Gardener

Job Summary 
Performs complex grounds maintenance tasks which includes ensuring the aesthetic appeal and health of the various gardens, lawns, potted plants and over all landscape of the University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Park campus. Operation and maintenance of the sprinkler systems around campus to support lawn and garden health.

 Primary Duties and Responsibilities  

1. Under the leadership of the Grounds Foreman, responsible for seasonal planning of the garden areas and the proactive designing, crafting and regeneration of flowers, plants, shrubs, small trees and bushes to promote the year round health and beauty of the USM campus.
2. As a member of the Grounds Maintenance crew also responsible for plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass; trims and edges around sidewalks, flower beds, and walls using clippers and edging tools; prunes shrubs and hedges to shape and improve growth; and rakes and removes leaves. Cuts lawns using hand mower, power mowers, or tractors equipped with attachments.
3. Under the direction of the Grounds Foreman perform seasonal planting of the garden areas and the proactive designing, crafting and regeneration of flowers, plants, shrubs, small trees and bushes to promote the year-round health and beauty of the USM campus. Sprays lawns, shrubs, and trees with fertilizer and insecticide.
4. Under the direction of the Grounds Foreman perform grounds maintenance tasks which includes ensuring the aesthetic appeal and health of the various gardens, lawns, potted plants and over all landscape of the University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Park campus. Responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of the sprinkler systems around campus to support lawn and garden health.   Perform the necessary watering of lawns and shrubs using hose or by activating fixed or portable sprinkler systems.
5. Perform general grounds and lawn maintenance tasks as leaf removal, sweeping streets, mulching shrubs, and watering shrubs and trees, topdressing, fertilizing, seeding lawns, and putting out pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides. Participates in cleaning grounds daily, picking up trash and garbage, and maintaining a clean and litter-free campus. Cleans drainage ditches and culverts; hauls debris to dumping area. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Grounds Foreman and Assistant Trade Superintendent.
6. Serves as a member of the Physical Plant Essential Personnel and as directed by the Director of Physical Plant participates in pre-emergency preparations and post emergency recovery efforts.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.