Trainee Landscape Gardener

About the Role

MSU Landscape Services is seeking a Trainee Landscape Gardener to assist in maintaining Michigan State University's campus as a living, learning laboratory. This role supports the Campus Landscape Management Plan, focusing on the health and growth of diverse plant material, and includes participation in campus events and snow removal.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the planting and routine care of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, turf grass, and other horticultural items using various tools and equipment.
• Grade, seed, and sod lawn areas.
• Assist in transplanting and moving plant material.
• Lay out and maintain flowerbeds, ornamental shrubbery, and lawns.
• Rake, gather, and dispose of leaves, twigs, and other debris.
• Read planting plans and blueprints.
• Dig and move plants and transplant trees, shrubs, flowers, and other horticultural items.
• Water, spray, fertilize, and cultivate lawns, shrubs, trees, and other plant material.
• Trim hedges and vines.
• Assist in routine inspection of assigned areas for disease, insects, and pests, applying Integrated Pest Management principles.
• Assign, instruct, and review tasks for support employees.
• Maintain accurate work records.
• Provide customer service to the MSU Community and the public.
• Respond to or inform supervisory staff of complaints, comments, and unmet service needs.
• Assist in football tailgate cleanup.
• Participate in the snow plan by shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles and equipment, and applying ice melt products.
• Clean, care for, adjust, and take inventory of tools and equipment.
• Operate and perform regular maintenance on light and medium weight vehicles and loaders.
• Operate and make minor adjustments to mowers and other power tools.
• Requisition tools, equipment, supplies, and additional employees as necessary.
• Engage in correspondence through email, training, meetings, and professional development.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Casual knowledge of landscape equipment, tools, methods, and processes used in gardening and grounds maintenance.
• One-year of satisfactory landscape maintenance and installation experience responsible for maintaining all facets of the landscape or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience.
• One-year of commercial snow removal experience operating a licensed plow vehicle.
• Possession of a valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification (3A, 3B, and 6).
• Possession of a valid MSU Forklift Operator, Loader, Tractor, and Toolcat Operator Permit upon completion of probationary or trial period.
• Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator's license.
• Must drive a university vehicle to perform job duties.
• Must be able to work in variable or severe weather conditions.
• This position requires significant after-hours, weekend, and holiday work.
• Frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds and occasional lifting of over 75 pounds.
• Duties involve exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids, working in noisy areas (above 85 decibels), carrying, pushing, pulling, and climbing.

Qualifications

• Over one year of experience in landscape maintenance and installation in a large university campus setting, public gardens, or theme parks.
• Experience in operating several types of power equipment used in landscape installation and maintenance.
• Ability to calibrate and operate fertilizer and agricultural chemical application equipment.
• Experience in following landscape plans to successfully install a landscape project.
• Ability to identify different types of perennials, annuals, trees, and shrubs.
• A creative and innovative lifelong learner with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population.
• Able to problem solve within a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to understand different perspectives while utilizing expert knowledge of the technical operations of the job.

Pay Rate: $23.21 - $24.43 upon meeting probationary period requirements.

This position is not eligible for remote work. Regular, in-person attendance is required.

MSU Benefits: Free comprehensive health care, 10% retirement contribution, generous sick, vacation, personal, and holiday time.

Work Hours: M-F from 5am-1:30pm or 6am-2:30pm with significant after-hours, weekend, & holiday work. Shifts may vary.