Gardener & Grounds Maintenance, Lead

Job Summary:

 The Lead Gardener and Grounds Maintenance, performs the duties of a Gardener, snow removal, equipment operations associated with the maintenance of the campus grounds and supports all campus wide events. Assists Supervisor with planning and scheduling of the Institute’s campus-wide maintenance program; to include landscape design, daily task coordination, greenhouse operations and project work for each campus area. Work in concert with other leads to support campus wide events. Serve as team leader for crew of assigned staff. Act on behalf of the Supervisor during their absence.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree in Horticulture or a related field, with at least 5 years of field experience in landscape maintenance, including training and operating landscape maintenance equipment, irrigation systems, and snow removal equipment.
• Or a relevant combination of education, training, and directly related experience.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Valid New York State Pesticide Technician’s or Applicator’s License (Category 3a), or the ability to obtain within one year of appointment.

Relevant combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to independently operate all landscape, turf maintenance and snow removal equipment
• Understanding of irrigation systems, trouble shooting and ability to make minor repairs
• Ability to properly mix and apply appropriate pesticides, calibrate spreaders and sprayers
• Ability to identify plant material with the understanding of cultural requirements and growth habits.
• Thorough knowledge of planting techniques
• Ability to operate and train others on all landscape, turf maintenance and snow removal equipment
• Ability to provide day-to-day direction to staff and lead projects
• Ability to read, write, and perform arithmetic functions
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft and job specific software
• Ability work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Must have the ability to work flexible hours which may include, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays

Representative Job Duties:

• Coordinate an effective campus-wide seasonal maintenance program as directed by the Supervisor. Provide recommendations and input for improvements to grounds maintenance program. Organize the routine and non-routine duties of assigned staff to ensure equal distribution of work assignments fairly and appropriately concurrent with the qualifications of staff. Adjust work priorities as necessary to account for changes in weather, special events scheduled and projects. Communicate all unit activities to the Supervisor. Keep the Supervisor informed of staff issues, maintenance schedules, project status, equipment malfunctions, equipment and turf damage, equipment repair needs.
• Use campus maintenance software system to review daily work orders and assign to appropriate staff. Ensure all work orders are updated and closed out as appropriate.
• Coordinate and oversee campus wide planting and bed maintenance techniques. Diagnose insect, disease or cultural problems in the turf and landscape. Ensure safe handling, storage and application of granular and/or liquid fertilizer to maintain healthy plant growth. Ensure Pesticide product inventory/product books are current and up-to-date. Provide technical and horticultural assistance/training to staff in collaboration with the Supervisor. Responsible for keeping abreast a