Department: Grounds and Horticulture

Position Type: Full Time, Seasonal

Hourly or Salary: Hourly

Hourly Rate: $16.00

Overview

To provide technical skills and labor necessary to maintain and develop the museum gardens and grounds.

Essential Job Functions

• Mow the grounds using the assigned equipment.

• Operate the grounds equipment as assigned, including backhoe, chainsaw, chipper, and loaders.

• Perform other grounds tasks, including planting, pruning, sodding, snow removal, trash removal, and general cleaning of the property.

• Apply pesticides according to procedures under a certified applicator.

• Assist with group projects and collaborative efforts of the HNR division.

Other duties may be assigned. To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

High School diploma or specialized education and three to five years related experience and/or training preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Other Skills and Abilities

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, and other employees

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals, and percentages. Math skills sufficient to calibrate equipment and make errorless calculations on pesticide application rates.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to follow safety procedures when working with mechanical and chemical equipment.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Proficiency in the use of hand and power tools, including pesticide application equipment. Knowledge of irrigation systems: includes basic plumbing and irrigation technical knowledge concerning such things as valves, pumps, fittings, repair techniques and specialized tools; understanding of proper irrigation application techniques for turf care. Ability to identify pests and diseases a plus; familiarity with methods of their control. Operational skills on wide range of grounds equipment, including backhoe, chainsaw, tractor loader, mowers, etc.; general knowledge of mechanics sufficient to recognize the existence of mechanical problems and sufficient knowledge of preventative maintenance practices to avoid preventable damage to equipment; ability to evaluate changing weather conditions and make appropriate decisions regarding snow and ice removal practices. Horticulture/groundskeeping skills. Organizational skills. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Physical Demands of Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.