Job Description

Incumbent will have to perform a variety of skilled tasks associated with shrub care on campus grounds which includes installation and removal of shrubs, chemical treatment of shrubs, and yearly trimming and mulching of shrubs. Operates light dump trucks and other various equipment such as farm type tractors, pesticide application units, stump grinders and chippers as well as various bucket trucks and single axle dump trucks. Uses hand and power tools such as hand pruners, loppers, chain saws, hedge trimmers, blowers, shovels and rakes, pesticide tanks. Performs preventative maintenance on assigned equipment. Performs manual labor and functions as a member of a crew as well as independently. Clears snow and ice from steps and sidewalks and performs other types of emergency/inclement weather operations.
This position is designated Emergency Personnel, and requires employees to report to work as needed during campus emergencies, holidays, closings, and per supervisor’s instructions.

Required Qualifications

• Previous work experience using various grounds equipment, especially dealing with day-to-day shrub pruning, installation and maintenance.
• Must be able to obtain a Registered Technician pesticide applicator license within 3 months of hire and a Certified Fertilizer Applicator license within 1 year of hire
• Ability to apply safety standards and procedures in the operation of equipment and performance of work tasks including verification that utility locates have cleared prior to work commencing when required; to work effectively as a part of a team; to perform heavy manual labor; to maintain physical agility and stamina required to operate equipment and perform job functions; and to follow verbal instructions and be able to understand, comprehend and follow directions in the workplace; read and interpret basic blueprints; and to complete simple forms.
• Must be able to safely move and handle greater than 50 pounds; work in all types of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures; and work additional hours/shifts to meet the needs of the department.

Preferred Qualifications

• Grounds experience in a commercial or institutional environment.
• Commercial Pesticide Applicators License Category 3A.
• Experience leading small work groups in the completion of landscape related tasks.

Pay Band

2

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$39,000-$42,000

Review Date

August 7, 2024

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.