Gardener

University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides skilled labor for the landscape maintenance of the University of Texas at Austin main campus. The Gardener constructs and maintains landscape installations according to landscape designs and university standards, including turf, shrubs, plants, trees, and hardscapes. They also operate landscaping equipment, promote water conservation, maintain university vehicles, and follow instructions to complete paperwork. The role may involve supervising a crew in the absence of the Sr. Landscape Technician.

Requirements

High School graduation or GED.
One to two years of experience in the care and installation of plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns, and hardscape.
Ability to operate landscape equipment (to include power mowers, string trimmers, skid steer, backhoe, compact and full sized landscape tractors).
Experience following basic work instructions.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to pull, push, and lift up to 50 lbs.
Capable of working in all types of adverse conditions (weather, dust, noise, heights, fumes).
Ability to perform basic computer operations.
Stable work history.
Punctual and regular attendance.
Must have a current driver license.
Candidate's Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) for the past 36 months must be clear. This includes all states resided in for past 36 months. Candidate must provide out of state MVR(s).
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Some college courses.
More than two years of experience in landscape construction and plant knowledge (to include new landscape and hardscape installation) in an institutional or commercial setting.
Working knowledge of Texas plant material and hardscape material.
Technical training in landscaping or horticulture.
Experience using commercial-type landscaping equipment.
Trained and/or certified in equipment operation and maintenance.
Demonstrates ability to effectively work in a team environment.
Experience supervising a small landscape crew.

Responsibilities

Constructs and maintains landscape installations according to landscape designs and university standards to include all turf, shrubs, plants, trees, and hardscapes and reports trouble conditions on campus that may be a safety hazard to the university.
Safely operates all types of landscaping equipment to include power mowers, string trimmers, skid steer, backhoe, compact and full sized landscape tractors, and other equipment used in landscape construction and installation.
Promotes Water Conservation through new and existing landscape, turf, plants, trees, and shrubs to maintain the health of the plants, abides by water restrictions as directed, and reports irrigation equipment problems and failures.
Cleans, maintains, operates a university vehicle, and maintain acceptable driver rating as established in Policy: UTS157 Section 2.5.4.
Follows and readily accepts written and oral instructions, maintains work schedule set by the supervisor, and completes routine paperwork to include daily electronic data.
Supervises a crew in the absence of the Sr. Landscape Technician.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 8.25% employer matching funds
Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
Tuition assistance
Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card