Landscape Technician, Senior

Job Summary/Basic Function:

Under direction, be responsible for specialized landscaping and grounds maintenance work at a state institution/university campus, and/or supervise and instruct a small crew in this work; operate and maintain related equipment; perform related work.

Level Scope:

Applies skills and job knowledge in area of specialization; may adapt procedures, operations, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment to meet needs of area of specialization; may work on non-routine tasks; resolves issues/makes working decisions within area of specialization or responsibility with minimal supervision.

Essential Functions:

The Landscape Technician, Senior must:
● This class identifies the Senior worker who has day-to-day responsibility for landscaping and grounds maintenance.
● In addition to performing the Landscaping Technician duties, incumbents may train, assign work, and review the performance of subordinates.
● Although the typical assignment is that of a supervisor, non-supervisory positions may be allocated to this level where the performance of a limited number of technical tasks is of primary importance. Examples of non-supervisory assignments are:
● On a specific project or in a specific area, designs and implements beds and borders including recommendations for new planting, replanting and reorganizing existing plants of lawn areas, shrubbery, shade and ornamental trees, and flower beds; inspects plants, trees and shrubs for insect pests or disease and takes necessary measures for eradication; maintains records and files and submits reports as required; may develop snow removal plans.

Routine Landscape Maintenance: Performs routine maintenance, through manual labor and equipment operation, of campus landscape.
● Litter and debris removal.
● Maintain safe and aesthetic hardscapes.
● Planting, pruning, pest management, fertilization, debris removal and other cultural practices to maintain safe and aesthetic trees.
● Planting, pruning, fertilization, pest management, debris removal and other cultural practices to maintain safe and aesthetic landscape beds.
● Seeding, sod installation, aeration, topdressing, fertilization, pest management, mowing and other related cultural practices to maintain safe and aesthetic turf.
● Irrigation repair and regular zone checks to insure proper irrigation of all plant material.
● Snow and ice removal to provide safe public access to all areas of campus.

Lead Work: Assists foremen in direction, coordination and implementation of landscape maintenance duties.
● Interprets work instructions and determines time and sequence of operations to ensure timely completion of assigned task.
● Ensures a safe working environment for clients, the public and staff.
● Ensures compliance to standards of quality in task completion.
● Ensures timely communication and task completion for special requests.
● May supervise temporary and/or student staff on tasks and small projects.

Documentation:
● Maintains pesticide records for accountability.
● Maintains fertilization records for accountability.
● Reviews and understands MSDS records before applying chemicals.

Instruction / Training: Provides instruction and training to temporary and/or student staff in landscaping techniques and standards.
● Trains and instructs temporary and/or student staff in the operation of specialized equipment.
● Trains and instructs temporary and/or student staff in basic and advanced landscaping techniques.
● Trains and instructs temporary and/or student staff in proper record keeping.

Perform other duties when needed.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

● Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
● Ability to communicate ideas and apply general rules to specific problems.

Minimum Qualifications:

Either I
Six months of experience in the Idaho State service performing the duties of a Landscape Technician (formerly Grounds Maintenance Worker). Completion of a recognized course of study in landscape gardening or landscape design may be substituted for the required experience.

Or II
One year of experience in flower gardening and general grounds maintenance work. Completion of a recognized course of study in landscape gardening or landscape design may be substituted for the required experience.

Or III
Successful completion of a formal vocational training program in flower gardening and general grounds maintenance work such as Certified Technician in Landscape installation, irrigation, and maintenance/equipment overhaul or those operated under or similar to programs operated by State, Federal, or local agencies through school districts.

Or IV
Education: Completion of a two-year curriculum in ornamental horticulture or landscape work at the junior college or college level;

OR
any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education approved by the Division of Human Resources.

AND
A valid driver's license is required. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications:
• Professional applicators license – to be acquired within the 6-month probationary period.

Salary and Benefits: Salary of $21/hr. Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
• Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
• 10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees)
• 11.96% University contribution to your PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees)
• Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
• See our full benefits page for more information!

About Us:

Nestled along the Boise River and steps from the state capitol, Boise State University fosters a vibrant and welcoming academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We’re a trailblazing institution, nationally recognized for our innovative spirit and commitment to positive impact on Idaho and beyond.

Boise State is proud to be recognized by Forbes as the only Idaho employer listed in the top 100 of all national midsize and large employers. We’re building a thriving community of faculty and staff whose unique skills, experiences, and perspectives come together to create a rich and rewarding academic experience. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/