Landscape/Ground Technician - Oregon Health & Science University

Department Overview:

The Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) is located 12 miles west of the OHSU main campus, and sits on 162 acres of land featuring forested areas, research and administration buildings, indoor and outdoor animal housing, a pond, and 2-mile perimeter walking path. Our mission is to improve human health and the quality of life through the support of nonhuman primate research programs that advance our knowledge of the causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of debilitating diseases.

Function/Duties of Position:

The Landscape Technician is to own and continuously improve West Campus landscape and grounds that vary from fields to orchards to pristine areas around the inner campus.

 

Maintain documentation for both landscape maintenance and forest management programs. The Landscape Technician will use and maintain hand tools, operate & service light landscape maintenance & construction equipment; keep required records and may perform minor facility maintenance.

 

As needed the Landscape Technician will complete large-scale maintenance projects to replace, maintain, or rejuvenate ground cover, shrubs, plants, decorator rocks, or bark dust.

 

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards

Landscape Technician will maintain campus grounds and landscape features. This includes but is not limited to planting, raking, mowing, pruning, edging, trimming, watering, weeding, treating, fertilizing, and application of weed & pest control. This also includes routine mulching and spraying for plant & insect disease; apply chemicals for weed & roadside fire control.  Maintain inventories and application records for fertilizer and pesticides.

 

Removal of leaves, brush, gravel, litter and debris using rakes, blowers, vacuums, and shovels from building roofs, sewers, streets, parking lots, building entrances, loading docks and sidewalks. 

 

Landscape technician will support Facilities Team in storm and inclement weather preparation, response, and clean-up.

 

OHSU values sustainability and as such will support low impact practices, green chemical choices as appropriate, water conservation techniques, and use of efficient and low impact equipment as appropriate.

 

Forest Management

Landscape Technician will maintain and clear trails of unwanted debris, remove brush from roadsides, and complete annual fire suppression and prevention activity.

 This will include:

• Support Manager and Landscape Coordinator in setting priorities and monitoring goals.
• Actively remove invasive and unwanted species, replant natives, and maintain a low fire-risk campus while keeping in consideration existing wildlife.
• Annually assess campus trees for treatment, pruning, or removal with frequent assessment of trees adjacent to perimeter fence.

Equipment Maintenance

Makes minor repairs on tools and equipment such as lawnmowers, chain saws, and blowers; maintains vehicles and power equipment by tuning engines, checking fluid levels, lubricating, and cleaning after use; repairs and tests irrigation, drip systems and sprinkling systems.

 

Landscape Technician will assure all ONPRC landscape maintenance and inclement weather equipment is properly maintained.

 

Project Design

Assure the proper specification, operation, maintenance of in-ground sprinkler system and drip systems.

 

Review planting schemes for new gardens and planting areas to assure they are to campus specifications and requirements while preparing proposals and plans for re-planting and meeting program goals and priorities.

 

Other Duties as Assigned

May have lead responsibility for laborer(s) and grounds crew including assigning and reassigning tasks, giving direction to workers, training, reviewing work, and providing informational assessment of worker’s performance to supervisor.

 

Maintain work records as required and perform various duties to successfully fulfill the function of this position.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED plus Experience listed below

Experience:

• Two years of experience in landscaping, which included plant, care;  OR An Associate's degree in Landscape Technology or Horticulture.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Ability to communicate effectively and interact positively in a small group setting and one-on-one with scientific and administrative staff
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner
• Ability to read and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to maintain appropriate records and documentation for both seasonal work and long-term planning
• Demonstrated skills in safe use of hand tools such as shears, hoes, pruners, weed-eaters, power-edgers, lawn mowers and chain saws 
• Basic knowledge of operation of sprinkler and drip systems and repair
• Ability to maintain proper functions of time clocks, sprinkler and drip systems
• Knowledge of planting techniques and local landscaping best practices
• Demonstrated skills in operating motorized equipment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and reliably with minimum supervision
• Organizational skills and attention to details to satisfactorily perform job duties

Registrations, Certifications and/or Licenses:

• Pesticide Applicator Certification is required within 1 year of hire
• Valid driver’s license & Acceptable driving record

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, ecology, or related field

Experience:

• Experience operating front-end loader, back hoe, or tractor

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• Demonstrated ability in computer software to perform data entry/support duties

Registrations, Certifications and/or Licenses:

• Aerial Lift Training

• Pesticide Applicator License

• ISA Certified Arborist

All are welcome:Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.