Landscape Tech II

Valparaiso University•Valparaiso, IN

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The position will perform maintenance duties with the responsibility 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 one of the specialty tasks as it pertains to the facilities management department.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Three to five years of experience and formal training in grounds management
Valid Driver’s License; Pass all University driving requirements
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; bobcat; backhoe, forklift, etc.
Ability and safety knowledge to operate work trucks, grounds tractors, weed eaters, push mowers, and other equipment used to maintain grounds
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

Nice To Haves

Degree in ornamental horticulture, or related fields, is desirable
Turf Applicator license 3A and 3B preferred or able to obtain upon hire.

Responsibilities

Maintain campus ground, roads, parking lots, walkways, signage, plantings, storm water drainage, manhole pumping, etc.
Mow, trim and edge turf areas using riding mower, push mower, weed whip and edger
Perform chemical treatments of lawns, trees, and shrubs
Mulch, weed, aerate, and 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
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
Team Lead: performs work and/or directs a small grounds crew in the execution of small projects to include 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 chemical applicator license to spray, dust, and/or spread various chemicals and other designated materials including pesticides, herbicides, soil sterilants, grass killer, hormones, fertilizers, seeds, and specified soil amendments.