Landscaping Technician

Summary/Function:

This position assists in maintaining appearance of beautifully landscaped, small private university located on a historic 100-acre campus in metro Atlanta. This position will be mainly looking after the sports fields and surrounding areas. The maintenance includes herbicide, fungicide, insecticide, and fertilization treatments which requires basic knowledge of materials, elemental horticulture, and the skill to fulfill these duties: litter control, weed control, trimming of undergrowth, and pruning of trees, rip rap and erosion repair, upkeep of the drainage structures and snow and ensuring walkways and steps remain clear.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Plant flowers, bulbs, trees, and shrubs in accordance with plans.

2. Cultivate, mulch, and remove weeds from established plant beds.

3. Prune trees and shrubs to ensure proper health and vigor of plant material.

4. Fertilize trees, shrubs, flowers, and lawn areas following established fertilization program.

5. Seed newly prepared lawn areas and reseed established lawn areas as required.

6. Perform all necessary care of the athletic surfaces such as to reel mowing, topdressing, aerification, verticutting and snow removal as required.

7. Plans and assists with the layout and painting of athletic fields.

8. Mow grass, trim trees, and shrubs, remove trash as needed.

9. Contribute to the overall outside appearance and condition of the university’s campus.

11. Maintenance to include: herbicide, fungicide, insecticide, and fertilization treatments which requires basic knowledge of materials, elemental horticulture, and the skill to fulfill these duties; litter control, weed control, trimming of undergrowth, and pruning of trees, rip rap, and erosion repair, upkeep of drainage structures and snow and ice removal along walkways and steps.

14. Perform other duties as assigned.

Oglethorpe University has a strong commitment to diversity and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Some knowledge of landscaping procedures, ability to follow instructions and to perform medium to heavy physical work.
• Prior experience with equipment and tools required for turfgrass management.
• Basic understanding and ability to use computers and technology such as email and basic office equipment.
• The ability to communicate effectively and demonstrate good customer service skills with all constituents in a school environment, including students, co-workers, parents, alumnae, volunteers, and the public.
• Must be a self-starter with the ability and discipline to work alone effectively and efficiently as well as supervised and/or in teams
• Must be able to read and understand user guides, maintenance instructions, safety instructions, etc. and adhere to safety rules, regulations, and policies
• Adaptability, honesty, self-reliance, teamwork, dependability, flexibility, willingness to listen and learn, work ethic, determination, persistence, problem-solving skills, loyalty, and congeniality are essential
• Willingness to participate in continuing education opportunities
• Must successfully complete background screening and verification
• Must hold a current/unexpired driver’s license, and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check with a satisfactory driving record.
• Ability to regularly work flexible hours to support before and after-school, weekend events, and holidays, including some overtime
• Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and climate.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Majority of the tasks associated with this position will be performed outdoors at various campus locations and athletic fields. Some duties will require the ability to function with exposure to seasonal weather conditions. May have exposure to potential hazards. Ability to stand, bend stop, kneel, reach lift pull, push, and walk for a minimum of four hours. Also, must possess the ability to lift at least 50 lbs. using safe lifting techniques.

This job description is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities of and qualifications for this position. The job description is not intended as inclusive of all duties an individual in this position might be asked to perform or of all qualifications that may be required either now or in the future.