Gardener Lead

Job Description

UW Facilities manages the Universitys buildings infrastructure and land with more than 1100 employees in a variety of fields. The Asset Management group includes Capital & Space Management Real Estate Sustainability and other teams responsible for planning and workload management. The Operations group includes Project Delivery Maintenance & Construction Campus Energy Utilities & Operations Building Services Transportation Services and Safety. Supporting these groups are the Business Intelligence & Information Technology group and the Finance & Administration group. Please visit the UW Facilities web page for more information: & Construction (M&C) is responsible for general maintenance repair and renovations of all University of Washington (UW) main campus facilities including building interiors exteriors and grounds as well as logistics moving and disposal of surplus equipment and furniture.

We have an outstanding opportunity for a Gardener Lead to perform and lead personnel in specialized grounds duties requiring the skill and knowledge of cultivation and maintenance of trees lawns and ornamental plants.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Grounds Maintenance Program Execution

• Perform and lead personnel in specialized grounds duties requiring the skill and knowledge of cultivation and maintenance of trees lawns and ornamental plants.
• Prepare grounds for lawns plants trees and seasonal plantings.
• Plant seeds bulbs shrubs trees and ground covers.
• Control invasive and noxious weeds through Integrated Pest Management strategies and practices.
• Maintain plants through accepted horticultural standards including raking and removing leaves and litter and removing snow and ice from assigned pathways and stairs during inclement weather events.
• Monitor and adjust irrigation systems and write work orders for irrigation repair.
• Inspect projects to ensure compliance with design local standards and codes and capture updated as-built records to reflect actual field installation
• Operate commercial motorized equipment such as automobiles and trucks - including dump trucks high rangers forklifts scissor-lifts tractors front-end loaders mowers tillers sweepers and trailers.
• Operate small engine equipment such as chain saws string-line trimmers sprayers and backpack blowers.
• Use a variety of hand implements and tools.
• Operate vehicles such as UW vans and trucks to transport tools equipment and personnel to various job sites.
• Determine scope of work develop accurate cost estimates material availability and cost effective solutions for fabrication installation and repair work.
• Read plans and blueprints inspect projects to ensure compliance with local codes obtain Seattle Public Utilities permits and maintain records of work performed.
• Construct projects and modifications from drawings or sketches as written.
• Use computer programs to accomplish tasks including work management and project scheduling systems e-mail calendars and spreadsheets; maintain work records and write reports as needed.
• Order materials to accomplish the work; load and unload materials and supplies.
• Perform Gardener 2 work as necessary to meet production demands and assure proper service to campus clients.
• Positively support all management directives and actively promote the purpose and foundational values of M&C.
• Provide information for employee performance reviews to supervisor and participate in the recruitment process.
• Communicate and collaborate with other UW Facilities shops and other business partners such as Engineering Services and Project Delivery Group to facilitate work.
• Comply with all UW and UW Facilities policies and procedures M&C protocols i.e. Individual Accountability Protocols (IAP).
• Support all management directives and the vision and values of M&C.
• Participate in and follow through with M&C process improvement initiatives incorporating metrics into internal work processes and promoting employee engagement in continuous improvements and innovation.
• Continuously promote a safe work environment.

Coordination

• Keep supervisors informed of project status work progress and required project materials and equipment.
• Work and coordinate with skilled trades as required to maintain campus buildings utilities and grounds.
• With shop supervisor develop weekly work schedules and priority projects.
• Alert shop supervisor of problems that require client contact.
• Be attentive to the success of all projects both Shop Direct (Assigned) and Project Managed jobs.
• Provide input to shop supervisor regarding timecard accuracy.
• Actively participate in meetings and trainings as scheduled.

Compliance

• Know and ensure that assigned personnel comply with occupational health and safety regulations specific to performance of the work. This will include Safety Data Sheet (SDS) instructions Hazard Review Checklists (HRCs) and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• Report all safety issues to shop supervisor.
• Maintain professional knowledge of industry standards to ensure the best products at the best prices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness.
• Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively.
• Anticipate recognize and resolve problems.
• Be responsible and accountable.
• Use organizational skills and provide attention to details.
• Maintain a positive optimistic and success-oriented attitude.
• Exercise professionalism which includes being tactful and courteous.
• Exhibit a professional work ethic.
• Continuously promote a safe work environment.

Education & Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Physical ability to do required work

• AND two years of experience as a Gardener or equivalent work involving grounds maintenance plant care and landscape construction or physical ability to do required work

• AND one year of experience as stated above AND one year of college level training in botany horticulture forestry landscape irrigation or allied field.
  

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except where there are legal requirements such as a license/certification/registration.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Horticulture or related field.
• Certified as a Landscape Technician by the Washington Association of Landscape Professionals (WALP)
• Certified Sustainable Landscape Professional (WSNLA)
• Demonstrated positive optimistic success-oriented attitude and support of the organization policies and management decisions.
• Demonstrated experience working with computerized maintenance management systems and proficiency with standard productivity software including Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent products.
• Demonstrated success in performing specialized grounds duties requiring the skill and knowledge of maintaining trees turf ornamental plants interior plants vegetable gardens and hardscape areas.
• Demonstrated successful experience as a lead or supervisor.
• Experience in estate gardening and/or in landscape construction and grounds maintenance which includes maintaining trouble-shooting repairing modifying installing and monitoring landscape irrigation systems water features and outdoor lighting.
• Knowledge and practical experience with WISHA (Washington Industrial Safety & Health Act) and OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Act) regulations to promote a safe work environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills. Able to analyze complex information define problems and develop and implement creative cost-effective solutions. Function within a complex regulatory environment. Effectively interpret and apply standards regulations policies and procedures.
• Proven professional work ethic with a high level of personal integrity trustworthiness and an exceptional understanding of confidentiality and discretion.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills and a proven ability to work successfully with people at all levels throughout the organization and with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to maintain professional behavior tactfulness and composure in a fast paced dynamic customer service-driven environment.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail. Able to work independently and successfully prioritize and coordinate multiple programs and assigned tasks. Demonstrated flexibility to manage stressful and unpredictable changing requirements effectively.
• Proven ability to lead by example in both performance and behavior and to hold employees accountable to established expectations.
• Proven ability to take direction meet expectations and work cohesively as a member of a team.

Conditions of employment

• Washington State Public Pesticide Operator License or obtain license within 120 days of employment.
• Possess of valid Washington State Drivers License or a license recognized as valid by the State of Washington.
• Must be able to work outside under all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and move heavy materials is required.
• Must be able to be fitted for and wear a respirator on the job.
• Approved footwear must be provided at the employees expense and worn on the job.
• Work may require access to confined spaces and heights using approved safety procedures.
• May be required to accept variable work shift.
• Must participate in medical screening/monitoring (such as TB screening and proof of measles inoculation) required for work assignments in locations including but not limited to nonhuman primate areas the Animal Research and Care Facility and the University of Washington Medical Center.
• Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Compensation Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Temporary or Regular

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier return they enjoy outstanding benefits opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity intellectual excitement artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race color creed religion national origin citizenship sex pregnancy age marital status sexual orientation gender identity or expression genetic information disability or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process contact the Disability Services Office at or .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.