Landscape Services, Crew Leader

University of Texas at Austin

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Provide skilled landscaping work to maintain the health and appearance of The University of Texas at Austin campus landscape. The Crew Leader supervises gardeners and groundskeepers, assigns and monitors work, maintains campus landscapes to university standards, and ensures safe work practices. Duties include operating and maintaining landscape equipment and university vehicles, applying landscape materials and treatments as instructed, and completing related administrative tasks. Other related functions may be assigned, including work with other departments across Campus Operations and The University of Texas System. Occasional overtime is required to support organizational goals.

Requirements

• High school graduation or GED.
• Four years of experience in landscape maintenance or construction.
• One year of experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Experience caring for plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, and lawns.
• Experience using power equipment and hand tools used in gardening work.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to pull, push, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in adverse conditions, including weather, dust, noise, heights, and fumes.
• Stable work history.
• Ability to perform basic computer operations.
• Current Class C Operator Driver License.
• Before hire, provide a Motor Vehicle Report showing driving history for the prior 36 months, including all states of residence during that period; the report will be evaluated for eligibility to drive a university-owned vehicle.
• If not currently a Texas resident, obtain a Texas Driver License within 30 days after entering Texas as a new resident.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree or formal coursework in horticulture or a related field.
• Technical training in landscaping or horticulture, including concepts and theory of organic management programs.
• Knowledge of native plants in the landscape and experience applying this knowledge in daily operations.
• Knowledge of riparian zone function and restoration, including invasive species management.
• Experience using and maintaining battery-powered landscape equipment.
• More than four years of experience caring for and maintaining landscaping in an institutional or commercial setting.
• More than four years of experience using landscaping equipment.
• More than one year of experience in a supervisory capacity.
• Pesticide Applicators License issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a crew of gardeners and groundskeepers performing landscaping tasks.
• Maintain campus landscapes to university standards using landscape equipment and tools safely.
• Assign work and ensure timely completion of written and oral instructions.
• Complete routine paperwork, including performance evaluations; enter reports electronically; and ensure employee attendance records are accurate.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), ensure crew members follow safety rules and wear PPE, report unsafe conditions, and maintain safe conditions for the crew and university community.
• Apply mulch, soil amendments, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation to the landscape as instructed.
• Clean, maintain, and operate university vehicles and equipment, and maintain an acceptable driver rating under the applicable university policy.
• Safely operate landscaping equipment and vehicles.
• Perform other related functions, including working with other departments within Campus Operations and The University of Texas System.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits, with employee premiums covered at 100% and family premiums at 50%.
• Voluntary vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas defined-benefit retirement plan, with 8.25% employer matching funds.
• Additional voluntary retirement programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and Deferred Compensation program 457(b).
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses.
• Free training access through LinkedIn Learning and professional conference opportunities.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee discount program, including athletic tickets.
• Free access to UT Austin libraries and museums with staff ID.
• Free rides on UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED