Groundskeeper/Landscape Specialist

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.

Essential Duties:

- 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

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent.

- One (1) year experience with lawn, shrub, and plant care and working with pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides

- Certified by the PA Department Agriculture as a commercial pesticide applicator or have the ability to obtain certification within six months of employment

Shift is 7:00 am - 3:30 pm. Days of the week will be determined.