Assistant Gardener - Seasonal - Military Veterans

Promotional priority for Teamster employees runs from January 27, 2022 - February 3, 2022

7-Month Seasonal Assistant Gardener
Job Code: 6040

Overview: The assistant gardener has the responsibility of assisting with the care of the grounds and gardens on the University of MN Twin Cities campus.

Responsibilities: These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this work and do not limit the assignment of related responsibilities in any position of this classification.

• Plants annuals, perennials, shrubs or trees.
• Maintains annual and perennial and shrub beds. Including spreading mulch, pulling weeds, pruning, applying fertilizers to annuals and perennials and picking litter.
• Mows, aerates and edges turf areas. Prepares lawn areas for seeding or sodding and lays seed or sod.
• Performs irrigation system maintenance checks and repairs as needed. Assists with irrigation start up and blow outs.
• Prunes trees and shrubs and operates the chipper
• Installs and maintains storm water management gardens (BMP's).
• Operates ride and walk behind mowers, skid steers, edgers, weed whips, litter lifts, back pack blowers, shovels, rakes, pruners, saws, hand tools and other equipment associated with grounds maintenance.
• Cleans and organizes facilities associated with Landcare.
• Assists with snow removal and de-icing program using vehicles, power equipment and hand tools.
• Other tasks as assigned

This job may be designated as essential
The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position

Additional Information: This is a seasonal 7-month, 100% appointment, Teamster Unit 3 position. This position includes the option to participate in the U of MN benefits package. Probationary period: 720 straight time hours
If you have interest in applying or would like more information please call 612.625.7361 or email at landcare@umn.edu

We Offer:

• MN State Retirement System (MSRS) pension plan - tax deferred.
• 13 paid vacation days per year (starting accrual rate), in addition to 13 paid sick days and 11 paid holidays.
• Reduced tuition opportunities covering 75% - 100% of eligible tuition.
• Excellent and affordable health care benefits.
• Wellness program with opportunity to earn lower health care rates.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent and one year of experience or 1 year of education in commercial gardening, grounds maintenance, or related field.
• Experience as a lead worker.
• A valid Driver's License.
• Ability to repetitively lift and carry 50 lbs.

Essential Qualification:

• Regular attendance is an essential qualification for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Valid MDA non-commercial pesticide applicators license.
• Experience operating a skid steer with attachments and other equipment associated with grounds maintenance.

Preferred skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisory staff.
• Ability to lead student workers on specific tasks.