As a Maintenance Worker, Area Landscape at Penn State, your responsibilities include planting and cultivating plants, removing debris, maintaining lawn areas, snow removal, and operating various landscape equipment. You will also be involved in minor repairs on tools and reporting conditions or problems in your assigned area to supervisors.

To qualify for the Maintenance Worker, Area Landscape position at Penn State, you need to possess a Pennsylvania Certified Applicator License in categories 6 and 7, along with 6 months of prior experience or suitable on-the-job training. A valid driver’s license is also required since operating a motor vehicle is a part of the job.

The work schedule for the Maintenance Worker, Area Landscape at Penn State is from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with weekends off. This allows for a consistent routine while dedicating your energy toward maintaining the university's landscapes during the week.

In this role as a Maintenance Worker, Area Landscape at Penn State, you'll operate various equipment such as power mowers, trucks, sprayers, compressors, and more. Being comfortable with this equipment is essential for efficiently completing your daily tasks.

Penn State is committed to advancing equity and inclusion within the workplace, ensuring that all employees, including Maintenance Workers, feel valued and supported. The university promotes a culture of respect and belonging, contributing to a diverse and thriving work environment.

When answering this question, highlight specific experiences such as planting, weeding, and operating landscaping equipment. Mention any relevant certifications, your comfort level with physical outdoor work, and your ability to follow detailed instructions to showcase that you are well-prepared for the responsibilities of a Maintenance Worker.

Discuss your approach to assessing priorities based on seasonal needs and urgency. Explain that you would typically evaluate the current state of the landscape, identifying critical tasks like snow removal or urgent repairs first, followed by regular maintenance like trimming and watering.

Emphasize your awareness of safety protocols, the importance of wearing appropriate safety gear, conducting equipment checks prior to use, and your attentiveness while operating machinery to avoid accidents and injuries.

Share specific examples of your experience with pest management, including identifying common issues and applying effective solutions. Highlight any certifications you have, such as the Pennsylvania Certified Applicator License, to illustrate your qualifications.

Discuss strategies you employ to enhance productivity, like creating a checklist of tasks, setting daily goals, and communicating with your team to ensure everyone is aligned, especially during busy seasons like spring and fall.

Reflect on challenges like unpredictable weather conditions or heavy workloads during peak times. Discuss your strategies for overcoming these challenges, such as teamwork, seeking support, or being adaptable to changing conditions.

Demonstrate your commitment to professional development by mentioning workshops, online resources, or networking with other professionals in landscaping. Mention any applicable memberships in relevant organizations to show your proactive approach.

Share a specific incident where you identified an issue, such as a plant disease or equipment malfunction, and explain the steps you took to resolve it, showcasing your problem-solving skills and initiative.

Discuss your decision-making skills, emphasizing your ability to assess the situation quickly. Explain how you would either adjust your schedule if necessary or communicate with your supervisor to ensure priorities are addressed efficiently.

Convey your passion for working outdoors, your appreciation for nature, and the satisfaction you derive from seeing tangible results of your efforts. Share how your dedication aligns with Penn State's mission to create beautiful and functional landscapes.