Horticultural Specialist

Brandeis University•Waltham, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Manager, Grounds & Fleet, the Horticultural Specialist maintains campus grounds, including lawns, mulch beds, athletic fields, sidewalks, and roadways, with a primary focus on perennials and nursery stock. The position applies pesticides and fertilizers, removes snow and ice, and participates in campus trash, recycling, and compost operations. It requires extensive groundskeeping knowledge, including plant care, pesticides, and irrigation, and a strong interest in campus beautification. This is a Local 615, 32BJ Service Employees International Union (SEIU) position. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for 40 hours per week, at an hourly rate of $37.29. The Specialist maintains lawns, gardens, athletic areas, irrigation systems, trees, shrubs, outdoor furniture, and campus grounds. Duties also include applying plant health products, maintaining records, interpreting plans, operating vehicles and equipment, snow and ice removal, construction-material installation, litter pickup, and responding to emergency call-ins. The role may involve instructing colleagues on horticultural techniques and making decisions in lieu of the Grounds Manager when the Manager is absent. Work is primarily outdoors in changing New England weather, and the employee must be able to work independently with minimal supervision while following safety procedures and applicable OSHA rules.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Four years of related experience in a horticultural field.
Valid and current United States driver's license.
Massachusetts Hoisting License 1C/2A.
Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator's License.
DOT Medical Certificate.
Extensive knowledge of landscaping, lawn care, irrigation, pesticides, plant materials, pruning techniques and timing, and proper perennial, tree, and shrub care.
Thorough understanding of irrigation system uses and repair.
Basic understanding of mowing and trimming practices and athletic-field maintenance and setup.
Ability to use hand and power tools.
Ability to read, write, understand, and carry out oral and written instructions in English.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing and provide guidance on routine horticultural procedures.
Ability to follow instructions, work alone with minimal supervision, and make decisions in the Grounds Manager's absence.
Ability to work outdoors in changing weather conditions and respond to changing priorities and deadlines.
Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods and manually lift up to 60 pounds; heavier items are lifted using other methods.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in landscaping, horticulture, or land management.

Responsibilities

Maintain campus lawns, mulch beds, perennials, nursery stock, trees, shrubs, and other plantings using hand and power tools.
Maintain athletic facilities, including baseball, softball, and soccer fields, artificial turf, and tennis courts.
Mix and apply pesticides, fertilizers, lime, and other plant health products in accordance with product labels.
Schedule, troubleshoot, and repair the campus-wide irrigation system.
Recommend small horticultural designs and execute plans for planters and beds; interpret and stake out plans from drawings and designs.
Prune trees and shrubs and plant trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and bulbs.
Keep records, write reports, and identify grounds materials.
Instruct and direct fellow employees on horticultural techniques when assigned.
Remove and treat snow and ice from campus areas using trucks, utility vehicles, plows, sanders, and front-end loaders.
Install asphalt, cold patch, concrete, cement, and other construction materials.
Participate in trash, recycling, compost, and litter pickup operations.
Clean and maintain outdoor furniture; remove outdoor graffiti and unapproved signs when directed.
Assist with moving furniture or equipment and refuel campus emergency generators as assigned.
Report issues, campus damage, destruction, and needed repairs to the appropriate supervisor.
Drive a University vehicle and operate equipment requiring a Massachusetts hoisting license.
Follow safety procedures and rules, including OSHA requirements; participate in training to maintain current skills and practices.
Respond to emergency call-ins as needed.
Maintain cooperative working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, department heads, and members of the campus community.
Work independently with minimal supervision and make decisions in lieu of the Grounds Manager when absent.
Work within the Facilities Services budget and follow supervisors' instructions.