Gardener

This position is responsible for the maintenance of grounds and landscaping. Employees in this class perform a variety of tasks, including the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials and bulbs, plant propagation, application of herbicides and pesticides, and tree and shrub pruning. Employees in this class also support the overall groundskeeping operation of the University including grounds maintenance tasks such as snow removal, athletic field maintenance, and litter and trash removal.

Overtime work will be required for snow removal and for Special Events including but not limited to the WIAA State Track Meet. The normal work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This position reports to the Grounds Services Manager.

This is a full-time position with expected continuous employment and includes a State of Wisconsin benefits package.

NOTE: Work schedule and hours are subject to change based on departmental needs.

• The ability to hold and maintain a valid driver’s license meeting the criteria for driving a state vehicle.
• Individuals must have or have the ability to obtain State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License Category 3.0 Turf and Landscape within 6 months of hire and must maintain certification throughout employment.
• Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry tools, equipment or supplies, up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Physically be able to work in various positions, i.e. with arms above your head for periods of time; bending, twisting, crawling, squatting, climbing, stooping or kneeling; on scaffolding, ladders or stairs; standing, sitting or walking, while continuously performing job functions.
• Physically be able to work in various environments without adverse physical reaction, e.g.; within extreme temperature ranges; in hot, noisy, dirty or dust-filled areas; at heights above 30 feet, etc.
• Ability to wear protective equipment, i.e. respirator, breathing apparatus, hearing, or eye protection, etc.
• Knowledge of safe, efficient operation of heavy equipment.
• Ability to identify different varieties of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs.
• Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or for other special events as needed.

• Associates degree or professional certification in a directly related field.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance of heavy equipment.
• Ability to safely operate equipment in areas with high levels of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle activity.
• Knowledge of essential job functions and ability to safely perform the duties with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge or ability to learn relevant software and/or computer languages in order to operate preventive maintenance, work order, time reporting and inventory control programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally or in writing, using the English language, in various situations, i.e. face to face, via phone or two-way radio, correspondence, taking messages, email, etc.
• Ability to comply with all University of Wisconsin Systems work place expectations including safe work practices.

• Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry tools, equipment or supplies, up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
• Physically be able to work in various positions, i.e. with arms above your head for periods of time; bending, twisting, crawling, squatting, climbing, stooping or kneeling; on scaffolding, ladders or stairs; standing, sitting or walking, while continuously performing job functions.

• Physically be able to work in various environments without adverse physical reaction, e.g.; within extreme temperature ranges; in hot, noisy, dirty or dust-filled areas; at heights above 30 feet, etc.
• Ability to wear protective equipment, i.e. respirator, breathing apparatus, hearing, or eye protection, etc.
• Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or for other special events as needed.