Laborer I

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary position.
To work as a laborer in a wide variety of routine manual labor areas.

Unit Position Summary

As an MSU Landscaper, you will play an integral role in maintaining the natural beauty of Michigan State University’s campus by performing a variety of routine manual labor tasks related to general landscape maintenance, plant and tree care, landscape construction, and more. Come be a part of the reason why so many students, staff, faculty, and community members love MSU!

This position is year-round at 40hrs/week and is expected to begin in April. Based on the applicant's experience, the position may continue through the winter months by joining our Campus Snow Removal Team and/or working with a partner department of MSU Infrastructure Planning & Facilities to ensure the continuation of pay with retention of pay rate, union seniority, and bidding rights. Starting pay is $19.58 with an increase to $20.61 after 6 months based on satisfactory performance.

Position Benefits:

• Work-Life Balance: MSU Landscape Services promotes a healthy balance between work and busy personal schedules. Forty-hour weeks are the standard with daily end times at 2:30pm. Additional benefits such as holiday pay, vacation leave (after six months), and sick leave are included. Optional healthcare coverage with employer contribution to an HSA is available.
• Advancement Opportunity: MSU supports each employee in advancing their education and personal life skills. We offer opportunities to earn a Michigan Pesticide Applicator Certification, Commercial Driver’s License, heavy equipment certifications, and/or advanced specific green industry certifications. After six months of successful employment and 1,040 hours on the job, employees have an opportunity to bid on a full-time position with full MSU benefits.

Successful candidates will be placed on a specific crew based on your current work experience and job interests. Landscape Services crews consist of Gardening, Turf & Irrigation, Landscape Supply, Arborist, Hard Surface, and Site Construction.

Any questions about the position can be directed to IPF.LandscapeServices@msu.edu. 

Job Responsibilities are as follows:

Perform general landscaping maintenance including mowing, trimming, edging, weeding, and watering lawns and garden beds. Plant, prune, and maintain trees, shrubs, flowers, and other landscape plants. Apply fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to ensure healthy landscapes. Install and maintain landscape features such as flower beds, patios, walkways, retaining walls, and irrigation systems. Operate and maintain various landscaping equipment including mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, tractors, ToolCats, loaders, and other landscaping tools and equipment. Prepare and grade land for new landscaping projects, including digging, back-filling, and hauling materials. Install and maintain hardscaping elements such as streets, sidewalks, signage, and site furnishings. Ensure compliance with safety regulations and best practices. Transport tools, equipment, and materials to work sites and manage inventory. Assist in seasonal landscaping tasks including fall clean-up and spring planting operations. The role requires participation in MSU’s football tailgate cleanup and campus snow removal operations.

Minimum Requirements

• A valid vehicle operator's license is required, as the position involves driving a University vehicle. Applicants must have a clean driving record and pass both the departmental motor vehicle background check and the university criminal background check.
• Basic knowledge of tools, methods, equipment, and materials used in landscape maintenance is required.
• Applicants must obtain a valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification (Core only) within 6 months of hire if not already certified.
• The job involves frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds and occasional lifting of more than 75 Safety footwear, such as leather work boots, is required. The position also requires working in various weather conditions and may include after-hours, weekend, and holiday work.
• Participation in MSU’s football tailgate cleanup and snow removal operations is required. MSU is a tobacco-free campus, and tobacco use is prohibited on campus, including during work breaks and in personal vehicles parked on campus.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in landscape maintenance/installation, construction, logistics, or agriculture work;
• Experience operating industrial or commercial equipment used in landscaping, construction or agricultural work.
• Experience with landscape maintenance tools
• Paid experience in commercial snow removal.
• Possession of Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator license and/or other industry certifications.
• Commercial driver's license(s) with State of Michigan requirements.

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

Please submit your resume.

Special Instructions

Applications will be reviewed as needed.

Work Hours

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 events.

Website

ipf.msu.edu

Summary of Health Risks

Duties associated with this position involve working in noisy (above 85 decibels) areas, ability to work in variable or severe weather conditions, frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds with occasional lifting over 75 pounds, carrying, pushing, pulling, and climbing.

Summary of Physical Demands

Duties associated with this position involve working in noisy (above 85 decibels) areas, ability to work in variable or severe weather conditions, frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds with occasional lifting over 75 pounds, carrying, pushing, pulling, and climbing.