GARDENER GROUNDSKEEPER (Gardening Specialist - Arboretum)

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION

For a complete position description, please see http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu.

The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden is visitor-centered organization. Through the UC Davis GATEways Project (Gardens, Arts and The Environment), the Arboretum and Public Garden envisions the entire campus landscape as a showcase of environmental sustainability and a resource for lifelong education and community engagement. Visitor safety and comfort are essential for a positive, educational visitor experience in the landscape. This position serves as an ambassador for the organization and friendly, helpful presence to support the visitor experience.

As a living museum, all plants in the Arboretum’s gardens, collections, and natural areas are museum specimens with value for education, research, conservation, historic preservation, and aesthetics. The Arboretum gardening specialist position plays a key role in the care and conservation of the plant collection and the stewardship of sustainable landscapes.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is supervised by the Dir. of Public Horticulture & Engagement and is part of a team that provides outdoor maintenance support to the campus. This position’s primary assignment is to perform landscape stewardship and maintenance within the UC Davis Arboretum. This position performs all functions necessary to maintain Arboretum plant collection health and visitor safety, including path clearing, weed control, watering, pruning, planting, maintenance of signage, irrigation systems and other infrastructure, and equipment maintenance. The position supervises and trains student interns and teams of volunteer gardeners to assist with landscape stewardship and maintenance.

POSITION INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Use respirator and protective clothing.
• Walk, lift, stoop, bend, crawl, push, and work in tight, confined areas.
• Agility and strength to traverse steep banks carrying materials weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Climb ladders, climb on top of machinery and equipment.
• Carry a pack sprayer weighing up to 50 lbs. on back.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work outdoors year-round in summer heat, winter rain, and other extreme weather conditions.
• Work in areas of noise, odors, vibration, dirt, and dust.
• Possession of a valid Pesticide Applicators Certificate or ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment.
• Possession of a valid CA driver’s license.
• Participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System.
• Subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.
• Subject to completion of a Pre-Placement Medical Exam provided by Employee Health Services, at no charge to the applicant.
• May, at times, require the individual to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards include but are not limited to: cleaning materials, pesticides, fuels, solvents, infectious materials and wastes, biological hazards, and other materials labeled hazardous.
• May be required to work a non-standard work schedule that may include nights, weekends, or alternative schedules such as 80 hours in 8 or 9 shifts instead of 10. Vacation usage by the employee may be restricted during peak workload periods as required to meet the needs of the campus.
• The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles. https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Minimum Education/Experience

• A minimum of one year of experience in grounds maintenance, gardening or habitat restoration.
• Experience in the identification, cultivation, and best care practices for a broad diversity of ornamental and native landscape plants, including pruning, irrigation, and diagnosis and treatment of horticultural problems.
• Experience and skill to safely operate and maintain a variety of landscape tools, power equipment, spray equipment, and irrigation systems.
• Experience using interpersonal communication skills to effectively work with students or community volunteers.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Knowledge of weed identification and control methods used, including pest control laws and regulations regarding safe chemical application and pesticides used.
• Ability to rapidly learn new techniques and practices, including physical tasks as well as smart phone and computer applications, and to follow, apply, and execute complex technical instructions delivered orally or in writing.
• Organizational and time management skills to manage, track, and work on multiple and simultaneous complex tasks, following through on each as new ones are added, meet multiple deadlines, and prioritize under stress.

Preferred:

Additional Preferred License/Certification

• ISA certification

Preferred Education/Experience

• Degree or certification in Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field.
• Experience working in a campus or public garden setting and knowledge of public garden management practices, including living museum records.
• Experience operating mowers, tractors, and associated implements.

• Knowledge of best practices in the design and maintenance of sustainable landscapes.
• Skill in the management of volunteers and/or student interns and ability to support their leadership development.
• Knowledge of landscape construction techniques including grading, path construction, retaining walls, irrigation, and basic carpentry.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve.

We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds and you belong here.

As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.