Lead Grounds Horticulturist - Southern Utah University

Job Description:

Provide grounds support to the Director in the following areas: grounds maintenance, sprinkler installation, landscape, snow removal, pedestrian safety, maintain campus greenhouse and flower beds. Work with EPA and OSHA requirements of health and safety. Work in a team effort as well as independently.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee Grounds Department greenhouse, horticulture program, and all campus flower and herbaceous beds.
• Oversee Student flower crew.
• Ground maintenance work consists of mowing lawns, trimming hedges, raking and disposing of leaves and refuse, trimming driveways and sidewalk edges, preparing gardens for planting, pruning trees and shrubbery, maintaining and designing sprinkler systems.
• Landscape work consisting of planting flowers, trees, shrubs, and grass; and installing sprinkler systems.
• Collect and dispose of litter and waste materials.
• Snow removal using snowplow, trucks, and other equipment. Keep sidewalks and roads clear of snow and ice by shoveling walks and steps and spreading sand and ice-melt.
• Operate backhoe, loader, boom truck, mowers, tractors, trucks and other grounds equipment.
• Ensure compliance with safe work practices as outlined by campus standards and OSHA regulations.
• Keep and update records pertaining to all grounds work. Be familiar with Safety Data Sheets.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Minimum qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Knowledge of climate appropriate plants required (Trees, shrubs, vines, perennial, and annual plants)
• Must be in good physical condition and be able to lift and carry 60 pounds for 50 yards
• Must have current Utah driver's license
• Basic understanding of blue prints, construction, electrical and hydraulics
• Must communicate effectively
• Be willing to continue education through college courses, seminars, and workshops
• Five years progressively responsible experience in grounds and maintaining flower beds, or college experience and on the job experience combined to equal the five years
• Knowledge of landscape materials, fertilizers, and chemicals is essential

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Horticulture
• Computer knowledge preferred
• Experience in greenhouse operation preferred

Documents Needed to Apply:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for 3 professional references

Southern Utah University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services. For more information or contact information, please visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination/.