Grounds - Horticulturist

About This Role

Maintain landscapes at Colby College, focusing on plant health, irrigation, and turf care, often leading teams and operating heavy equipment, while ensuring safety and coordinating with event needs.

Responsibilities

• Assure safety of staff and the public during work performance
• Follow all established state, federal, and College regulations
• Attend safety and health classes relevant to the position and department
• Ensure work sites comply with applicable standards and regulations
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as necessary
• Uphold zone/shop/safety standards
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with external and internal public groups
• Provide professional advice on the selection, ordering, planting, and maintenance of trees, shrubs, ground covers, and turf grasses on campus
• Plan and design annual and perennial flower beds
• Train and supervise subordinate personnel in greenhouse operations and proper planting techniques for ornamental plants
• Train grounds personnel in techniques of pruning, wound dressing, cavity repair, and cabling/bracing of trees and shrubs
• Assist in the preparation of maintenance programs for the control of plant diseases and insects
• Perform a variety of landscape maintenance labor activities
• Safely drive a truck and trailer
• Assist in snow removal and be available to work during adverse weather conditions

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Ability to obtain State of Maine Pesticide applicators license in Category 3A Outdoor Ornamentals within three (3) months
• 3-5 years of experience in a related field
• Prior snow removal responsibilities
• Ability to operate a range of snow removal equipment (Trackers, Skid Steer, Truck, Shovel)

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3-5 years of experience in a related field

Nice to Have

• Thorough knowledge of ornamental horticulture in all phases
• Ability to plan, organize and complete tree work schedule
• Experience in using equipment including aerial lifts, chippers, chain saws, skid steers, etc.
• Experience in landscaping grounds maintenance and performing tree maintenance using trade tools, machinery, and equipment

Skills

* Required skills