Sr. Horticulturalist Supervisor - Princeton University

Princeton University maintains the finest and most diverse collection of trees and plants in central New Jersey, one of the most historical impressions of any college in the United States.  The Campus Grounds Supervisor of Special Operations will be a working Supervisor with the university grounds management team.  This position has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a wide range of diverse trees and plants, including specimen materials, cultivation, arboriculture, preservation and the IPM protection of plant material.  Supervision of crew leaders, arborist and landscape staff of (15+) assuring the well-being of the campus landscape, trees, plants, meadows, storm water plantings and gardens.  This position assists with event support for the campus community and alumni as needed.

• Assist and supervisor a staff or 15 + landscapers, arborist and crew leaders in day-to-day maintenance practices using best management techniques.
• Establish and maintain high horticultural, arboricultural standards and practices; provide direction, training and motivation for all staff and volunteers.
• Performs a wide range of landscape/maintenance tasks important to the cultivation, preservation, protection and transplanting of existing plants; including but not limited to soil preparation, planting, mulching, weeding, watering, fertilization, irrigation, IPM and pesticide application as needed. Strong knowledge in trimming, pruning and grooming of all types of plant material, many different styles and techniques required on campus.
• Strong knowledge in trimming, pruning and grooming of all types of plant material, many different styles and techniques required on campus.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, and standards governing area of responsibility.
• Collaborates with management team in developing schedules and assignments, ensuring the highest level of excellence in landscape maintenance and plant care.
• Provides training to various supervisors and crew members in both classroom and field setting to constantly improve department. Prepares product specifications and requisitions for pesticides, chemicals, plant materials, fertilizers and other supplies required to accomplish objective.
• Provide direction to ensure a safe work environment for personnel, enforces safe work rules and practices. Provides first level of oversight for safety compliance.
• Ensures that assigned crew abides by professional standards for quality, productivity and follows the department’s customer service standards.
• Investigates prospective problems with insects, diseases or other maladies that affect plants, grass, trees and shrubs. Takes action or recommends a course of action to correct problem.
• Assists in the selection and purchasing of materials, tools and equipment that best meet department needs.
• Knowledge of theories, practices, and principles of Botany, Ornamental Horticulture, and/or Entomology.
• Reviews crewmembers work performance with the area supervisor. Advises the area supervisor of any performance difficulties, problems with equipment etc.
• Oversees field compliance with safety standards and practices. Ascertains safety practices and or equipment required to perform each job and oversees their use. Makes sure all training, that is required has been completed before operation of this equipment.
• Skill in troubleshooting and assessing problems and determining the most effective corrective action.
• Ability to develop positive working relationships with fellow employees.
• As necessary, perform overtime and after-hours work assignments. Provide regular feedback to staff; keep management informed; be responsive to directives from management; support the unit, departmental and institutional goals.
• Other duties may be assigned.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty to the highest level.

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Botany, Natural Sciences or Arborist certification in a related field preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience as a professional Horticulturist, or Arborist in related field in a similar work environment. An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.
• Strong knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) disease and insect control.
• A Core Pesticide Applicator License. A 3A Pesticide License is preferred. This position keeps records and updates for the campus grounds.
• Possess senior-level knowledge and significant work experience in a Grounds and Landscape operation.
• Possess strong knowledge of safe work practices and procedures.
• Must have excellent leadership, organizational and managerial skills.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Must be able to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
• Have the ability to motivate and coordinate staff and provide material planning for maximum workflow effectiveness.
• Must possess broad-based experience with all types of equipment used in grounds maintenance operations, including knowledge of proper operating techniques as well as operator maintenance requirements.
• Ability to interpret production schedules and estimate worker hour requirements for completion of job assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to provide supervisory assistance to other supervisors and assume interim responsibilities in their absence.
• Ability to learn and willingness to use web-based software applications, including the department’s Maximo program and Microsoft Office. Must demonstrate interest in learning new technical skills.
• As an essential employee, must be available to work overtime involving both early as well as late hours and weekends. Must be able to respond promptly to emergency call-ins during inclement weather including snow and ice conditions.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Special consideration will be given to applicants with extensive grounds maintenance background, horticultural and arboriculture experience and pesticide knowledge in a campus or public garden setting. ISA certification preferred.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• stand or walk 2 - 4 hours at one time, up to 8 hours per day;
• sit for less than 2 hours during an 8-hour day, except while operating mowers or trimming operations, or during snow removal operations;
• during grass mowing or trimming operation or snow removal operations, sits for 2-4 hours at one time, up to 8 hours per day;
• during grass mowing or trimming operations or snow removal operations, operates motor vehicles (including mowers) or heavy equipment (e.g., forklift, high reach, cherry picker) constantly (over 67% of the workday);
• lift or carry up to 50 pounds frequently (34 – 66% of the workday) and 75 pounds occasionally (less than 33% of the workday);
• lift up to 75 pounds to waist height and up to 50 pounds in a range of motions from floor to overhead:
• frequently use hands for simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing or pulling (34 – 66% of the workday);
• occasionally push or pull with forces up to 75 pounds, climb stairs or ladders, dig or pick, use jack hammer or air spade, crawl, lift overhead, lie down, or knee stand (less than 33% of the work day);
• frequently push or pull with forces up to 50 pounds, bend, squat, kneel, or reach overhead (34 – 66% of the work day);
• work outdoors in a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions;
• Possess ability to work at heights, full range of body motions and physical agility, and ability to maintain balance.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS