Landscape Nursery Equipment Operator I / Landscape Equipment Operator I

Working/Functional Title

Landscape Nursery Equipment Operator I

Position Summary

Pay Rate: $23.40 - $26.00 upon meeting probationary period requirements.

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 perform responsibilities associated with the operation, maintenance, and inspection of a variety of tools, vehicles, machinery, and complex heavy equipment used in landscape nursery operations. This role includes tasks such as loading, unloading, moving, delivering, and documenting supplies, plants, and landscape materials, as well as maintaining nursery-specific equipment like irrigation systems, reverse osmosis water filtration systems, and spray equipment. The position performs essential horticultural tasks including planting, transplanting, pruning, and preparing soil mixtures. They also propagate and grow plants, trees, and shrubs, and apply specialized planting techniques like grafting and budding. This position will operate complex heavy equipment such as tractors, backhoes, loaders, dozers, skid steers, tree spades, knuckle boom crane trucks, dump trucks, truck & trailers combinations, and other landscaping tools and equipment as well as performing manual labor tasks. 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 other related responsibilities.

This position will engage in high performing, leading edge practices, valuing people, partners and stewardship. 

Job responsibilities are as follows:

25% - Operates, maintains, and inspects a range of tools, vehicles, machinery, and complex heavy equipment related to landscape nursery operations to load, unload, move, receive, deliver, and care for supplies, equipment, nursery plants, and other landscape materials. Operates, maintains, and inspects nursery-specific equipment such as nursery irrigation systems, reverse osmosis water filtration systems, and a variety of spray equipment. Performs difficult digging, auguring, backfilling, hauling, moving, hoisting, and loading tasks using heavy equipment. Erects structures, displays, fences, gates, sheds, and related horticultural facilities. Trains, assigns, instructs, and reviews tasks distributed to support employees. Work with and assist other Landscape Services Department crews when necessary.

25% - Plants, transplants, prunes, prepares greenhouse soil mixtures, t rains horticultural specimens, and performs other routine horticultural operations. Perpetuates new and rare plants, trees, and shrubs. Determines the kinds of insecticides, types and quality of fertilizer, and temperature and humidity most suitable to the variety of plants under cultivation. Trims and maintains plants, trees, and shrubbery at the nursery. Propagates, grows, and prepares nursery stock and landscape materials for campus installations and plantings. Plans, utilizes, and adapts specialized methods in the planting, propagating, cultivating, budding, grafting, and transplanting of plants, flowers, trees, and shrubbery. Routinely inspects assigned areas for evidence of disease, insects, and other pests taking appropriate corrective action within the principles of Integrated Pest Management. Performs manual landscape labor such as shoveling, raking, lifting, hauling, etc. and maintain facilities and property through mowing, weed whipping, spraying, and other landscape tasks to maintain Nursery property and facilities. Cleans and maintains work areas, vehicles, power equipment, heavy equipment, and hand tools.

20% - Assists with inventory management by ordering, receiving, approving, identifying, and producing plant labels via computer technology, and caring for nursery plants, seeds, and other landscape materials. Unpacks, documents, and stores equipment, supplies, and materials. Maintains accurate work records by collecting data and recording documentation on plants, materials, and inventory.

20% - Participates in snow plan by shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles and equipment and applying ice melt products. Participates in football tailgate clean up.

Minimum Requirements

• Working knowledge of tools, equipment, methods, and materials used in landscape nursery operations.
• Three years of satisfactory experience performing job duties and operating equipment used in landscape nursery operations, or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience.
• Three years of commercial snow removal experience operating a licensed plow vehicle.
• Possession of a valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification in categories Turf (3A), Ornamental (3B), and Right of Way (6).
• Possession of a valid Michigan Class A Commercial Driver's License with applicable endorsements (air brakes) with no restrictions in categories “L" and “O” and a medical certificate to comply with State of Michigan requirements.
• Possession or attainment of a MSU Forklift, Loader, Tractor, Toolcat, Skid Steer, and Backhoe Operat or Permits prior to completion of applicable probation or trial period.

Must drive a university vehicle to perform job duties of this c lassification; Must be able to work in variable or severe weather condi tions; This position requires significant after-hours, weekend, and hol iday work; Frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds and occasional lifting of over 75 pounds.

Desired Qualifications

Three to five years of experience in performing tasks associated with landscape nursery operations.

A creative innovator dedicated to continuous learning, with a proven ability to communicate effectively across stakeholder groups. Brings strong technical expertise and thrives in team-oriented environments. A collaborative problem solver who identifies challenges and implements solutions that support and advance University priorities.

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

Special Instructions

Please list or provide copies of any required licensure/certifications you possess within your application as they pertain to this position.

Work Hours

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

Building Location

LANDSCAPE SERVICES

Website

ipf.msu.edu

Summary of Physical Demands

Duties associated with this position involve exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions, 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 Health Risks

Duties associated with this position involve exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions, 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.

Bidding eligibility ends October 7, 2025, 11:55 PM