Horticultural Attendant – Grounds Maintenance

About the role

The Horticultural Attendant provides essential labor to keep campus grounds clean, safe, and attractive. Working outdoors in all weather conditions, the role supports a wide range of landscaping and maintenance activities.

Key responsibilities

• Operate power riding mowers, push mowers, string trimmers, blowers, hedgers, edgers, and other equipment to maintain lawns, sidewalks, plazas, and building perimeters.
• Assist arboriculture crews with limb chipping, debris hauling, chain‑saw work, pruning, and chemical spraying.
• Apply herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and mulch; perform weed removal and litter collection.
• Maintain interior plants, including watering, pruning, fertilizing, and disease treatment.
• Support irrigation, drainage, grading, concrete repair, and storm‑debris clean‑up projects.
• Inspect and perform routine maintenance on mowers and other mobile equipment, changing blades and tires as needed.
• Provide litter control and cleanup for special events such as athletic games and public gatherings.

Required profile

• At least one year of experience in farming, groundskeeping, or tree and shrub care, OR six semester hours in plant science or a related field.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including overtime and weekends.
• Willingness to undergo drug/alcohol testing and comply with university emergency policies.

Required skills

• Operation of power riding mower (≤25 HP) and other landscaping equipment.
• Proficiency with string trimmers, blowers, hedgers, edgers, and chain saws.
• Experience applying chemicals for weed, pest, and soil management.
• Basic equipment maintenance and inspection.
• Ability to perform manual labor such as digging, grading, and sod laying.