Landscape Technician II

Job description

The Landscaping Tech II is responsible for the cultivation and care of the landscaping and grounds of Liberty University. This is to include all the athletic fields and their maintenance/ landscaping. The landscaping tech II oversees and performs a variety of landscape activities, such as planting, weeding, digging, spreading topsoil and other materials, general lawn maintenance, and seasonal lawn preparation, as well as, taking care of the general athletic fields’ maintenance and seasonal athletic fields’ preparation. The Landscaping Tech II assists in asphalt, brick, or other stonework. Demolishing field renovations, grading and/or site clean-up tasks. The Landscaping Tech II may also operate lawn movers and related equipment and will assist Facilities maintenance staff on assigned projects and other duties as assigned. Working independently and exercising good judgment and discretion. Essential Functions and Responsibilities 1. As essential personnel: you are expected to be available in the event of school closings, delays, shutdowns, and any emergencies including clean up required because of severe weather incidents. Performs snow removal activities as assigned. Such as shoveling, salting, etc. Facilities Management Division employees are essential to the overall success of Liberty University and its day-to-day functions, especially during ongoing campus events such as Winter Fest, Orientation, Convocation, Commencement, CFAW, and summer camps amongst other planned and unplanned events throughout the year. Must be available to work scheduled and unscheduled hours as emergency needs arise. 2. Performs grounds keeping and building maintenance duties. 3. Performs planting and related activities. 4. Responsible for wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while operating Grounds related equipment including but not limited to; protective eye wear, ear protection, hard hat, gloves, steel-toed boots, respirators/ masks, reflective safety vests, and sunscreen. 5. Responsible for wearing a harness with a lanyard and other PPE if operating aerial lifts to perform & complete assigned jobs. 6. Performs routine lawn maintenance including grass cutting, lawn edging weed pulling, and other routine lawn-maintenance activities. Uses lawn mower and related equipment. 7. Provides seasonal lawn care, such as spring and fall clean-up. 8. Performs tasks related to the maintenance of all Liberty University athletic facilities including, mowing, edging, top dressing, mound and plate repair, and infield surface preparation, as well as other routine lawn maintenance activities. Uses lawn mower and related equipment. 9. Moves materials and equipment and performs related duties to assist in landscaping and hardscaping. 10. Digs holes and trenches and excavates for landscaping and hardscaping using picks and shovels or related equipment. 11. Hauls or spreads topsoil, gravel, sand, mulch or related materials using wheelbarrows and rakes. 12. Hand-finishes grade, and apply seed, straw, or sod. 13. Reports to work at the required time and performs duties as assigned by the Landscaping Supervisor. 14. Follows direction from Lead/ Supervisor. 15. Loads equipment and materials on and off trucks and trailers. 16. Assist Facilities Maintenance staff on projects as assigned. 17. Works with a crew of 2-3 employees. 18. Performs planting and related activities. 19. Moves materials and equipment and performs related duties to assist in landscaping and hardscaping. 20. Applies chemicals under the direction of a licensed chemical applicator. 21. Maintains assigned equipment and notifies Landscaping Supervisor of needed repairs. Responds politely to customer inquiries and projects a professional image. 22. Other duties as assigned. 23. Remains abreast of existing and emerging technologies, processes, products, services, and leading industry performance benchmarks. 24. Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission. Qualifications, Credentials, and Competencies This position requires a high school degree or GED. Minimum of 3+ years of related experience preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. State Driver’s license and insurable with company’s agent. The successful individual will have a working knowledge of grounds maintenance, equipment operations and other tasks related to the maintenance and preparation of Liberty University athletic fields. Pressure washing, asphalt, concrete, construction, lawn care, landscape and/or hardscape experience is preferred. Must be able to understand and follow instructions, and work under limited Supervision. Must be able to work well with the public and co-workers and present a positive attitude. Clean and professional appearance. Must be courteous, detailed oriented, self-motivated, diligent, trustworthy, possess strong organizational skills and well-developed communication skills. Must be able to lift up to 50+ pounds and perform duties of the ground’s maintenance and landscaping outdoors in typical Virginia Climate. This position might require the use of and operation of aerial lifts or be willing and able obtain aerial lift certifications, operate, and work from various aerial lifts and heights. Have or be able to obtain a chemical spray certification and CDL. CDL preferred and reputable driving record. Desire to work with a team to accomplish goals. Urgency to grow and improve. Certifications obtained while employed by Liberty University at the expense of the employer will be reimbursed back to the University upon voluntary termination (resignation) for the first 12 months after acquiring it. Employees must be able to use radio and telephone to communicate, follow verbal and written instructions, and have basic knowledge of plants and horticulture equipment. Individuals in this position must be able to lift up to 50+ pounds and perform duties of a grounds maintenance and landscaping outdoors in typical Virginia climate. Must be able to work on weekends, holidays, and flexible daily hours as well as various evening hours. A basic knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions is required. Employees must maintain a clean and organized work area as well as be flexible regarding work assignments as they routinely change. Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required. Time Type Full time Location Onsite Pay Range Compensation is determined based on factors such as qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, along with University needs and external market conditions. Market benchmarks may be used, as appropriate, in combination with internal equity to ensure pay is fair and aligned with the broader compensation structure. The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits , including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. $15.38 - $18.27 The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.