Landscape Technician

Position Details

Position Information

Requisition Number S3972P Home Org Name Landscape Service Division Name VP, Facilities Management Position Title Landscape Technician Job Class Code NA30, NA31 Appointment Status Full-time Part-time FTE Limited Term No Limited Term Length Job Summary

Landscape Services in Facilities Management is excited to begin the search for a Landscape Technician! This individual will provide advanced proficiency and skills regarding a wide array of technical landscape functions to ensure that University grounds remain in pristine condition.

Why Should YOU Choose Auburn University?

• Auburn University was named a "Best in Alabama" employer by Forbes! Our employee longevity speaks for itself, with employees staying an average of ten years.

• Competitive state benefits including retirement plan vesting at 10 years of service, generous leave accrual, and parental leave opportunity.

• Auburn University tuition assistance for yourself and your dependents. Employees can take 15 hours of classes for free, and dependents receive a 50% tuition waiver.

It's a Lifestyle: The Auburn/Opelika area is a page right out of Southern Living magazine with an idyllic small-town feel, perfecting a unique balance between a close-knit community and driving consistent growth and development. Paralleling the exponential growth of Auburn University, the Auburn/Opelika area boasts services and amenities that cater to any interest. We're proud of our top school systems, city services, award-winning restaurants, and the infectious spirit of life in a college town. You can find us nestled halfway between the beach and the mountains in a lower-cost-of-living area, two hours outside of Atlanta or Birmingham. If you're new to Auburn, we'd love to introduce you. If you're already acquainted with Auburn, we'll keep it simple: it's time to come home!

Essential Functions

Level I:

• Performs a variety of technical landscape-related duties on University grounds to include fertilizer application, herbicide and pre-emergent application, tree care, proper plant placement and annual bed installation, erosion and grading control, skilled pruning of trees, plants, and shrubbery, and seasonal color maintenance.

• Safely operates heavy equipment including tractors, backhoes, sweepers, and fork lifts. Operates task utility vehicles, dump trucks, and utility tractors with front mount attachments and PTO implements to accomplish work.

• Identifies plant disease, pests, drought stress, and other plant needs. Recommends and applies appropriate treatments. Recognizes and corrects any aesthetic-related issues.

• Troubleshoots and performs minor repairs on irrigation systems and provides maintenance for water features.

• Maintains records of work orders, activities, time, and scheduling. Provides quality control by inspecting plant care, work sites, and workmanship.

• Provides debris removal with motorized street sweeping and cleaning equipment, all-terrain litter vehicles, and other cleaning and litter control equipment to maintain University grounds, streets, and parking lots.

• Mows grass through the use of specialized, rotary, reel, push, and riding mowers. Maintains University grounds through weed pulling, plant watering, pine straw/mulch installation, sod installation, and the use of various hand and power tools.

• Maintains, cleans, and performs basic repairs for hand and power tools and equipment.

• May be responsible for meeting and maintaining training and certification requirements as outlines by the applicable department's training and credentialing requirements.

• Provides mentorship and training to Groundskeeper I and II's.

Level II:

• Performs a variety of technical landscape-related duties on University grounds to include fertilizer application, herbicide, and pre-emergent selection and application, tree care, proper plant placement and annual bed installation, grading and erosion control, skilled pruning of trees, plants, and shrubs, and seasonal color maintenance.

• Safely operates heavy equipment including tractors, backhoes, sweepers, and fork lifts. Operates task utility vehicles, dump trucks, and utility tractors with front mount attachments and PTO implements to accomplish work.

• Ensures the heath and care of the landscape environment by meeting plant needs including proper moisture, soil, sun, shade, chemical, and seasonal needs. Identifies and corrects any aesthetic-related issues.

• Diagnoses plant disease, pests, drought stress, and other plant needs. Identifies and applies appropriate treatments.

• Participates in landscape design and scheduling and the selection of plants for various sites throughout campus.

• Maintains records of work orders, activities, time and scheduling. Provides interpretation of landscape documents and provides quality control by inspecting plant care, work sites, and workmanship.

• Provides customer service by relaying detailed information to building managers, department representatives, and other stakeholders.

• Maintains, cleans, troubleshoots, and performs advanced repairs for hand and power tools and equipment. May provide small engine diagnosis, repair, and maintenance.

• Provides debris removal with motorized street sweeping and cleaning equipment, all-terrain litter vehicles, and other cleaning and litter control equipment to maintain University grounds, streets, and parking lots. Mows grass through the use of specialized, rotary, reel, push, and riding mowers. Maintains University grounds through weed pulling, plant watering, pine straw/mulch installation, sod installation, and the use of various hand and power tools.

• May be responsible for meeting and maintaining training and certification requirements as outlined by the applicable department's training and credentialing requirements.

• Troubleshoots and performs minor repairs on irrigation systems; provides maintenance for ponds and water features.

• Leads, mentors, and trains Landscape Tech I's and Groundskeepers. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Level I

• High school diploma or equivalent and 6 years of experience OR
• Associate's degree plus 4 years of experience OR
• Bachelor's degree plus 2 years of experience

Level II

• High school diploma or equivalent and 8 years of experience OR
• Associate's degree plus 6 years of experience OR
• Bachelor's degree plus 4 years of experience

Scope of experience: Experience of progressively technical groundskeeping operations.

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications

Minimum Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of plant materials and care including the ability to identify various types of plants and plant materials.

• Knowledge of various types and proper application of herbicides, fertilizers, and related chemicals.

• Knowledge of planting techniques and placement as well as different soil types.

• Thorough knowledge of irrigation systems.

Minimum Technology Skills Minimum License and Certifications

• Valid driver's license

Desired Qualifications

Desired Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of landscape Horticulture

Posting Detail Information

Salary Range $34,400 - $57,300 Job Category Facilities/Skills Trades Working Hours if Non-Traditional City position is located in: Auburn State position is located: Alabama List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position Posting Date 09/25/2024 Closing Date 10/08/2024 EEO Statement

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their website to learn more.

Special Instructions to Applicants

• Only completed applications will be considered, so please provide all requested information in each section. This should include all employment history and required application documents.

• If required, be sure to attach cover letter and resume.

• Please include a copy of any required or relevant certifications/licenses in the "Other Documents" section.

• Please answer all supplemental questions completely and accurately.

• Reference providers should be individuals who can attest to your qualifications for a position. Examples include supervisors, coworkers, and professors. Personal References will not be accepted.

Quick Link for Internal Postings https://www.auemployment.com/postings/48932

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Please select how you first became aware of this opportunity. Your response helps us determine how we can more effectively reach our candidates.

• LinkedIn

• AcademicKeys

• The Chronicle of Higher Education

• DiversityJobs

• HigherEdJobs

• HERC (Higher Education Recruitment Consortium)

• Indeed

• RecruitMilitary

• The Tuskegee News

• Professional organization or journal

• Veterans Assistance Services

• Disability Assistance Services

• State Employment Service

• Social Media

• AU Job Bulletin

• Notified by an Auburn employee

• College or university Career Services

• I went to the AU Employment Website directly (www.auemployment.com)

• Other

• Please select the answer that best describes your current employment relationship with Auburn University:

• Current full-time Auburn or AUM employee within probationary period

• Current full-time Auburn or AUM employee outside of probationary period

• Current part-time Auburn or AUM employee

• Not an Auburn or AUM employee

• Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes

• No

• Do you have 6 years of experience with progressively technical groundskeeping operations OR a degree to use in lieu of years of experience?

• Yes

• No

• Do you have a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain one prior to selection?

• Yes

• No