To properly maintain the landscape of the University to present a neat, clean and well
maintained appearance. This will include the performance of grounds maintenance, operate grounds maintenance equipment such as truck with or without manual transmission, riding and push mowers, pesticide application equipment, tractors, and small powered equipment. This will also include horticulture practices such as mowing, weed control, turfgrass maintenance, planting, litter removal and other aspects associated with the upkeep of the landscape of the campus. Position is designated as "essential personnel" for emergency closing.

Type of Recruitment

Knowledge, skills and abilities
Basic knowledge of proper horticultural practices to include planting, pruning by hand & with shears, watering, mulching, gardening, weed removal, cultivation, digging, sweeping, raking, fertilizing, sampling, use of backpack sprayer.
Basic knowledge of proper arboricultural practices such a pruning with hand saw/pole saw/pole pruners. Basic knowledge of seasonal services such as snow/ice removal, leaf collection, storm water mitigation, storm clean-up, and some familiarity with equipment related to these services. Basic knowledge of insects, diseases, weed identification, and plant material. Basic mechanical knowledge to recognize malfunctions of equipment. Basic knowledge of public litter collection and outdoor events. Basic knowledge of plant identification. Some knowledge of pesticides and their purpose & application.
Some skill in the operation of a variety grounds maintenance related hand tools & equipment. Demonstrated ability to identify irrigation malfunctions such as breakages, and other such related practices. Demonstrated ability: to work in extreme heat or cold; to lift/move/carry 50 pounds many times per week. Demonstrated ability to read and write. Demonstrated ability to work independently or with others as is necessary.

Special licenses, registration or certification
Valid driver's license and insurable driving record which must be maintained.
Demonstrate the ability to acquire a valid Pesticide Technician License within 1 year of employment.

Education or training
None

Level and type of experience
Basic Horticultural experience in garden and landscape maintenance. Some prior experience using hand tools and operating related equipment. Some experience using chainsaws.

Preferred knowledge, skills, abilities, education, experience, licensure, certification
Virginia Department of Agriculture Certified Technician or Commercial Applicator 3A or 3B License. Professional Certifications, Licenses, and/or Credentials from: VNLA , ISA , PLANET , State Master Gardener Program, VTC , or any other industry specific recognized organization. Irrigation Repair Experience Associate or Bachelor Degree from recognized institution in horticulture, forestry, biology, botany, natural resource management, or other related industry.
Membership in any Horticulture related organization. On-the-job and/or vocational training in any of the following: grounds maintenance, horticulture, irrigation, turf maintenance, gardening, landscaping, arboriculture.

Conditions of Employment
Position is considered essential personnel during emergency closings.

Annual Salary/Hourly Rate
Salary commensurate with education and experience


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