape knowledge, commitment to safety, and passion for developing others.

Benefits

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

Pay

The minimum rate for this position is $26.00/hr, but it is negotiable based on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Schedule

Hours generally scheduled Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm. Occasional nights, weekends and holidays may be required for this position.