Landscape Technician II

Position Description:

The position will perform maintenance duties, responsible for the appearance and general care of all aspects of University grounds, including, but not limited to, parking lots, roads, walkways, exterior signage, snow removal, salt spreading, plantings, mowing, and trash pick-up. In addition, this position will perform any specialty tasks pertaining to the facilities management department.

Major Responsibilities:

• Grounds
  • Maintain campus ground, roads, parking lots, walkways, signage, plantings, stormwater drainage, manhole pumping, etc.
  • Mow, trim, and edge turf areas using a riding mower, push mower, weed whip, and edger.
  • Perform chemical treatments of lawns, trees, and shrubs.
  • Mulch, weed, aerate, trim, and edge around beds, pathways, and walls.
  • Prune trees and shrubs; propagation, transplanting, removal of trees and shrubs, weeding, etc.
  • Prepare planting beds with hand and power tools; plant bulbs, flowers, ground covers, trees, and shrubs; apply mulch.
  • Install hardscape and landscape furniture.
  • Rake and remove leaves.
  • Perform snow and ice removal with hand tools and power equipment and apply road salt and ice-melting agents to sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots.
  • Hauling (snow, spoils, dirt, sand, gravel, etc.)
  • Remove trash on a daily, weekly, and as-needed basis.
  • Ensure grounds are clean and free of trash and debris.
  • Complete work orders and communicate the status when resolved or an update is appropriate.
  • Perform regular and preventative maintenance, making repairs to lawn equipment and tools.
• Moves & Set-Ups
  • Perform furniture moves as per work orders.
  • Move furniture and various items to University Surplus.
  • Complete the set-up and tear-down for campus events.
• Specialty Tasks to include any one of the following:
  • Team Lead: performs work and/or directs a small grounds crew in executing small projects, including carpentry, drywall, demolition, concrete and asphalt work, and hardscape installation.
  • Mechanic: performs preventive maintenance and repairs of facilities management vehicles and landscape equipment, machines, and tools; keeps records of preventive maintenance and repairs performed; keeps an inventory of parts and supplies; troubleshoots and determines repairs to be done in-house versus outsourced; updates and closes vehicle and grounds equipment work orders.
  • Chemical applicator: holds a license to spray, dust, and/or spread various chemicals and other designated materials, including pesticides, herbicides, soil sterilants, grass killers, hormones, fertilizers, seeds, and specified soil amendments.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• High School Diploma
• A degree in ornamental horticulture or related fields is desirable
• Three to five years of experience and formal training in grounds management
• Valid Driver’s License; Pass all University driving requirements
• Turf Applicator licenses 3A and 3B are preferred or able to be obtained upon hire.

Other Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of computers for tasks including reading email, logging hours, and entering work order information. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to work independently, but also an excellent collaborator and team player
• Excellent communication skills
• Detail-orientated
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions
• Ability to creatively overcome obstacles
• Skilled in working with a diverse academic community and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge and ability to operate various types of equipment, including power mowers, saws, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, sprayers, zero-turn mowers, bobcats, backhoes, forklifts, etc.
• Ability and safety knowledge to operate work trucks, grounds tractors, weed eaters, push mowers, and other equipment used to maintain grounds
• Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to perform work with prolonged standing, bending, lifting, pushing or pulling, and working in cramped areas
• Average physical strength for lifting and or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• Work from a ladder and work with arms and hands overhead.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon the clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, they will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To be considered for this position, you must upload:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of 3 professional references
• Answer all application questions

Please address the cover letter to:

Michele Pickering, Director of Landscape and Grounds

Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, Indiana