Landscape Technician (37.5 Hour) (WESTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY)

Introduction Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) is part of the Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR) and offers undergraduate and graduate programs that weave together liberal arts and professional education. Positions Four full‑time Landscape Technician positions located in Danbury, CT. Full‑time, 37.5 hours per week. First shift, Tuesday–Saturday, 6:00 am–2:00 pm. Valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license required. Department The Grounds team manages landscaping activities at both Midtown and Westside campuses, supports student events, oversees snow removal of walkways, roadways and parking garages, and maintains the Ives Concert Park grounds and the Westside Nature Preserve. Role Overview Responsible for grounds and athletic field maintenance, including snow removal operations on the Midtown and Westside campuses. Candidates must be prepared to work in various conditions and during inclement weather. Purpose of Job Class Independently perform a full range of landscaping tasks to beautify and maintain the visual appearance of campuses. Examples of Duties Prepare, install and maintain decorative landscaping features such as flowers, plants, shrubs, ornamental grasses, trees, waterscapes, lighting, and decorative materials. Haul materials, fill, grade, and slope work sites. Pull weeds, mulch, repair drip lines, water, and fertilize. Install and maintain turf by seeding, sodding, mowing, and fertilizing. Clear brush, debris and leaves from lawns and catch basins. Install, maintain and regulate irrigation systems. Install, maintain and repair recreational sports fields. Operate and maintain equipment such as bucket/boom trucks, front loaders, backhoes, bulldozers, forklifts, tractors, dump trucks, street sweepers, leaf vacuums, wood chippers, mowers, leaf blowers, weed whackers and chainsaws. Maintain and repair small gas engine power equipment and large equipment, including oil, spark plug changes, blade sharpening, tire changes, fluid changes, and battery replacement. Use and maintain hand tools. Assist with set‑up and dismantling of plantings, fences, chairs, tents, bleachers and tables for special events. Install and maintain fences, bollards and signage campus‑wide. Repair asphalt pavement and other materials on traveled surfaces. Perform pre‑treatment and snow/ice removal. Assist arborists with tree pruning or felling operations. Keep landscape work sheds orderly and efficient. Remove trash and change bins daily. May apply pesticides under direct supervision, paint poles and other structures, travel to regional campuses and perform related duties as required. Knowledge, Skills and Ability Knowledge of various plants used in landscape features and proper plant care. Knowledge of turf grass management, pesticides and application methods. Interpersonal and written communication skills. Ability to operate, maintain and repair hand tools, small gas engines, large power equipment, and heavy construction landscaping equipment and vehicles; use personal protective equipment; follow written and oral instructions; use computer software. Minimum Qualifications – General Experience Two years of experience in landscape maintenance, including operation, maintenance and repair of small and large power/motor equipment and heavy construction or commercial equipment used in landscaping. Minimum Qualifications – Special Experience One year of the general experience must include plant selection and installation, pruning, fertilization and seeding of turf grasses. Minimum Qualifications – Substitutions Allowed For state employees, two years of landscaping experience at the level of Maintainer may be substituted for the general and special experience. Preferred Qualifications Experience in a large‑scale service industry. Experience in Grounds, sports field maintenance, and snow removal, including plant selection, installation, pruning, fertilization and seeding of turf grasses. Demonstrated use of technical and communicative skills. Professional certifications such as Property Maintenance and Management. Previous experience at a college or university‑like setting. Demonstrated knowledge of horticulture. Special Requirements Valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license required. Availability to work as needed for emergency or snow removal duties. May be required to possess and retain appropriate current licenses, permits and/or certifications. May require travel. Physical Requirements Incumbents must have adequate physical strength, stamina, agility and visual and auditory acuity, and maintain such fitness to perform the duties of the class. A physical examination may be required. Working Conditions Incumbents may be required to lift moderate to heavy weights; may be exposed to extreme weather, dust, noise and risk of injury from equipment. May require use of personal protective equipment. Equal Opportunity Employer The State of Connecticut is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages the applications of women, minorities and persons with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr State-of-Connecticut---State-Colleges-&-Universities---Board-of-Regent