Landscape Gardener Trainee

Position Summary

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 assist in planning and record keeping to execute the Campus Landscape Management Plan and will perform job responsibilities to create optimal conditions for the growth and health of plant material; including trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, turf grass, and other horticultural items in assigned area. 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.

Pay Rate: $23.21 - $24.43 upon meeting probationary period requirements. This position is not eligible for remote work. Regular, in-person attendance is required to meet business and customer needs.

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.

Job responsibilities are as follows:

40% - Assist in the planting and routine care of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, turf grass and other horticultural items in assigned areas using such tools and equipment as brooms, edger, mowers, sprayers, hoes, picks, pruning shears, rakes, spades, spreaders, cultivation machines, irrigation implements, tractors, utility vehicles and trucks. Grade, seed, and sod of lawn areas. Assist in transplanting and moving trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plant material. Assist in laying out and maintenance of flowerbeds, ornamental shrubbery, and lawns. Rake, gather and dispose of leaves, twigs, and other debris. Read planting plans and blueprints. Dig and move plants and transplant trees, shrubs, flowers, and other horticultural items. Lay out and maintain landscape beds. Water, spray, fertilize and cultivate lawns, shrubs, trees, and other plant material. Trim hedges and vines.

20% - Assist in routine inspection of assigned areas for evidence of disease, insects, and other pests, taking appropriate corrective action within the principles of Integrated Pest Management. Assign, instruct, and review tasks distributed to support student/on-call employees executing the Landscape Management Plan work methods and processes. Maintain accurate work records, including those of assigned support employees. Provide customer service to MSU Community and the public. Responds or informs supervisory staff of complaints, comments, and/or unmet service needs.

20% - Assist in football tailgate cleanup. Participate in snow plan by shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles and equipment and applying ice melt products.

10% - Clean, care for, adjust, and take inventory of tools and equipment. Operate and perform regular maintenance to light and medium weight vehicles and loaders. Operate and make minor adjustments to mowers and other power tools. Requisition tools, equipment, supplies, and additional employees as necessary.

10% - Correspondence through email, training, meetings and professional development.

Minimum Requirements

• Casual knowledge of landscape equipment, tools, methods, and processes used in gardening and grounds maintenance.

• One-year of satisfactory landscape maintenance and installation experience responsible for maintaining all facets of the landscape or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience.

• One-year of commercial snow removal experience operating a licensed plow vehicle.

• Possession of a valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification - Turf (3A), Ornamental (3B), and Right of Way (6).

• Possession of a valid MSU Forklift Operator, Loader, Tractor, and Toolcat Operator Permit upon completion of probationary or trial period.

• Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator's license.

• Must drive a university vehicle to perform job duties of this classification.

• Must be able to work in variable or severe weather conditions.

• This position requires significant after-hours, weekend, and holiday work.

• Frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds and occasional lifting of over 75 pounds.

Desired Qualifications

Over one year of experience in landscape maintenance and installation in a large university campus setting, public gardens, or theme parks; experience in operating several types of power equipment used in landscape installation and maintenance; ability to calibrate and operate fertilizer and agricultural chemical application equipment; experience in following landscape plans to successfully install a landscape project; ability to identify different types of perennials, annuals, trees, and shrubs.

A creative and innovative lifelong learner with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population; able to problem solve within a collaborative team environment; ability to understand different perspectives while utilizing expert knowledge of the technical operations of the job.

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

Work Hours

M-F from 5am-1:30pm or 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

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 November 17, 2026 at 11:55 PM