Groundskeeper/Landscape Specialist

About the role

The University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit university animated by the spiritual vision of Saint Ignatius Loyola, a tradition of excellence, and a commitment to the common good. The University is a community dedicated to the formation of students, and to the freedom of inquiry and personal development fundamental to the growth in wisdom and integrity of all who share its life. Responsibilities of the position include the maintenance of University landscaping and grounds, repair and maintenance of equipment assigned to the Physical Plant Department, operation of snow removal equipment, lawn care equipment, and other grounds keeping tasks to maintain a safe and attractive environment. Grounds personnel are essential employees and must be available for early morning and/or late night hours when snow or ice is forecast and for other duties as required to meet the goals and mission of the University.

Responsibilities

• Examines and polices the University grounds on a routine basis; removes chewing gum from walkways, covers graffiti on walls and other facilities and picks up litter and trash
• Mows grass and trims with power mowers and other power tools and uses tractors and riding lawnmowers to care for large lawn areas
• Polices and maintains parking lots using brooms and sweepers, installs bumper blocks to identify parking spaces and cleans and treats oil and grease spots to remove residue
• Weeds flower beds around shrubs and trees and as directed, plants flowers, shrubs, trees and other landscaping material, installs geo-textile fabric and mulch in planting beds, and performs hand excavation for planting of trees and shrubs
• Operates various grounds equipment including, skid steer loader, snow plows and blowers, power sweepers, tractor, utility vehicles, forklift, rental equipment, personnel lifts, and truck mounted leaf vacuum and tows equipment on trailers attached to trucks to various campus sites
• In consultation with supervisors, identifies areas on and around campus to construct planting beds or plant trees and shrubbery to enhance the overall appearance of the campus, identifies areas to plant flowering bulbs, and perennial and annual plants and maintains plants throughout the growing season, provides guidance and advice to building supervisors on the care of lawns, plants and shrubs located around buildings
• Determines what type and quantities of fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides for plants, flowers, shrubs, and lawns are required and applies and supervises the application of these substances by other qualified employees in accordance with PA Department of Agriculture regulations
• Removes dead branches, prunes, and maintains trees using pruners and chain saws; inspects trees for damage from pests and disease
• Assists with removal and disposal of trash and debris
• Rakes leaves and grass on all properties of the University
• Provides support and manpower for events in various facilities to other University and Physical Plant departments as directed
• Removes dead animals and vermin from university facilities
• Removes avian waste from facilities

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.

Qualifications

• 1 year experience with lawn, shrub, and plant care and working with pesticides, fertilizers and