Horticulturist

Job Summary Facilities Management (FM) at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Horticulturist ! Outdoor Services provides high quality, professional grounds and landscape services to enhance a safe, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious campus. This work unit provides horticulture management and grounds maintenance support to the University of Colorado. This unit is also responsible for snow removal operations during the winter months. CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Facilities Management (FM) Provides outdoor services to general fund areas and several auxiliary funded facilities. FM Outdoor Services is responsible for grounds maintenance and irrigation system operation and maintenance for the general fund areas on campus. What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be Landscape Management Practices Assist the Main Campus Horticulture & Weed Management Supervisor with implementing the Main Campus Grounds Shrub & Bed Management Plan, assist with trash removal, pruning, watering, fertilizing, weeding, chemical applications and maintaining vine, rock, shrub, annual, and perennial landscape beds on CU FM maintained areas. Work with the Supervisor to plan, coordinate resources, and complete the use of Grounds Staff to train with and assist the Horticulture Team with bed maintenance. May train incorrect and safe practices for FTE and student employees. Other duties include soil/compost preparation, shrub/plant installation and removal, identifying pests and diseases, edging, cleaning out, mulching, maintaining tools, monitoring irrigation, assessing conditions, and recommending adjustments to the Supervisor or Irrigation Manager. Maintain accurate records of bed applications throughout growing season. Recommend or complete special projects by improving landscape areas in conjunction with Supervisor and Main Campus Turf & Landscape Manager. Identify problem beds and recommend action needed to correct problems. Maintain assigned tools and equipment and be able to communicate and accurately describe issues/problems. Conduct Chemical Applications for Weeds & Pests Conduct pre and post-emergent chemical applications using synthetic and organic/natural liquid or granular products. Assist the Main Campus Horticulture & Weed Management Supervisor and team in researching new synthetic and natural products during the offseason. Safely mix chemical concentrates in the chemical storage area per label. Conduct chemical applications in both general fund and recharge areas (under maintenance agreements) of campus for pests and weeds. This duty may require weekend work schedules one or two weekends a month throughout the growing season. Maintain records of all chemical applications and assist with timely reports to the Supervisor. Conduct timely notification prior to all applications. Ensure appropriate pre and post application signage is placed in areas visible to the public, ensuring signs are picked up when re-entry is acceptable. Accurately charge appropriate work orders, maintenance agreements and maintenance projects on a timely basis. Safety Contribute to a safe working environment for self, direct reports, co-workers and the public. Adhere to all Federal, State, Local, and Department safety guidelines, including any concerning chemical applications or release of bio-controls. Report unsafe conditions or accidents to supervisors and/or Operations Control Center. Attend and participate in safety trainings. Review and become familiar with the Outdoor Services safety manual and ensure staff comply as well. Follow Colorado Department of Agriculture guidelines and University policies. Follow pesticide storage guidelines. Advise applicators who may be assisting with chemical applications on appropriate safety measures. Snow Removal & Ice Abatement Perform mechanical, hand shoveling and ice abatement operations. Remove snow and conduct ice abatement for sidewalks, stairs, bus stops, curb cuts, paved trails, parking lots and ADA ramps using powered equipment or manual methods. This position is designated Essential Services and is expected to respond to snow removal as required based on university needs and activities. Perform General Landscape Maintenance Activities May assist with and lead projects such as manual weeding of rock beds, mulch beds, annual/perennial beds, pruning, mowing, string trimming, sidewalk edging, rough mowing, native area management, noxious weed management, trash removal, drainage corrections, irrigation, tree care, turf management, building entry/loading dock maintenance, graffiti removal, hardscape and outdoor furniture assets maintenance and installations, and support other grounds maintenance activities/assignments. May assist Campus Arborist work activities. Some duties may require adjusted work schedules, including off-set work hours and weekends. What You Should Know This position is eligible for our Facilities Management Employee Referral Program. This in-person position works five (5) eight-hour days per week, Monday - Friday, between the hours of 6:00 am and 5:00 pm, based on staffing requirements of the Department. Occasional weekend work may be required based on needs of department and/or essential services designation. This posting may fill more than one vacancy. What We Can Offer The annual salary for this role is $46,584. If you have prior state-classified experience in the same class series as this position, your pay may be set at a higher amount per the state Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024. Benefits At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well‑being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world‑class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program. What We Require Must be a Colorado resident to apply. Must have a valid Colorado driver's license. 2 years of grounds care and maintenance, greenhouse, or plant nursery general labor work experience appropriate to the job assignment. Obtain and maintain a Colorado Department of Agriculture Certified Operators License or higher with categories 207 (Ornamental Pest Control) within 12 months of hire, or possess one currently. What You Will Need The ability to work independently and in a team setting. Effective communication and social skills. What We Would Like You to Have Horticulture and landscape management experience. Crew/Lead worker experience. Essential Services This position is designated “essential services.” The incumbent is required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies (snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man‑made event) and report to work for his / her regularly assigned shift during emergency campus closures. #J-18808-Ljbffr