Under the direction of the Manager, Grounds & Fleet, the Horticultural Specialist maintains campus grounds, including lawn areas, mulch beds, athletics fields, sidewalks and roadways. Primarily focuses on the care and maintenance of perennials and nursery stock. Applies pesticides and fertilizers to campus. Removes snow and ice from campus sidewalks and roadways. Participates in the trash, recycling and compost operation on campus.
Must have an extensive knowledge of grounds keeping of various types of land to include pesticides and irrigation.
This position is a Local 615, 32BJ Service Employees International Union (SEIU) position.
The hourly rate for this position is $37.29 per hour, 40 hours per week.
The schedule is Monday – Friday 7AM – 3PM
Key Responsibilities:
Horticultural Specialist Functions:
Must have sufficient knowledge of landscaping, lawn care, irrigation, and pesticides.
Must have an extensive knowledge of plant material and pruning techniques and timing.
Must be able to recommend small horticultural designs and execute the plan for planters and beds
Must have a strong passion for campus beautification.
Instruct and direct fellow employees on horticultural techniques when assigned.
Mix and apply pesticides, fertilizers, lime and other plant health products to lawns, athletic fields and garden beds in accordance with the product label.
Keep records, write reports, and identify grounds materials.
Schedule campus wide irrigation system.
Utilize Equipment requiring a MA hoisting license.
Utilize front end loaders to remove and treat snow and ice from all areas on campus.
Main Functions:
Reports any issues to the appropriate supervisor.
Maintain campus lawns utilizing both power tools and equipment as well as hand tools and equipment.
Troubleshoot and repair campus wide irrigation system.
Maintain athletic areas including but not limited to baseball field, softball field, soccer field, artificial turf and tennis courts.
Interpret and stake out plans based on drawings and designs.
Prune trees and shrubs utilizing hand and power tools.
Plant trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and bulbs.
Utilize trucks and utility vehicles with plows and sanders, as well as front end loaders to remove and treat snow and ice from all areas on campus.
Install asphalt, cold patch, concrete, cement and other construction materials.
Perform trash, recycling and litter pickup.
Cleans and maintains outdoor furniture.
Removes outdoor graffiti including exteriors of buildings and pavement.
Removes unapproved signs when directed by the Manager.
Assist in moving furniture or equipment as assigned.
Refuel emergency generators throughout campus.
Must be able to work alone with minimal supervision.
General Functions :
Follow proper safety procedures and observe all safety rules and regulations including OSHA.
Reports exterior campus damage, destruction, or repairs needed in assigned work areas.
Respond to emergency call-ins as needed.
Read, write, understand, and carry out oral and written instructions in English.
Participates in training to keep and acquire knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to remain current with standard operational practices and revised standards.
Establish and maintain a positive cooperative working relationship with supervisors, fellow workers, department heads, and other members of the campus community.
Work in an environment, primarily outdoors, subject to frequent changing climate conditions, priorities and deadlines.
Drive a University Vehicle.
*This list is representative of those duties and responsibilities that are required of this position. However, the list is not to be considered as all inclusive.
Job Qualifications and Requirements:
Physical/Environmental Demands:
Prolonged periods of standing and walking.
Work will be performed outside during all New England seasons.
Manually lift up to 60 pounds. Heavier material or equipment is lifted using other methods.
Drive a University Vehicle.
Education, Licenses and…