Landscape and Grounds Specialist

Job Description

Join Facilities Management at the University of Oklahoma and be part of a team dedicated to meeting the University's ever-changing needs. Located within Facilities Management, Landscape and Grounds Services maintains over 3,000 acres of campus lawns, gardens, and grounds.

Duties:

• Participates in routine grounds maintenance functions.
• Performs varied work, such as loading and unloading trucks, cleaning work areas, digging ditches, spreading sand, dirt, and asphalt, etc.
• Hand-waters and irrigates turf areas, hedges, and flower and shrub beds.
• Uses power mowing equipment to cut grass.
• Applies pesticides and fertilizers.
• Ensures that the assigned equipment being used is working at all times. Refills fuel and cleans equipment daily.
• Performs minor maintenance on equipment and hand tools. Reports equipment problems or failures.
• Moves and cuts tree limbs with a chain saw or runs through a chipper. Maintains records on tree maintenance activities and equipment usage.
• May use hand-cutting tools to trim grass, edging, curbs, trees and weeds.
• Performs related duties as needed to successfully fulfill the functions of the position.

SCHEDULE NOTE:

• The current schedule is Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM.
• The summer schedule which begins in mid to late spring will be Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM.
• Work times may shift due to weather and operational needs, including required overtime, and you may be designated as an essential position during emergency closures.

Job Requirements

Required Education: None

Required Experience: None

Skills:

• Ability to communicate verbally or in writing
• Basic math skills
• Ability to accurately read and understand written materials and instructions
• Ability to operate lawn equipment
• Uses tools or equipment in a manner requiring competence
• Communicates as required to exchange information and give simple instructions
• Performs simple record-keeping operations
• Knowledge of routine gardening procedures

Certifications:

• Valid Oklahoma Driver's License in order to drive University vehicles or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire date

Working Conditions:

• Exposure to physically demanding tasks such as heavy lifting of 100 pounds or more.
• Exposure to extreme temperature changes.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions including in the heat and cold.
• Some overtime, including nights, weekends, and holidays may be required.
• Frequent exposure to chemicals or other hazardous materials.
• May be designated as an essential position during emergency closures.
• May be required to remain on campus overnight during weather or other emergencies.

Department Preferences:

• 6 months landscaping experience.

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing .

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.