What are the responsibilities and job description for the Landscape Specialist position at Union College?
The Landscape Specialist works with the Grounds Department and other campus groups to support the college community. This role is responsible for the care & maintenance of the campus grounds with specific attention to the general maintenance of lawn areas and both cultivated and naturalized landscape beds, as well as the general maintenance of walkways, roadways and parking lots. This role also supports snow and ice management operations and will assist with campus wide events throughout the year.
Work Days: Monday - Friday
Shift Start/End Time: 6:30am - 3:00pm
Hours Per Week: 40 (overtime and some weekends required)
Weeks Per Year: 52
Position Title: Landscape Specialist
Pay Status and Classification: Non-exempt, Regular Full-time
Supervisor: Grounds Manager
Position Purpose: The Landscape Specialist works with the Grounds Department and other campus groups to support the college community. This role is responsible for the care & maintenance of the campus grounds with specific attention to the general maintenance of lawn areas and both cultivated and naturalized landscape beds, as well as the general maintenance of walkways, roadways and parking lots. This role also supports snow and ice management operations and will assist with campus wide events throughout the year.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties
- Manage campus appearances and conditions: Operates a wide variety of Grounds Management-related hand-held and gas and electric outdoor power equipment to achieve a desired level of care, ranging from rakes and string trimmers, to commercial mowers and heavy equipment (articulated loaders, skid steers, etc).
- Maintains cleanliness of an assigned area and equipment. This includes policing trash and emptying waste receptacles on a regular basis. Keeps walkways and roads in proper condition, e.g. repairs potholes and clearing of snow and ice.
- Has a working knowledge of plant material and its care. Knowledgeable in the planting, pruning and maintenance of trees, shrubs and other plants. Will assist in the installation and maintenance of landscape beds. Brings to the attention of the Grounds Manager trees and shrubs that require maintenance and carry out the recommendations when instructed to do so.
- Assists with other Grounds related projects. This includes repairs to irrigation systems as needed, tree removal, leaf cleanup, and other projects as needed.
- Shares On-Call coverage in the winter weather season and Weekend Duties while class is in session. Some weekends are required.
- Attends seminars and other courses of study designed to improve job performance.
Qualifications:
- Associates in Applied Sciences Degree in Horticulture or related field preferred. Significant experience in grounds/parks/golf course maintenance will be considered in lieu of AAS degree.
- 5 years experience in a position related to landscaping, park, golf course, nursery, or college campus grounds management.
- Valid New York State DEC Pesticide Applicator or Technician or able to become one within one year from hire.
- Valid New York State Driver’s License.
Working Conditions:
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Carrying, kneeling, walking.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds.
- Required to work in all types of weather conditions.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends and overtime as required.
- Responsible for following all procedures to conduct work activities in a safe manner including but not limited to wearing PPE required for specific tasks and safe handling of chemicals as required.
Compensation:
The hourly range for this position is $21-$23 per hour. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Location: Schenectady, NY
We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.
We offer exceptional benefits including:
- Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
- Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays
- Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
- Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
- Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development
- Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
- Tuition Assistance Program for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents
Background Checks: In accordance with our
background check policy
, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.
E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.
Salary : $21 - $23
