Gardener

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Months Per Year: 12

Hours Per Week: 40

Position Description

Position Summary
Reporting to the Landscaping and Grounds Manager and under the priorities established by the Grounds lead, this position provides gardening and landscaping services as an integral part of the operations and maintenance of the university.

Essential Functions

Seattle University is pesticide free and employs sustainable and organic land care methods and routines.

Operations and Maintenance

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  Perform organic lawn care, mulch mowing, power line trimming, backpack blowing/sweeping, aerating, seeding, organic fertilizer
  
• Participate in and practice integrated pest management IPM methods and techniques. Perform landscape construction/renovation, organic tree and shrub care and multi-functional landscape design to include: habitat proliferation; crime prevention; year round pollinator pathway, organic disease and insect control; and organic weed control.
  
• Tree care to ISA standard and may include safe ladder use, including pruning/trimming in accordance with the International Society of Arboriculture standard.
  
• Perform pruning and shearing to CPTED standards (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) established by Facilities Grounds.
  
• Maintain hardscapes, support trash collection and litter control.
  
• Operate grounds related equipment including riding and push mower, backpack blower, line trimmer, edger, chainsaw, backhoe frontend loader, brush chipper, dump truck, pneumatic lift, hand tools, and some power tools.
  
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level. At times support maintenance needs of athletic fields and campus irrigation.
  
• Assist with training, assignment and coordination of student workers.
  
• Perform Grounds Snow Plan objectives and routines for snow removal and deicing pavement on and around campus.
  
• Plan and organize grounds work to fulfill task standards, meet schedule requirements, and maintain workload balance.
  
• Work as part of a team and sometimes autonomously to accomplish maintenance routines and project goals.
  
• Properly and safely use appropriate tools used in performing required tasks. Account for and maintain university-owned tools and equipment; repair and maintain tools as needed. Maintain a safe and clean shop space and grounds vehicles.
  
• Follow established safety rules and regulations; attend safety trainings as required.
  
• Work in a safe, clean and respectful manner while performing work on campus. Work in occupied spaces with minimal disruption of campus activities. Employ use of safety cones and safety vests for visibility.

Scheduling (5%)

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  Schedule work taking into account customer requests, space available and potential disruption to adjacent academic, work and living areas.

Communication / Customer service (5%)

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  Communicate with the Grounds lead, team and campus community as needed regarding coordination and status of work requests.

Administrative (5%)

• Open, update, track and complete all work orders assigned. Attend grounds team and facilities meetings for planning and safety.

Intermittent Functions

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  Support snow removal and Emergency response coordination with facilities and campus public safety.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

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  Two year degree in horticultural science or similar certificated studies plus advanced knowledge of modern commercial grounds care practices and three years experience working in the grounds maintenance field or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
• Ability to lift or otherwise move up to fifty (50) pounds, to operate commercial grounds equipment and to work outdoors in a variety of climates is required.
  
• Current Washington Drivers License.

Preferred Qualifications

• 
  Certified Professional Horticulturist
  
• Certified IPM
  
• Class C Combination Drivers License

Seattle University, founded in 1891, is a Jesuit Catholic university located on 50 acres in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. More than 7,400 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within nine schools and colleges. U.S. News and World Report's "Best Colleges 2017" ranks Seattle University 8th in the West among universities that offer a full range of masters and undergraduate programs. Seattle University is an equal opportunity employer.

In support of its pursuit of academic and scholarly excellence, Seattle University is committed to creating a diverse community of students, faculty and staff that is dedicated to the fundamental principles of equal opportunity and treatment in education and employment regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, political ideology, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The university encourages applications from, and nominations of, individuals whose differing backgrounds, beliefs, ideas and life experiences will further enrich the diversity of its educational community.

Application Instructions

Applicants are also strongly encouraged to attach an electronic cover letter and resume when applying. Persons who need assistance with the recruitment process may contact the Office of Human Resources at: 206-296-5870. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.