Career Center

Accountabilities:

• Promote a high standard of quality for the University's landscape, including maintaining a manicured aesthetic, completing general beautification projects, and being a responsible steward of the University's landscape assets.
• Monitor and maintain health of plant material and troubleshoot problematic landscape areas.
• Edge, mulch, and remove weeds, litter, and debris from tree rings and landscape beds.
• Plant and/or transplant plant material and edge and mulch landscape beds.
• Trim, prune, brush cut, and/or remove plant material as needed.
• Water plant material during periods of drought or initial establishment.
• Select, order, and pick-up/deliver plant material to incorporate into campus landscape beds.
• Train and delegate tasks to grounds crew and interns for larger landscape projects.
• Provide input on capital projects & collaborate on new landscape initiatives.
• Perform other duties in support of general Grounds tasks during down periods and inclement weather.

Professional Experience/Qualifications:

• Proficient in horticultural best management practices and proper methods/techniques for effective landscape maintenance.
• Working knowledge of plant material, including identification, health/cultural requirements, and ability to identify weeds and invasive species.
• Operate typical landscape tools and power equipment, including but not limited to pickup trucks, small tractor and landscape equipment with implements, mowers, string trimmers, hand tools, etc.
• Basic computer skills, including Gmail, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and the ability to use computer programs to complete work order entries, procure materials, generate estimates, etc.
• Proactive, high attention to detail, and takes ownership of garden and landscape beds.
• Ability to problem-solve and prioritize landscape maintenance tasks.
• Strong customer service, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently or as a team, and adaptability to support general Grounds tasks.
• Maintain a respectful and professional attitude at all times, and embrace a work setting with a diverse campus population of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Ability to attain certifications that advance knowledge in the field of horticulture.
• Ability to work overtime as required, including evenings, nights, and weekend hours to assist with the support of large campus events.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CDL (Class B) permit
• New York State DEC Certified Pesticide Applicator/Technician
• Certified Nursery Landscape Professional (CNLP)
• ASHA Certified Horticulturalist
• ISA Certified Arborist or ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist

Education:

Other Information:

• The successful candidate will be able to determine if they would like a 9-month position, March – November, with the option of working the additional months to support other roles within the Facilities Department.
• Work schedule for the months of March – November will be primarily 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. If electing to work December – February, hours of work will be determined by assigned area.
• Works under the direct supervision of the Director of Facilities Operations in coordination with the Landscape Project Manager.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to perform typical landscape maintenance tasks that require manual labor and/or operation of mechanical equipment.
• Must be able to stand or kneel for long periods of time.
• Required to lift/carry up 50 pounds, and be able to assist with lifting objects up to 100 pounds.
• Required to work in various weather conditions.
• NYSDOT physical may be required to operate Grounds vehicles.
• Responsible for following all procedures to conduct work activities in a safe manner including but not limited to wearing PPE required for specific duties and safe handling of chemicals as outlined by University policies and/or the supervisor.
• Responsible for immediately reporting any unsafe conditions to the supervisor and/or Environmental Health and Safety.

EEO Statement:

About Colgate University

Colgate University is a highly selective residential liberal arts institution distinguished by academic excellence and interdisciplinary inquiry. Located on a beautiful campus in upstate New York, Colgate takes pride in the active engagement of its students and faculty in local, national, and global communities.

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