Grounds Horticulture Technician (FT),

Grounds Horticulture Technician (FT)

The College of DuPage is a comprehensive community college located 27 miles west of downtown Chicago, vitally connected to our local area for over 50 years. We prepare students for a lifelong passion for learning on our 273-acre campus which is home to nine associate degrees and a wide variety of professional and technical certificates. Many of these credentials prepare students to seamlessly articulate into the baccalaureate programs of our higher education partner institutions. College of DuPage is committed to student success and values an inclusive and welcoming community environment. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workforce. Our connection to the larger metropolitan area is essential to our success and provides a wealth of diverse cultural and recreational opportunities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Under general supervision, performs work of routine difficulty in the landscaping and maintenance of campus grounds; performs other related work as required.

• Responsible for the design, installation, and maintenance of all planting beds on campus.
• Performs the identification, selection, ordering, planting, removal, watering, fertilization, pest and disease control, and pruning of trees and shrubs, flowers and plantings.
• Selects, mixes and applies chemical herbicides, pesticides fertilizers and keeps accurate treatment records of each.
• Participates in snow removal operations.
• Participates in turf installation, maintenance, and care.
• Performs maintenance and repairs on college owned equipment.
• Maintains and uses landscaping industry standard equipment and tools to perform assigned duties.
• Occasionally performs minor cement or asphalt patching on sidewalk and parking lots.
• Erects regulatory and information signing.
• Periodically supports the work of building maintenance staff.
• Occasionally supervises grounds staff in horticulture projects and tasks.
• Occasionally assists Athletic Technician and Irrigation Technician.
• Daily outdoor trash pickup.
• Required to report to work during emergency conditions and may be assigned to report at a different time and location and to perform different duties as necessary.
• Annually responsible for 4 documented hours of continuous learning through seminars, classroom training or conferences.
• Performs work safely in accordance with facilities department and college safety procedures and protocols. Completes college required training sessions.
• Operates equipment safely and reports any unsafe work condition or practice to supervisor.
• Daily creation and completion of work orders and time reports.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

• High school diploma with college coursework in Ornamental Horticulture and a good knowledge of herbicide and pesticide mixing and application procedures required.
• Completion of certificate or Associate degree in horticulture, landscape contracting, forestry or a related field preferred.

Experience:

• Two years experience in horticulture maintenance, landscape contracting, or a related field required.
• Pesticide applicator's license with ornamentals endorsement required within 6 months of hire date.
• Valid Illinois driver's license required.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English required.
• Five years experience in horticulture maintenance, landscape contracting, or a related field preferred.
• Professional snow removal experience preferred.
• Plant identification experience and or Certified Arborist preferred.

COD Training:

• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Hazardous Communications
• Forklift /Scissor /Aerial Lift
• Electrical Safety

Working Conditions:

• Knowledge of grounds equipment including: mowers, sprayers, chain saws, power mechanical tools, and all types of vehicles, and the upkeep and repair of all equipment and tools.
• Board Policy 15-460 requires post offer, reasonable suspicion, random, and post-accident alcohol and controlled substance tests at the College's expense for this position.
• Required to be scheduled on call to aid in snow emergencies.
• Must be able to lift 50+ pounds.
• Must be able to bend, reach, work on hands and knees of necessary.
• Uniform appearance must be clean and in good wear.
• Must wear solid soled shoes.
• Usually good conditions, but could be exposed to harsh weather and long hours in emergency situations.
• Position requires extensive walking and the ability to climb stairs and ladders.
• Required uniforms supplied by the College of DuPage.
• Must pass physical exam at College expense.
• This position requires a background check, physical and drug screen.

Hiring Range:

7 Hourly/Starting salary beginning at $21.70/hourly

Competitive starting pay is dependent on education and experience. College of DuPage also offers a generous benefits plan which includes paid time off, tuition discounts for employees and dependents, medical, dental, vision effective the first day of employment, and retirement benefits in a collaborative and friendly environment.

College of DuPage is an equal opportunity employer. The College of DuPage is committed to recruiting and retaining high performing talent to our institution, continuing our tradition of excellence. We encourage all people across the broad spectrum of those communities we serve to explore and apply for positions at COD for which they believe they are qualified.

College of DuPage does not discriminate against individuals in employment opportunities, programs and/or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veterans' status, marital status, disability, military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or on any other basis protected by law.