Looking for stability with year-round employment? Our Gardener 2 position will provide you with one main job site, all tools provided, multiple retirement plans, health, life and long-term disability insurance coverage, pre-tax savings opportunities, vacation AND sick leave, 12 paid holidays, assistance with child and elder care, a free regional transit pass and active commute support, tuition exemption, no sales pressure, an employee health program, work/life balance, and more!
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
UW Facilities manages the University's buildings, infrastructure and land, with more than 1,100 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: UW Facilities.
Maintenance & 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 2.
Under the direction of the supervisor and lead, perform specialized grounds duties requiring the skill and knowledge of cultivation and maintenance of trees, lawns and ornamental plants.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
• Prepare ground for planting seeds, bulbs, plants, seasonal flowers, shrubs, lawns, and trees; seed, mow, fertilize and maintain lawns.
• Maintain plants through accepted horticultural standards.
• Control invasive and noxious weeds through Integrated Pest Management strategies and practices.
• Rake and remove leaves and litter from campus grounds; remove snow and ice from assigned pathways and stairs.
• Use a variety of hand implements and tools, such as rakes, pruning shears, and loppers; and operate commercial power equipment such as tractors, trucks, mowers, tillers, sweepers, chain saws, trimmers and sprayers.
• Keep leads and supervisors informed of project status/work progress, needed materials and equipment.
• Operate machinery such as forklifts, scissor-lifts, and high rangers.
• Load and unload materials and supplies.
• Operate vehicles such as UW vans and trucks to transport tools, equipment and personnel to various job sites.
• May instruct semiskilled workers.
• Communicate and coordinate with other UW Facilities shops and Engineering Services to facilitate work.
• Know and comply with occupational health and safety regulations specific to the work and conduct on the job, including Safety Data Sheet (SDS) instructions, Hazard Review Checklists (HRCs) and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
• 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, including Balanced Scorecard (BSC), incorporating metrics and Lean principles into internal work processes, and promoting employee engagement in continuous improvements and innovation.
• Actively participate in meetings and training as scheduled.
• Provide excellent customer service through effective, courteous and professional interactions with clients, colleagues and the campus community.
• 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.
Requirements include:
• Physical ability to do required work
• AND one year of experience or training involving grounds maintenance, plant care, cultivation and landscape installation OR Equivalent education/experience
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Desired:
• Demonstrated successful ability in taking direction, working well with others and as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated excellent effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge and practical experience with WISHA (Washington Industrial Safety & Health Act) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) regulations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with standard productivity software including Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent products
Conditions of Employment:
• May be required to accept variable work shift.
• Washington State Public Pesticide Operator's License or obtain license within 120 days of employment.
• Possession of a valid Washington State driver's license.
• Work may require access to confined spaces and heights using approved safety precautions.
• Ability to lift and move heavy material may be required.
• Must be able to work outside under all weather conditions.
• Approved footwear must be provided at the employee's expense and worn on the job.
• Must be able to be fitted for and wear a respirator on the job.
• Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
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.