Horticulture and Agronomics Supervisor MT9955

Prevent pests from entering campus facilities utilizing an integrated pest management approach. Treat campus landscape material on a timely basis to assure health of plants, trees, shrubs and turf, control pests that can damage plant material, trees, and turf, and control weeds in campus landscape and hardscapes. Supervisor and provide proper training in techniques and safe application with Technician for Integrated Pest Control and Landscape care. Develop scopes of work to assure compliance with contracted services. Communicate effectively to campus constituents when addressing service needs and requests for information

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assure integrated pest management program for interior and exterior is maintained by Technician for Integrated Pest Management & outside contractors.
• Supervise and provide training, toTechnicians for Integrated Pest Management and Landscape Care.
• Provide effective pest prevention and elimination service for all campus grounds and lanscape excluding athletic playing fields and Bermuda turf. May support dedicated Sports Turf team, as needed.
• Apply fertilizers to lawns, shrubs and trees according to schedule, safety procedures and label instructions for each type of plant.
• Oversee maintenance of specialized garden and landscape areas including but not limited to the areas around Rinker Environmental Center, Gillespie Museum, Brown Hall, Aquatic Center and the President’s House.
• Coordinate with irrigation technicians to recommend watering schedules to promote plant health and effective weed and pest management. Make minor adjustments to irrigation heads, as needed.
• Maintain records/logs of service schedules and products used on campus.
• Serve as a liaison for Facilities Management with campus community, contractors and public entities.
• Manage inventory utilizing just in time purchasing techniques, adhere to university purchasing policies and operate within established budgets.
• Develop schedule for equipment maintenance and assure schedule is adhered to and equipment is properly maintained. Communicate annual equipment needs by December 31st of each year for the next fiscal year.
• Assure use of safe working practices and use of personal protection devices.
• Implement best practices for pest prevention, pest elimination and lawn, shrubs and tree care as prescribed by IFAS.
• Conduct routine inspections of campus grounds and landscape to monitor effectiveness of pest prevention and assure health of plants, trees and turf. Address issues as required.
• Maintain required certifications, as listed above, and knowledge of federal, state and local regulations regarding pest prevention and care of landscape.
• Performs other site and position specific functions as assigned.

Minimum Education: High School diploma/GED

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing in English
• Ability to effectively respond to emails and utilize Microsoft Word and Excel on a computer

• Five Years’ Experience
• Florida Limited Lawn and Ornamental License
• ISA Certified Arborist is a plus
• Strong knowledge related to horticulture, arboriculture and chemicals (pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers)

Salary Grade: 5

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record as determined by the University’s auto insurance carrier.