Horticulture & Forestry Specialist - Facilities Planning & Management - 21485
INTRODUCTION:
The Department of Facilities Planning and Management at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a Horticulture & Forestry Specialist (FP077).
JOB DUTIES:
This position performs year-round landscaping and groundskeeping activities to maintain and improve University grounds. A key focus of this position will be the design, propagation, installation, and care of annual and perennial plants, shrubs, and trees on campus grounds as well as greenhouse operation and maintenance. Employees in this class also support the overall operation of the University by performing snow removal, litter and trash removal, and the safe operation of various vehicles and power equipment to conduct maintenance tasks. The incumbent is also responsible for overseeing the training and work of students, LTE's and classified employees assigned to them. This position will be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills. Position is listed as a level 2 for risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens. All work is performed under the general supervision of the Buildings & Grounds Manager and the Grounds Lead. The normal work schedule for this position is 6 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday. Position work schedule may change, including evening, weekend, and holiday hours, based upon operational need for snow and ice removal.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum Qualifications:
- H.S. Diploma
- 2 years of prior experience performing landscaping and grounds maintenance, horticulture, or greenhouse management in a professional setting
- Ability to attain UW System driver authorization within first week of employment Driver Authorization
- Individuals must have or have the ability to obtain a State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License 3.0 Turf and Landscape within 6 months of hire
Preferred Qualifications:
- Associate's degree or a professional certification in horticulture, botany, forestry, or a related field
- Prior experience performing snow removal using trucks, loaders, tractors, or specialized equipment in a professional setting
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required:
- Knowledge of plant identification and proper methods and techniques for planting, transplanting, pruning and trimming perennials, trees, shrubs etc.
- Ability to have and maintain a valid Driver's License meeting the criteria for operating a university vehicle
- Ability to assist with database management and record keeping as it relates to greenhouse management, plant labeling and pest control applications
- Ability to perform a variety of daily, periodic, and seasonal duties that require bending, standing for prolonged periods, stooping, kneeling, and walking significant distances
- Ability to be able to work in various environments, noisy or dust-filled areas, adverse weather conditions, or at heights above 30¿ etc.
- Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers, staff, and students
- Ability to work independently and prioritize workload
- Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or other special events as needed
- Ability to grasp, lift or carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds
- Ability to interact respectfully with people with diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds
- Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills
RESPONSIBILITIES:
A. Provide Horticulture and Forestry expertise
A1. Identify common plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, and weed species encountered on campus.
A2. Develop, coordinate, and execute a maintenance plan for existing and future landscaping.
A3. Develop, coordinate, and execute fertilizer, plant protectant and pest control programs for lawns, gardens, and flower beds.
A4. Design and layout landscape beds and gardens with annual and perennial plants, shrubs and trees to ensure proper growth.
A5. Recommend the purchase of plant stock based on type, location, and size of desired mature plants.
A6. Operate greenhouse for annual and perennial plant production, including maintaining irrigation, shade, and ventilation systems.
A7. Propagate, plant and care for annual and perennial plants grown in a greenhouse environment.
A8. Maintain records and inventory data.
A9. Direct and train students, limited term employees and classified employees assigned to them.
B. Perform year-round landscaping and grounds maintenance activities
B1. Mow, trim, rake, edge, aerate and water turfgrass.
B2. Restore bare areas in turfgrass by seeding or sodding as appropriate.
B3. Pick up and dispose of litter, leaves branches and other miscellaneous outdoor debris.
B4. Cultivate, edge, plant, weed, mulch and water gardens and landscape beds as needed.
B5. Plant and prune trees and shrubs and mulch as needed.
B6. Safely use and operate chainsaws and woodchippers to dispose of tree waste as required.
B7. Use and safely operate vehicles and power equipment such as skid loaders, trucks, mowers, tractors, street sweepers, string trimmers, and blowers to accomplish landscaping and grounds maintenance tasks.
B8. Inspect, clean, and perform routine operator maintenance on vehicles and equipment under the direction of the Vehicle Equipment Technician.
C. Perform Winter snow and ice control activities
C1. Prepare campus grounds and related outdoor amenities for snow season and return to active state the following spring.
C2. Operate trucks, loaders and specialized equipment to clear snow and ice from sidewalks, roads, and parking lots.
C3. Hand shovel, scrape, and apply snow and ice melting chemicals to ramps, stairs and sidewalks.
C4. Use and safely operate vehicles and power equipment such as skid loaders, trucks, mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, salt spreaders, brine application equipment, brooms, and snowblowers to accomplish snow and ice removal tasks.
D. Perform miscellaneous tasks as assigned
D1. Police campus grounds for litter and trash
D2. Install and repair signs, posts, fences bike racks and other campus amenities.
D3. Assist with moving and hauling furniture and equipment.
D4. Move, set up and tear down tables and chairs for various campus events.
D5. Assist campus Fleet operations by washing, preparing, and fueling various university fleet vehicles.
D6. Other duties as assigned.
**This description attempts to indicate the kinds and types of responsibilities given to this position and shall not be construed as defining all specific duties and responsibilities of this position. It is not intended to limit or modify the right of supervisors to assign, direct and monitor the work of their employees. Statements of employee duties are not intended to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of responsibility.
CAMPUS INFORMATION:
UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university's 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs - online and in person - from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university's arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities - a priority mission since the 1970s.
UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin's Park Place.
Belonging and mattering are central to the university's culture, and UW-Whitewater strives to maintain an environment where individual and collective efforts are valued and celebrated. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and actively seeks and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus University of Wisconsin System (https://www.wisconsin.edu).
Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a).
Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and UW System Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.
For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. If you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting hourly wage of $18.00/hr.
UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.
CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT:
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.
TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION:
Applications received by January 16, 2025 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or hr@uww.edu.
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Stephanie Lederman
Administrative Assistant II
262-472-1320
ledermas@uww.edu
HOW TO APPLY:
Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Name and contact information for three professional references
This Job ID is 21485.
A potential applicant who is NOT currently employed by the University of Wisconsin System, click here:
UW-Whitewater External Applicants
A current employee of the University of Wisconsin System, click here:
UW-Whitewater Internal Applicants
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