Department Landscape Grounds Shop
Category Grounds and Landscape Services
Job Type Full-Time
Overview
The Landscaper III, a member of the Facilities Operations, provides assistance in support of Grounds operations by maintaining, preserving and improving the University grounds. The Landscaper follows all University safety rules and regulations at all times and is proficient in grounds maintenance and landscaping operations.
This positions normal work week is Monday – Friday 6:00 am – 2:30 pm, based on business needs, other work schedules may be assigned or required.
ResponsibilitiesEssential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Observes university and departmental safety regulations, uses appropriate personal protective equipment and performs all work in a safe manner. Ensures proper care in the safe use and maintenance of all vehicles, tools and equipment used.
- Operate tractors and attachments, small power equipment and attachments such as mowers, string trimmers, hedge shears, leaf blowers, etc.
- Operate equipment under 26,000 Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) for hauling soil, leaves, plants, wood and other items. Ability to pull a trailer over 10,000 GVW, CDL if necessary.
- Perform snow and ice control operations by operating equipment by plowing in trucks or tractors.
- Remove litter and debris from campus grounds.
- In certain instances the ability to operate large equipment and load materials.
- Operate and service all equipment and attachments owned or rented by Grounds, including backhoes and cherry pickers at a basic skill level.
- May apply pesticides as directed by a licensed pesticide applicator.
- Assist with the maintenance, preservation and improvement of University grounds to include installing and maintaining basic grounds landscape plantings, lawns and hard surfaces.
- Landscaper 3 may perform Landscaper 4 skills for training purposes.
- May be asked to coordinate assigned work of other Landscaper 3’s and casuals, (and shop helpers and workers during snow removal) at the direction of the supervisor.
- As necessary, perform overtime and after-hours work assignments. May be required to carry a two-way radio.
- Provide regular feedback to staff; keep superior informed; be responsive to directives from superiors; support the unit, departmental and institutional goals.
- Has mastered and is highly proficient in one of the key trades in Grounds including but not limited to horticulture, arboriculture, heavy equipment operator (backhoes, cherry pickers articulated loaders and other specialized equipment) turf management, irrigation, integrated pest management, soil science, greenhouse or nursery operations.
- Layout and accomplish tasks as assigned without direct supervision.
- A proven track record of good attendance and reliability.
- Other duties as assigned.
QualificationsThe requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Possess a high school diploma or an equivalency.
- Must poses the physical dexterity and stamina required for grounds maintenance duties.
- Must be able to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.
- Must have the ability to service and operate tractors and attachments, trucks and all other grounds equipment including hand tools.
- As an essential employee, must be available to work overtime involving both early as well as late hours and weekends. Must be able to respond promptly to emergency call-ins during inclement weather including snow and ice conditions.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications: Special consideration will be given to applicants with extensive grounds maintenance background, heavy equipment operation, horticultural experience and pesticide knowledge.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- stand or walk 2 - 4 hours at one time, up to 8 hours per day;
- sit for less than 2 hours during an 8 hour day, except while operating mowers or trimming operations, or during snow removal operations;
- during grass mowing or trimming operation or snow removal operations, sits for 2-4 hours at one time, up to 8 hours per day;
- during grass mowing or trimming operations or snow removal operations, operates motor vehicles (including mowers) or heavy equipment (e.g., forklift, high reach, cherry picker) constantly (over 67% of the workday);
- lift or carry up to 50 pounds frequently (34 – 66% of the workday) and 75 pounds occasionally (less than 33% of the workday);
- lift up to 75 pounds to waist height and up to 50 pounds in a range of motions from floor to overhead:
- frequently use hands for simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing or pulling (34 – 66% of the workday);
- occasionally push or pull with forces up to 75 pounds, climb stairs or ladders, dig or pick, use jack hammer or air spade, crawl, lift overhead, lie down, or knee stand (less than 33% of the work day);
- frequently push or pull with forces up to 50 pounds, bend, squat, kneel, or reach overhead (34 – 66% of the work day);
- work outdoors in a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions;
- Possess ability to work at heights, full range of body motions and physical agility, and ability to maintain balance.
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.
If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.
Standard Weekly Hours40.00
Eligible for OvertimeYes
Benefits EligibleYes
Probationary PeriodPer union contract
Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)Yes
Physical Capacity Exam RequiredYes
Valid Drivers License RequiredYes
Salary Range$25.05 Minimum Hourly Rate

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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