Landscape Technician III

Liberty University•Lynchburg, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Landscape Technician III is responsible for installation and management of landscape and hardscape projects. The areas of responsibility of a Landscape Lead are but not limited to the completion of landscape and hardscape installations with great precision and business- minded efficiency. Care of all the cultivation, landscaping, and grounds of Liberty University. Other areas of responsibility include as well as performing duties include planting, weeding, digging, trimming edging, litter pick-up, spreading topsoil and other materials, as well as more specialized care of landscape plants. General lawn maintenance and seasonal lawn preparation. The Landscape Lead may also assist in asphalt, concrete, brick or other stonework; operate lawn movers, and other related equipment. Demolishing field renovations, grading, and/or site clean-up tasks and will assist Facilities maintenance staff on projects assigned. Any other duties as assigned. Working independently and exercising good judgment and discretion. Essential Functions and Responsibilities 1. Reports to work at the required time, follows and performs duties as assigned by the Supervisor, Manager and/or the Grounds Director. 2. Supervises and manages a landscape crew. 3. Ensures that each employee has received the appropriate training for each assigned task. 4. Participates in and conducts all job site safety briefings with crew members. 5. Ensure that all employees utilize all required personal protective equipment. 6. Understands and instructs employees on proper job site safety procedures. 7. Responsible for wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while operating Grounds related equipment including but not limited to; protective eye wear, ear protection, hard hat, gloves, steel-toed boots, respirators/ masks, reflective safety vests, and sunscreen. 8. Responsible for wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while performing the job duties and responsibilities of an Operations Director of FMD Project Manager and while operating related equipment including but not limited to; protective eye wear, ear protection, hard hat, gloves, steel-toed shoe, respirators/ masks, reflective safety vests, and sunscreen. 9. Responsible for wearing a harness with a lanyard and other PPE if operating aerial lifts to perform & complete assigned jobs. 10. Ensures that all installation work is performed in accordance with industry and company standards. 11. Ensures that all equipment safety and maintenance procedures are followed. 12. Performs administrative functions pertaining to crew management. 13. Operates light/ heavy duty vehicles and equipment such as front-end loaders, mini excavators, skid steer machinery with various attachments. Backhoes, and push/ riding mowers, rakes, shovels, blowers, sprayers, chain saws, hydraulic boom, small tools and any other equipment associated with turf care as well. 14. Responsible for patrolling property and actively seeking out ways to improve quality appearance of grounds, reporting regular work requests, and keeping the Grounds management informed. 15. Ensures that before a project is considered complete that it has been fully inspected; all equipment, tools, and materials have been secured and put away; all blockades, ropes, and tape have been removed. 16. Performs grounds duties including weeding, mowing, trimming, edging, planting, and other related ground maintenance activities. 17. Responsible for proper and safe use and maintenance of all equipment, tools, and chemicals related to the Landscaping/ Grounds team. 18. Reviews short- and long-term work plans for grounds projects on a regular basis and develops work plans for grounds maintenance. 19. Works closely with the entire Landscaping/ Grounds Teams on all phases of ground maintenance including weeding, mulching, and all other related tasks. 20. Work with Landscaping/ Grounds team, as assigned, when needed to support new plantings, plant removals or specialty plant case issues. 21. Provides expertise and advice in design of landscape beds, selection of plants, proper installation and care of plant, and maintenance of these plants. 22. Works on special projects as assigned. 23. As essential personnel: you are expected to be available in the event of school closings, delays, shutdowns, and any emergencies including clean up required because of severe weather incidents. Performs snow removal activities as assigned. Such as shoveling, salting, etc. Facilities Management Division employees are essential to the overall success of Liberty University and its day-to-day functions, especially during ongoing campus events such as Winter Fest, Orientation, Convocation, Commencement, CFAW, and summer camps amongst other planned and unplanned events throughout the year. Must be available to work scheduled and unscheduled hours as emergency needs arise. 24. All other duties as assigned. 25. Remains abreast of existing and emerging technologies, process, products, services, and leading industry performance benchmarks. 26. Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission.

