UMD Part-Time Gardener

This position has lead worker responsibility for the care of gardens, grounds and lawns on Duluth area University properties, as well as equipment maintenance, record-keeping and ordering supplies. This position reports to the Fleet and Grounds Supervisor.

The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants: 3/23/26 - 3/30/26.

Job Duties:

• Plant flowers, shrubs, trees, seeds, bulbs.
• Trim, bud, graft, prune, cultivate, stake and water trees, shrubs, and plants.
• Prepare soils for special needs using prescribed methods and materials.
• Spray pesticides. Plans and schedules spraying procedures to keep gardens in healthy growing condition. Determine type of spray needed and mix spraying solutions.
• Instruct and direct student, volunteer and full-time workers in snow removal and general gardening duties, soil care, and safe use of lawn care and snow removal equipment.
• Mow, aerate and fertilize lawns.
• Rake grass and leaves. Trim and straighten garden beds.
• Remove and dispose of dead plants.
• Winterize shrubs and trees.
• Maintain paved surfaces.
• Remove snow and ice on walkways and other areas as needed.
• Operate snow-plowing equipment for snow and ice removal.
• Operate riding mowers, loaders, edgers, chainsaws, basket lifts, snowplows, sweepers, weed whips, backpack blowers and other equipment used in ground maintenance.
• Keep records of information as required.
• Data entry and retrieval on computer.
• Repair, adjust, and maintain gardening machinery and equipment.
• Adjust and repair landscape irrigation systems.
• Inventory supplies and equipment periodically.
• Submit requests for equipment, tools, soils, seeds, bulbs, fertilizers, fumigants, insecticides, and other supplies as needed.
• Regularly inspect grounds for safety, appearance and proper maintenance.
• Submit work requests for hazardous conditions and exterior maintenance needs.
• Install, adjust and remove signs and sign posts.
• Demonstrate courteous behavior to all customers, co-workers and other members of the campus community.
• Maintain indoor trees and plants, including seasonal decorations.
• Lifting soil amendments, fertilizer, etc. up to 50 lbs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Miscellaneous Duties:

• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior to all customers, co-workers, and other members of the campus community.
• Represents Facilities Management and the University in a positive way by maintaining a professional and neat appearance.
• Participates in team meetings and decisions within the work unit.
• Knows and follows safety procedures and policies in everyday work and uses protective equipment as required.
• Performs special projects and other work-related duties as assigned.

Location and Work environment:

This is an in-person position that will work part time on campus.

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday with a normal shift time of 6am-2:30pm.

• High school diploma or equivalent and three years of full-time paid experience and training in commercial gardening, grounds equipment operation, ground maintenance, and/or greenhouse work which must include at least six months of related vocational technical training or equivalent education.
• At the discretion of the hiring authority, the six months of related vocational technical training may be waived for specific vacancies and comparable relevant work experience may be substituted.
• A pesticide applicator's license will be required within 90 days of hire.
• A valid Class B Commercial Driver's License or ability to acquire within six months of start of employment. Must meet all Department of Transportation's (DOT) rules, 49 CFR Part 40, drug and alcohol testing requirements for the federally regulated transportation industry.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
  

UMD Facilities Management supports the academic, research, and service mission of the University of Minnesota Duluth by developing, enhancing, and preserving the physical assets of the campus. Facilities Management strives to foster and maintain an environment of inclusiveness and respect on the UMD campus. All staff are expected to support Goal 2 of the campus strategic plan, which states, "Create a positive and inclusive campus climate for all by advancing equity, diversity, and social justice."

Pay Range: $28.67-$32.56; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 50% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

In order to be considered for the role you must submit a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).