Job Summary:

Outdoor Services provides high quality, professional grounds and landscape services to enhance a safe, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious campus. Facilities Operations provides a physical environment that promotes the advancement and transfer of knowledge. This work unit exists to provide horticulture management and grounds maintenance support to the University of Colorado. This unit is also responsible for snow removal operations during the winter months.

This position exists to function as a horticulturist for the 'East Campus Horticulture Team' section of the University of Colorado - Boulder campus. This position will identify and provide treatment of horticulture issues, including weed and pest infestations on the Boulder Campus. This position will make decisions on and implement practices for horticulture management including chemical, mechanical, and/or natural methods to control weeds and pests. Conduct snow removal operations via manual or mechanical methods.

Job Description:

A. Duty: Landscape Management Practices

60%

Brief Description:

This position will assist the East Campus Horticulture Supervisor with implementing the East Campus Grounds Shrub & Bed Management Plan, assist with trash removal, pruning, watering, fertilizing, weeding, chemical applications and maintaining vine, rock, shrub, annual, and perennial landscape beds on CU FM maintained areas, including recharge areas. This position will work directly with the East Campus Horticulture Supervisor to plan, coordinate resources, and execute the use of Grounds Staff to train with and assist the Horticulture Team with bed maintenance. This position may train in correct and safe practices for FTE and student employees. Other duties include soil/compost preparation, shrub/plant installation and removal, identifying pests and diseases, edging, cleaning out, mulching, maintaining tools, monitoring irrigation, assessing conditions, and recommending adjustments to the East Campus Horticulture Supervisor and\or Irrigation Manager. Maintain accurate records of bed applications throughout the growing season. Recommend and/or complete special projects by improving landscape areas in conjunction with East Campus Horticulture Supervisor and East & South Campus Maintenance Manager. Identify problem beds and recommend action needed to correct problems.

This position will maintain assigned tools and equipment and be able to communicate and accurately describe issues/problems.

Duty: Perform General Landscape Maintenance Activities.

15%

Brief Description:

This position may assist with and lead projects such as manual weeding of rock beds, mulch beds, annual/perennial beds, pruning, mowing, string trimming, sidewalk edging, rough mowing, native area management, noxious weed management, trash removal, drainage corrections, irrigation, tree care, turf management, building entry/loading dock maintenance, graffiti removal, hardscape and outdoor furniture assets maintenance and installations, and support other grounds maintenance activities/assignments. May assist Campus Arborist work activities. Other duties as assigned. Some duties may require adjusted work schedules including off-set work hours and weekends.

C. Duty: Conduct Chemical Applications for Weeds and Pests

10%

Brief Description:

Conduct pre and post-emergent chemical applications using synthetic and organic/natural liquid or granular products. Assist the East Campus Horticulture Supervisor in researching new synthetic and natural products during the offseason. Responsible for safely mixing chemical concentrates in the chemical storage area per label. Conduct chemical applications in both general fund and recharge areas (under maintenance agreements) of campus for weeds and pests. This duty may require weekend work schedules one or two weekends a month throughout the growing season. Maintains records of all chemical applications and assists with timely reports to the East Campus Horticulture Supervisor. Conduct appropriate timely notification prior to all applications. Ensure appropriate pre and post application signage is placed in visible areas visible to the public and ensure these signs are then picked up when re-entry is acceptable. Accurately charge appropriate work orders, maintenance agreements and maintenance projects on a timely and accurate basis. This position will be required to obtain within 12 months or already possess a Certified Operators License from the Colorado Department of Agriculture with Ornamental Pest Control Category 207.

D. Duty: Safety

10%

Brief Description:

Contribute to a safe working environment for self, direct reports, co-workers and the public. Adheres to all Federal, State, Local, and Department safety guidelines, including any concerning chemical applications or release of bio-controls. Reports unsafe conditions or accidents to supervisors and/or Operations Control Center. Attends and participates in safety trainings. Employee will review and be familiar with the Outdoor Services safety manual and ensure staff comply in the same manner. Employee will follow Colorado Department of Agriculture guidelines as well as University of Colorado - Boulder policies. Follow pesticide storage guidelines. Advise applicators who may be assisting with chemical applications on appropriate safety measures.

E. Duty: Conduct Snow Removal

Brief Description:

Perform mechanical, hand shoveling and ice abatement operations. Remove snow and conduct ice abatement for sidewalks, stairs, bus stops, curb cuts, paved trails, parking lots and ADA ramps using powered equipment or manual methods. This position is designated Essential Services and is expected to respond to perform snow removal as required based on university needs and activities.

Minimum requirements (Education and Experience):

Two years of progressively responsible grounds care and maintenance, greenhouse, or plant nursery general labor work experience appropriate to the job assignment.

Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license and pass a motor vehicle background check.

Competencies/Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

N/A

Preferred qualifications:

Knowledge horticulture and landscape management experience highly desirable.

Crew/Lead Worker experience also highly desirable.

Special requirements (such as certifications):

This position will be required to obtain and maintain a Colorado Department of Agriculture Certified Operators License or higher with categories 207 (Ornamental Pest Control) within 12 months of hire or possess one currently.

Describe the work schedule:

This position will work five (5) eight-hour days per week M-F, between the hours of 6:00 am and 5:00 pm, based on staffing requirements of the Department.

Colorado University at Boulder jobs

Horticulturist at CU Boulder East Campus