Landscape Gardener Trainee

This is a pool posting to fill 2 positions in MSU Landscape Services, which has maintained campus as a living, learning laboratory since 1905. Responsibilities include all aspects of landscape construction and maintenance such as snow removal, signage, hardscape maintenance, golf course maintenance, tree care, and general repair on Michigan State University’s campus. This role assists in planning and record-keeping to execute the Campus Landscape Management Plan and performs duties to create optimal conditions for the growth and health of plant material, including trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, turf grass, and other horticultural items in assigned areas. Participation in MSU Football tailgate cleanup and the Campus Snow Removal Plan is required.

Responsibilities

• 40% Assist in the planting and routine care of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, turf grass, and other horticultural items in assigned areas using tools and equipment such as brooms, edgers, mowers, sprayers, hoes, picks, pruning shears, rakes, spades, spreaders, cultivation machines, irrigation implements, tractors, utility vehicles, and trucks.
  • Grade, seed, and sod lawn areas.
  • Assist in transplanting and moving trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plant material.
  • Assist in laying out and maintaining flowerbeds, ornamental shrubbery, and lawns.
  • Rake, gather, and dispose of leaves, twigs, and other debris.
  • Read planting plans and blueprints.
  • Dig and move plants; transplant trees, shrubs, flowers, and other horticultural items.
  • Lay out and maintain landscape beds.
  • Water, spray, fertilize, and cultivate lawns, shrubs, trees, and other plant material.
  • Trim hedges and vines.
• 20% Assist in routine inspection of assigned areas for evidence of disease, insects, and other pests, taking appropriate corrective action within the principles of Integrated Pest Management.
  • Assign, instruct, and review tasks distributed to support student/on-call employees executing the Landscape Management Plan work methods and processes.
  • Maintain accurate work records, including those of assigned support employees.
  • Provide customer service to the MSU Community and the public.
  • Respond or inform supervisory staff of complaints, comments, and/or unmet service needs.
• 20% Assist in football tailgate cleanup. Participate in the snow plan by shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles and equipment, and applying ice-melt products.
• 10% Clean, care for, adjust, and take inventory of tools and equipment.
  • Operate and perform regular maintenance on light and medium-weight vehicles and loaders.
  • Operate and make minor adjustments to mowers and other power tools.
  • Requisition tools, equipment, supplies, and additional employees as necessary.
• 10% Correspondence through email, training, meetings, and professional development.

Requirements

• Casual knowledge of landscape equipment, tools, methods, and processes used in gardening and grounds maintenance.
• One year of satisfactory landscape maintenance and installation experience responsible for maintaining all facets of the landscape or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience.
• One year of commercial snow removal experience operating a licensed plow vehicle.
• Possession of a valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification in Turf (3A), Ornamental (3B), and Right of Way (6).
• Possession of a valid MSU Forklift Operator, Loader, Tractor, and Toolcat Operator Permit upon completion of probationary or trial period.
• Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator’s license.
• Must drive a university vehicle to perform job duties.
• Ability to work in variable or severe weather conditions.
• Significant after-hours, weekend, and holiday work required.
• Frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds and occasional lifting of over 75 pounds.

Qualifications

• Over one year of experience in landscape maintenance and installation in a large university campus setting, public gardens, or theme parks.
• Experience operating several types of power equipment used in landscape installation and maintenance.
• Ability to calibrate and operate fertilizer and agricultural chemical application equipment.
• Experience following landscape plans to successfully install landscape projects.
• Ability to identify different types of perennials, annuals, trees, and shrubs.
• A creative and innovative lifelong learner with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population.
• Able to problem-solve within a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to understand different perspectives while utilizing expert knowledge of the technical operations of the job.

Benefits

• Free comprehensive health care for you and your family.
• 10% contribution toward your retirement.
• Generous sick, vacation, personal, and holiday time.

Pay

$22.89 - $24.09 per hour upon meeting probationary period requirements.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM or 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM, with significant after-hours, weekend, and holiday work. Shifts may vary depending on seasonality of work requirements or emergency situations such as snow removal, parking ramp maintenance, football cleanup, or building location needs.

Physical Demands

• Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue, and other body fluids covered under Universal Precautions.
• Working in noisy areas (above 85 decibels).
• Ability to work in variable or severe weather conditions.
• Frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds; occasional lifting over 75 pounds.
• Carrying, pushing, pulling, and climbing.

Health Risks

• Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue, and other body fluids covered under Universal Precautions.
• Working in noisy areas (above 85 decibels).
• Ability to work in variable or severe weather conditions.
• Frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds; occasional lifting over 75 pounds.
• Carrying, pushing, pulling, and climbing.