Horticulturist

Performs all aspects of landscape maintenance and arboriculture including, but not limited to tree climbing, proper tree pruning techniques, operating bucket truck equipment, organic and conventional care and maintenance of turf, trees, shrubs, and annuals throughout the University.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Interpret soil analysis; develops amendment strategies; modifies organic landscape maintenance programs to achieve desired results. 

• Performs all aspects of composting operation, including material sourcing, transportation, integration, gestation oversight (agitation and aeration), and liquidation of nutrient sources for use in spray applications. 

• Performs ongoing maintenance of landscape systems, including aeration, fertilization, renovation (seeding and sodding) of turf; pruning, removal, cabling, and treatment applications (organic and/or conventional fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides) for trees and shrubs; and routine maintenance of irrigation systems. 

• Reviews and comments on landscape design and development plans with particular emphasis on sustainability and maintenance. 

• Interprets landscape construction drawings and plans; stakes out ground plans, organizes tasks; may perform installation work independently or as part of a larger team. 

• Installs and maintains annual / perennial gardens and display containers including fertilization and treatment programs. 

• Performs winter care program for trees and shrubs including dormant pruning, anti-desiccant spraying and securing of specimens susceptible to winter damage. 

• May oversee property maintenance workers as assigned.

• Perform other duties as required.

Working Conditions:

Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel

Physical Requirements:

Ability to perform outdoor work for prolonged periods of time, often during inclement weather conditions. Frequent climbing, bending, stooping, and reaching, occasional work in restricted spaces and frequent carrying/transporting heavy loads up to 50 lb.