Horticulture — Gardening Group Leader

Position Summary

MSU Benefits: Free comprehensive health care for you and your family as well as a 10% contribution toward your retirement; generous sick, vacation, personal and holiday time. This position is not eligible for remote work. Regular, in-person attendance is required to meet business and customer needs.

MSU Landscape Services has been maintaining campus as a living, learning laboratory since 1905. We are responsible for all aspects of landscape construction and maintenance including snow removal, signage, hardscape maintenance, golf course maintenance, tree care, and general repair on the campus of Michigan State University.

This position will lead, accompany, and oversee support staff and daily operations in the execution of the Campus Landscape Management Plan and will perform job responsibilities to create optimal conditions for the growth and health of plant material; including trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, turf grass, and other horticultural items in assigned area. This position will require participation in MSU Football tailgate clean up and participation in the Campus Snow Removal Plan by shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles and equipment, applying ice-melt products, and assuming the role of Emergency Response Team Captain (if volunteers are not acquired). This role will primarily focus on leading horticultural management initiatives and overseeing the care of elite and high-priority landscapes on campus.

This position will engage in high performing, leading edge practices, valuing people, partners and stewardship. At IPF, we are committed to fostering an equitable, inclusive culture; engaging and hiring a diverse workforce.

Job responsibilities are as follows:
25%: Lead crews in campus horticultural efforts and conduct routine inspections of elite and priority landscapes in collaboration with the supervisor. Coordinate with other landscaping crews and staff to align tasks and complete landscape management activities. Interpret work instructions and determine the sequence of operations to ensure timely and efficient task completion. Assist in the scheduling and maintenance of seasonal tasks, i.e. leaf removal, litter collection, watering, pruning, plantings, perennial cut back, IPM strategies, invasive species issues in zone. Oversee and assist in the removal of invasive species.

20%: Lead, accompany, oversee, and assist in the planting and routine care of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, turf grass, and other horticultural items in assigned areas using a variety of landscaping tools and equipment. Oversee and assist in the raking, gathering and disposal of leaves, twigs, and other debris. Oversee and assist in the inventory, security, safe operation, adjustment, care and cleaning of tools and equipment. Operate and perform regular maintenance to light and medium weight vehicles, landscape equipment, and snow removal equipment. Water, spray, fertilize and cultivate lawns, shrubs, trees, and other plant material. Trim hedges and vines. Monitor irrigation systems. Read planting plans and blueprints. Assist in the layout, design, and creation of flowerbeds, ornamental shrubbery, and plants within landscape beds and displays ensuring alignment with established landscape themes. 

15%: Routinely inspect assigned areas for evidence of disease, insects, and other pests, taking appropriate corrective action within the principles of Integrated Pest Management. Apply fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, ensuring proper application rates and calibration. Maintain accurate records of work and equipment use and communicate regularly via email, text, and phone updates to supervisors on task progress and project statuses. Diagnose and report any plant material or turf areas through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that may require additional practices for plant health.

15% Assist in football tailgate cleanup. Participate in snow plan by shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles and equipment and applying ice melt products. Assume role of Emergency Response Team Captain in the Campus Snow Removal Plan by shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles and equipment, applying ice-melt products, and assuming the role of Emergency Response Team Captain (if volunteers are not acquired).

15%: Oversee rotations and protocols for shared equipment, including routine preventative maintenance, repairs, and storage. Assist in training regular, temporary, and seasonal employees in cultural techniques, horticultural practices, and safety protocols. Assist and instruct staff in the installation of seasonal color and special plantings within general landscapes and high-priority locations. Assign, instruct, and review tasks distributed to support employees executing the Landscape Management Plan work methods and processes. Requisition tools, equipment, supplies, and additional employees as necessary. 

10%: Monitor working areas to ensure compliance with safety protocols Identify and mitigate health and safety hazards within the work environment. Keep abreast of new developments in equipment, products, and cultural techniques relevant to horticultural and landscape maintenance. Correspondence through email, training, meetings and professional development. Provides customer service to MSU Community and the public. Responds or informs supervisory staff of complaints, comments and/or unmet service needs.

Minimum Requirements

• Expert knowledge of landscape equipment, tools, methods, and processes used in gardening and grounds maintenance.
• Two years satisfactory experience as a Landscape Gardener II and satisfactory performance or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience.
• Two years satisfactory experience planning, leading, and overseeing work tasks of support staff in the execution of a Landscape Management Plan.
• Over five years of commercial snow removal experience in operating a licensed plow vehicle.
• Possession of a valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification - Turf (3A), Ornamental (3B), and Right of Way (6).
• Possession of a Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association certification, or an approved equivalent.
• Possession of valid MSU Forklift, Loader, Tractor, and Toolcat Operator Permits prior to completion of applicable probation or trial period.
• Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator's license.
• Must drive University vehicle to perform job duties of this classification.
• Must be able to work in variable or severe weather conditions.
• This position requires significant after-hours, weekend, and holiday work.
• Frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds and occasional lifting of over 75 pounds.

Desired Qualifications

Over eight years of experience in landscape maintenance and installation in a large university campus setting, public gardens, or theme parks; experience in operating several types of power equipment used in landscape installation and maintenance; experience with calibrating and operating fertilizer and agricultural chemical application equipment. 

A creative and innovative lifelong learner with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population; able to problem solve within a collaborative team environment; ability to understand different perspectives while utilizing expert knowledge of the technical operations of the job.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Work Hours

M-F from 6am-2:30pm with significant after-hours, weekend, & holiday work. Shifts may vary depending on seasonality of work requirements or emergency situations e.g. snow removal, parking ramp maintenance, football cleanup, or other events.

Building Location

LANDSCAPE SERVICES

Website

ipf.msu.edu

Summary of Physical Demands

Duties associated with this position involve frequent carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, and lifting of 26 to 75 pounds with occasional lifting over 75 pounds.

Summary of Health Risks

Duties associated with this position involve working in noisy (above 85 decibels) areas and working in variable or severe weather conditions.

Bidding eligibility ends August 5, 2025, 11:55 PM