Tech Specialist II Horticulture Assistant - Apply Now!

UMass Boston is a leading public university recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and community engagement. Situated in an urban setting, the university offers diverse opportunities for students, faculty, and staff and is dedicated to maintaining a sustainable and beautiful campus environment. The Facilities Administration department plays a crucial role in ensuring that the campus grounds and facilities are well-maintained, welcoming, and conducive to a productive academic atmosphere. Among the key components of this department is the Grounds Services unit, responsible for the meticulous care and presentation of the campus landscape, involving horticultural expertise, equipment operation, and ongoing maintenance tasks. The role of a Staff Full Time Grounds Technician in the Facilities Administration at UMass Boston offers a vital opportunity to contribute directly to the aesthetic and functional upkeep of the campus landscape. This position, classified at pay grade 18 with an hourly rate of $32.92, requires specialized horticultural skills and experience. The successful candidate will operate under the supervision of the Head of Grounds Services, adhering to university policies while executing a variety of horticultural and groundskeeping responsibilities. This full-time position engages the individual in hands-on technical work related to planting, maintaining, and designing floral displays, gardens, and general landscaping across the campus. Duties include preparing plans for planting annual and perennial flowers and flowering shrubs to ensure seasonal beauty and vibrancy. The role demands proficiency with a variety of groundskeeping machinery, including multi-purpose vehicles equipped with attachments such as edgers, sod cutters, riding mowers, and hydraulic tree spades. The technician will also handle the installation and operation of these attachments tailored to specific grounds maintenance functions like mowing, snow removal, and roadway cleaning. Additional responsibilities involve overseeing the health and upkeep of plants through pruning, trimming, fertilizing, watering, and pest control applications using pesticides and herbicides in compliance with safety standards and state regulations. Knowledge of plant diseases, soil conditions, integrated pest management (IPM) practices, and plant growth requirements are essential. This position also requires routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning drainage systems, leaf raking, snow shoveling, and trash removal, contributing to the overall presentation and safety of the campus environment. The candidate will be expected to manage inventory and request materials for maintenance and planting projects, assist with the ordering and care of plants grown in the campus greenhouse, and collaborate with student interns to facilitate their learning and hands-on experience. Participation in campus events and activities such as commencement ceremonies and student move-in days may be required, supporting broader university functions. The role necessitates adherence to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, reflecting the Facilities Administration's commitment to eco-friendly operations. Proficiency in computer skills for documentation, reporting, and communication is important. The candidate must hold or be willing to obtain vital certifications such as a Class D Driver's License, Massachusetts Pesticide Bureau Certification, Hoisting License, and Pesticide Applicator's License within specified timeframes. Experience of at least five years in horticulture, including planning and planting displays, is required, making this role suitable for a skilled professional with a passion for campus beautification and grounds management.

• Education or equivalent experience in horticulture
• Five years of full-time or equivalent part-time horticulture experience
• Class D Driver's License required at time of hire
• Massachusetts Pesticide Bureau Certification required or ability to obtain within one year
• Massachusetts Hoisting License required at time of hire or completion within two months
• Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator's License required at time of hire or completion within two months
• Ability to work outdoors under all weather conditions and chemical hazards
• Ability to operate and maintain grounds equipment
• Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods
• Good communication and leadership skills