Gardener

Universities of Wisconsin•La Crosse, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Gardener is responsible for the maintenance of grounds and landscaping. This position performs a variety of tasks, including the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials and bulbs, application of herbicides and pesticides, and tree and shrub pruning. The Gardener will also support the overall groundskeeping operation of the University including grounds maintenance tasks such as snow removal, athletic field maintenance, and litter and trash removal. Overtime work will be required for snow removal and for Special Events including but not limited to the WIAA State Track Meet. The normal work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This position reports to the Grounds Services Manager. The review of applications starts on May 12, 2026. Applications received on or before May 12th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus. UW-La Crosse 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.

Requirements

Ability to hold and maintain a valid driver’s license meeting the criteria for driving a state vehicle.
Must have or be able to obtain a State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License Category 3.0 Turf and Landscape within 6 months of hire and must maintain certification throughout employment.
Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry tools, equipment, or supplies, up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
Physically be able to work in various positions, i.e. with arms above your head for periods of time; bending, twisting, crawling, squatting, climbing, stooping or kneeling; on scaffolding, ladders or stairs; standing, sitting or walking, while continuously performing job functions.
Physically be able to work in various environments without adverse physical reactions, e.g., within extreme temperature ranges; in hot, noisy, dirty or dust-filled areas; at heights above 30 feet, etc.
Ability to wear protective equipment, i.e. respirator, breathing apparatus, hearing, or eye protection, etc.
Knowledge of safe, efficient operation of heavy equipment.
Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or for other special events as needed.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or professional certification in a directly related field.
Knowledge of preventative maintenance of heavy equipment.
Ability to identify different varieties of annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs.
Ability to safely operate equipment in areas with high levels of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle activity.
Knowledge of essential job functions and ability to safely perform duties with minimal supervision.
Knowledge or ability to learn relevant software and/or computer languages in order to operate preventive maintenance, work order, time reporting and inventory control programs.
Ability to communicate effectively orally or in writing, using the English language, in various situations, i.e. face to face, via phone or two-way radio, correspondence, taking messages, email, etc.

Responsibilities

Constructs lawn and landscaping projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding
Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment
Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs
Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice
Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage
Performs planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials and bulbs
Applies herbicides and pesticides
Prunes trees and shrubs
Supports overall groundskeeping operations including snow removal, athletic field maintenance, and litter and trash removal