Landscape Gardener Trainee

This is a pool posting to fill 2 positions in MSU Landscape Services, which has been maintaining campus as a living, learning laboratory since 1905. We are responsible for all aspects of landscape construction and maintenance including snow removal, signage, hardscape maintenance, golf course maintenance, tree care, and general repair on the campus of Michigan State University.

About the role

This position will assist in planning and record keeping to execute the Campus Landscape Management Plan and will perform job responsibilities 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. This position requires participation in MSU Football tailgate clean up and the Campus Snow Removal Plan by shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles and equipment, applying ice-melt products, and other related responsibilities.

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. Tasks include:
  • Grading, seeding, and sodding lawn areas
  • Assisting in transplanting and moving trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plant material
  • Laying out and maintaining flowerbeds, ornamental shrubbery, and lawns
  • Raking, gathering, and disposing of leaves, twigs, and other debris
  • Reading planting plans and blueprints
  • Digging and moving plants; transplanting trees, shrubs, flowers, and other horticultural items
  • Laying out and maintaining landscape beds
  • Watering, spraying, fertilizing, and cultivating lawns, shrubs, trees, and other plant material
  • Trimming 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. Additional duties include:
  • Assigning, instructing, and reviewing tasks distributed to support student/on-call employees executing the Landscape Management Plan work methods and processes
  • Maintaining accurate work records, including those of assigned support employees
  • Providing customer service to the MSU Community and the public
  • Responding to or informing 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. Additional tasks include:
  • Operating and performing regular maintenance on light and medium-weight vehicles and loaders
  • Operating and making minor adjustments to mowers and other power tools
  • Requisitioning 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 of this classification
• Ability to work in variable or severe weather conditions
• This position requires significant after-hours, weekend, and holiday work
• 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 in operating several types of power equipment used in landscape installation and maintenance
• Ability to calibrate and operate fertilizer and agricultural chemical application equipment
• Experience in following landscape plans to successfully install a landscape project
• 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 from 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 (e.g., snow removal, parking ramp maintenance, football cleanup).

Physical Demands

Duties involve exposure to human blood, serum, tissue, and other body fluids; materials covered under Universal Precautions; working in noisy (above 85 decibels) areas; ability to work in variable or severe weather conditions; frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds with occasional lifting over 75 pounds; carrying, pushing, pulling, and climbing.