Requirements

This position requires a high school degree or GED.
State Driver’s license and insurable with company’s agent.
5+ years of professional grounds keeping experience required.
Must have basic knowledge of plants (perennials, shrubs, evergreens, and trees) and horticulture equipment.
Must be able to understand and follow instructions, and work under limited supervision.
Must be able to work well with the public and co-workers and present a positive attitude.
Clean and professional appearance.
Must be courteous, detailed oriented, self-motivated, diligent, trustworthy, possess strong organizational skills and well-developed communication skills.
Must be able to lift up to 50+ pounds and perform duties of the ground’s maintenance and landscaping outdoors in typical Virginia Climate.
This position might require the use and operation of aerial lifts or be willing and able to obtain aerial lift certifications, operate, and work from various aerial lifts and heights.
Have or be able to obtain a chemical spray certification.
Employees must be able to use radio and telephone to communicate, follow verbal and written instructions, and have basic knowledge of plants and horticulture equipment.
Individuals in this position must be able to lift up to 50+ pounds and perform duties of a grounds maintenance and landscaping outdoors in typical Virginia climate.
Must be able to work on weekends, holidays, and flexible daily hours as well as various evening hours.
A basic knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions is required.
Employees must maintain a clean and organized work area as well as be flexible regarding work assignments as they routinely change.
Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position.
Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

Nice To Haves

Pressure washing, asphalt, concrete, construction, lawn care, landscape and/or hardscape experience is preferred.
CDL preferred and reputable driving record.
Previous experience managing and leading crews.
Leadership experience and skills proven record of problem solving.
Exceptional self-management.
Desire to work with a team to accomplish goals.
Urgency to grow and improve.
Certifications obtained by Liberty University at the expense of the employer will be reimbursed back to the University upon voluntary termination (resignation) for the first 12 months after acquiring it.

Responsibilities

Reports to work at the required time, follows and performs duties as assigned by the Supervisor, Manager and/or the Grounds Director.
Supervises and manages a landscape crew.
Ensures that each employee has received the appropriate training for each assigned task.
Participates in and conducts all job site safety briefings with crew members.
Ensure that all employees utilize all required personal protective equipment.
Understands and instructs employees on proper job site safety procedures.
Responsible for wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while operating Grounds related equipment including but not limited to; protective eye wear, ear protection, hard hat, gloves, steel-toed boots, respirators/ masks, reflective safety vests, and sunscreen.
Responsible for wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while performing the job duties and responsibilities of an Operations Director of FMD Project Manager and while operating related equipment including but not limited to; protective eye wear, ear protection, hard hat, gloves, steel-toed shoe, respirators/ masks, reflective safety vests, and sunscreen.
Responsible for wearing a harness with a lanyard and other PPE if operating aerial lifts to perform & complete assigned jobs.
Ensures that all installation work is performed in accordance with industry and company standards.
Ensures that all equipment safety and maintenance procedures are followed.
Performs administrative functions pertaining to crew management.
Operates light/ heavy duty vehicles and equipment such as front-end loaders, mini excavators, skid steer machinery with various attachments. Backhoes, and push/ riding mowers, rakes, shovels, blowers, sprayers, chain saws, hydraulic boom, small tools and any other equipment associated with turf care as well.
Responsible for patrolling property and actively seeking out ways to improve quality appearance of grounds, reporting regular work requests, and keeping the Grounds management informed.
Ensures that before a project is considered complete that it has been fully inspected; all equipment, tools, and materials have been secured and put away; all blockades, ropes, and tape have been removed.
Performs grounds duties including weeding, mowing, trimming, edging, planting, and other related ground maintenance activities.
Responsible for proper and safe use and maintenance of all equipment, tools, and chemicals related to the Landscaping/ Grounds team.
Reviews short- and long-term work plans for grounds projects on a regular basis and develops work plans for grounds maintenance.
Works closely with the entire Landscaping/ Grounds Teams on all phases of ground maintenance including weeding, mulching, and all other related tasks.
Work with Landscaping/ Grounds team, as assigned, when needed to support new plantings, plant removals or specialty plant case issues.
Provides expertise and advice in design of landscape beds, selection of plants, proper installation and care of plant, and maintenance of these plants.
Works on special projects as assigned.
As essential personnel: you are expected to be available in the event of school closings, delays, shutdowns, and any emergencies including clean up required because of severe weather incidents. Performs snow removal activities as assigned. Such as shoveling, salting, etc. Facilities Management Division employees are essential to the overall success of Liberty University and its day-to-day functions, especially during ongoing campus events such as Winter Fest, Orientation, Convocation, Commencement, CFAW, and summer camps amongst other planned and unplanned events throughout the year. Must be available to work scheduled and unscheduled hours as emergency needs arise.
All other duties as assigned.
Remains abreast of existing and emerging technologies, process, products, services, and leading industry performance benchmarks.
Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission.