Gardener Lead, Mow Crew

Job Description

UW Facilities Maintenance & Construction has an outstanding opportunity for a Gardener Lead, Mow Crew.

About this Opportunity

Perform and lead personnel in specialized grounds duties requiring the skill and knowledge of cultivation, maintenance of trees, lawns and ornamental plants.

Work Schedule

• Full time, Monday through Friday, 05:55am – 02:25pm or 06:55am – 03:25pm 
• This position is based at the University of Washington Seattle campus and is not eligible for telework.

Key Responsibilities

100%

Grounds Maintenance Program Execution

• Perform and lead personnel in specialized grounds duties requiring the skill and knowledge of cultivation and maintenance of trees, lawns and ornamental plants.
• Maintain plants through accepted horticultural standards including raking and removing leaves and litter and removing snow and ice from assigned pathways and stairs during inclement weather events.
• Monitor and adjust irrigation systems and write work orders for irrigation repair.
• Inspect projects to ensure compliance with design, local standards and codes, and capture updated as-built records to reflect actual field installation
• Operate commercial motorized equipment such as automobiles and trucks - including dump trucks, high rangers, forklifts, scissor-lifts, tractors, front-end loaders, mowers, tillers, sweepers and trailers.
• Perform Gardener 2 work as necessary to meet production demands and assure proper service to campus clients.

Organizational Leadership and Engagement

• Provide information for employee performance reviews to supervisor.
• Participate in and follow through with M&C process improvement initiatives, including Balanced Scorecard (BSC), incorporating metrics and Lean principles into internal work processes, and promoting employee engagement in continuous improvements and innovation.
• Continuously promote a safe work environment.

Coordination

• Keep supervisors informed of project status, work progress, required project materials and equipment.
• Work and coordinate with skilled trades as required to maintain campus buildings, utilities and grounds.
• With shop supervisor, develop weekly work schedules and priority projects.
• Provide input to shop supervisor regarding timecard accuracy.
• Know and ensure that assigned personnel comply with occupational health and safety regulations specific to performance of the work. This will include Safety Data Sheet (SDS) instructions, Hazard Review Checklists (HRCs) and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Maintain professional knowledge of industry standards to ensure the best products at the best prices.
• Other duties as required

Core Competencies

• Use organizational skills and provide attention to details.
• Maintain a positive, optimistic, and success-oriented attitude.
• Exercise professionalism, which includes being tactful and courteous.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

• Physical ability to do required work AND two years of experience as a Gardener or equivalent work involving grounds maintenance, plant care and landscape construction
• OR Physical ability to do required work AND one year of experience as stated above AND one year of college level training in botany, horticulture, forestry, landscape, irrigation or allied field.

Additional Requirements

• Demonstrated successful experience working with computerized maintenance management systems.
• Demonstrated successful experience as a lead or supervisor.
• Excellent organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education and experience in turfgrass maintenance.
• Experience operating aeration, topdressing, and other turf restoration equipment.
• Certified as a Landscape Technician by the Washington Association of Landscape Professionals (WALP).
• Certified Sustainable Landscape Professional (WSNLA).
• Strong personal integrity, trustworthiness and professional work ethic, leading by example in both performance and behavior, holding employees accountable to established expectations.
• Proven ability to take direction, meet expectations, and work cohesively as a member of a team.
• Knowledge and practical experience with WISHA (Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) regulations
• Must be able to follow written and/or verbal instructions and communicate in English regarding the use of chemicals, supplies, and equipment.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work outside under all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and move heavy materials is required.
• Work may require access to confined spaces and heights using appropriate safety precautions.
• Must be able to be fitted for and wear a respirator on the job.
• Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.

About the team

UW Facilities (UWF) manages the University’s buildings, infrastructure and land, with more than 1,100 employees in a diverse set of roles. Our organization is comprised of multiple groups including Operations, Asset Management, Campus Energy Utilities & Operations, and other smaller units. Operations is the largest group in UWF and has the most direct responsibility for ensuring the University is ready for business each day. Operations include Building Services Department, Maintenance & Construction, Transportation Services, and Regulated Materials. https://facilities.uw.edu/units/operations

Maintenance & Construction (M&C) is responsible for general maintenance, repair, and renovations of all University of Washington (UW) main campus facilities including building interiors, exteriors, and grounds, as well as logistics, moving, and disposal of surplus equipment and furniture.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$50,736.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$68,052.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

WFSE Campuswide

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.