Job Description
Department:
Grounds
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Employee Type:
Job Summary:
The Grounds-Horticuluralist at Colby College maintains landscapes, focusing on plant health (planting, pruning, pest control), irrigation, and turf care, often leading teams, operating heavy equipment, coordinating with events, and ensuring safety, blending scientific horticultural knowledge with practical groundskeeping for aesthetically pleasing, functional grounds. They manage a wide variety of spaces on Colby property, including but not limited to decorative gardens, applying pesticides, repairing systems, and even handling snow removal and event setups.
Essential Functions
To perform successfully in this position, an individual must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily as well as possess education/experience, employ the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed in representative fashion. Colby College actively supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This listing of essential duties is not all-inclusive, but representative; other duties may be assigned.
Assure safety of staff and the public when work is being performed.
Responsible for following all established state, federal and College regulations.
Also required to attend safety and health classes covering topics relevant to the position and the department.
Ensures work sites are complying with applicable standards and regulations.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as necessary.
Uphold zone/shop/safety standards.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with external and internal public groups, bodies or individuals.
Provides professional advice on the selection, ordering, planting, and maintenance of trees, shrubs, ground covers, and turf grasses on campus.
Plans and designs annual and perennial flower beds.
Trains and supervises subordinate personnel in greenhouse operations and in the proper methods and techniques of planting ornamental plants.
Trains grounds personnel in the techniques of pruning, wound dressing, cavity repair, and the cabling and bracing of trees and shrubs.
Assists 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.
Serves in a critical role and is essential to the operations of Colby College
May be required to work during adverse weather conditions and work even if the College closes and is responsible for assisting in Snow Removal.
Ability to operate a range of equipment required for snow removal, including but not limited to Trackers, Skid Steer, Truck and Shovel.
Position Qualifications
Education and/or experience:
High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, including experience in horticulture, landscape design and installation.
Possession of a State of Maine Pesticide applicators license in Category 3A Outdoor Ornamentals or the ability to obtain this license within three (3) months of the initial hire date.
3-5 years of experience in a related field.
Prior snow removal responsibilities in previous workplaces.
Preferred Qualifications or Skills:
Thorough knowledge of ornamental horticulture in all phases.
Ability to plan, organize and complete tree work schedule.
Prior experience in using equipment, including but not limited to: Aerial lifts, chipper, chipper truck, pickup truck, hauling equipment, utility vehicle, stump grinder, chain saw, pole saw, hand saw, pruner, skid steer, personal protective equipment, blower, fertilizer, pesticides.
Physical ability to withstand adverse weather and critical role requirements.
Experience in landscaping grounds maintenance and performing tree maintenance using trade tools, machinery, and equipment, etc.
This position requires the ability to work outdoors for 8 hours a day and more during a weather event.
This position requires the ability to be exposed to nature’s elements – sun, wind, rain, and snow, temperature extremes.
Must be able to communicate effectively written and verbally with supervisors and the general public and understand verbal and written instructions and other communications regarding work assignments and other matters.
Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds frequently and up to 90 pounds occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Physical/Mental Demands
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here reflect what is typically needed to perform the essential functions of this position and what may be experienced while carrying out those duties. . Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.
This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.
In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.
This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.
Daily work may involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse
Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds or, in more physically demanding roles, up to 50 pounds.
Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.
The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills..
The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the Colby College website. Please upload a cover letter and resume to your application.
