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Technical Assistant II (Landscaping)
role at
UMass Amherst
Job no: 528043 | Work type: Staff Full Time | Location: UMass Amherst | Department: Grounds and Events | Union: AFSCME | Categories: Facilities/Grounds
Job Summary The Technical Assistant II (Landscaping) performs horticultural work on campus landscapes, including planning, planting and maintaining flowers, shrubs and other plants. The role reports to the Maintenance Working Foreman and Head of Grounds and is responsible for all technical maintenance aspects of campus plant care.
Essential Functions
Prepare, plan for, oversee, and participate in the planting, display, and maintenance of flowers (annuals and perennials) and plants, including formal gardens to ensure campus beautification.
Determine and advise university landscape department personnel on the best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, and harvesting to increase quality.
Maintain rain garden, rooftop, and landscape planting beds.
Work daily with student interns to ensure they meet internship requirements and provide functional supervision to skilled laborers and interns.
Assist in ordering and purchasing plant material for the landscape greenhouse and campus future plantings.
Prepare budget requests for assigned activities and purchase seeds, plants, seedlings, soil material, etc., for use in university landscape areas.
Assist in the design and layout of new planting beds, renovation of existing beds, and event and specialty arrangements.
Conduct training for university personnel on the care and maintenance of flowers (annuals and perennials).
Maintain liaison with UMass Extension Services Soil Testing Lab, local garden clubs, campus schools, and students to exchange ideas and solve problems.
Check soil conditions to determine nutrient and moisture requirements and detect germ and pest infestations.
Monitor irrigation system usage by performing test runs to provide preventative and corrective maintenance.
Assist in the daily operation of the landscape department greenhouses.
Determine needs and assign workers to tasks such as watering, weeding, mulching, fertilizing, or applying herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides.
Maintain updated copies of Material Safety Data Sheets on all chemicals used.
Attend building construction meetings to provide input for landscaping design.
Perform job responsibilities in an environmentally compliant and responsible manner reflective of Physical Plant policies and goals.
Operate motor vehicles to travel to work sites and perform landscaping work.
Other Functions
Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment, employee records, and prepare written reports.
Perform related duties as required.
May assist in herbicide application on university-owned land.
Minimum Qualifications
Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator's License.
Class D Driver's License.
Massachusetts Class 2B Hoisting License.
Two (2) years of full‑time or equivalent part‑time horticulture experience, including planning and planting displays. An associate’s degree in horticulture, biology, or related field substitutes one (1) year of experience.
Knowledge of state and federal pesticide storage, use, and disposal laws.
Ability to work outdoors under all weather conditions and chemical hazards.
Knowledge of horticulture principles, safety practices, techniques, and terminology.
Familiarity with floriculture materials, equipment, flower varieties, and soil conditions.
Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and use of fertilizers, germicides, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides.
Ability to analyze data, generate reports, and make recommendations.
Ability to work independently and direct the work of others.
Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and email software.
Ability to conduct training.
Excellent leadership, customer service, and record‑keeping skills.
Physical Demands / Working Conditions
Operate motor vehicles to travel to work sites.
Perform manual labor for extended periods, under varying climate conditions, and under chemical hazards.
Balance, carry, push, pull, stand, bend, climb, drive, reach, sit, twist, lift, and perform repetitive movements.
Additional Details
Must be available for scheduled overtime and callbacks during emergencies.
Position is designated as essential.
Optional obligation to work overtime and return to work between shifts when directed; incumbent must keep service desk contact updated.
Work Schedule Sunday‑Thursday; 7 am‑3 pm.
Salary Information Non‑Exempt, AFSCME Grade 13.
Special Instructions to Applicants Please submit a resume with your application. References will be checked at the finalist stage, and you should be ready to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti‑discrimination laws.
Advertised: Aug 11 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Nov 11 2025 Eastern Standard Time
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Technical Assistant II (Landscaping)
role at
UMass Amherst
Job no: 528043 | Work type: Staff Full Time | Location: UMass Amherst | Department: Grounds and Events | Union: AFSCME | Categories: Facilities/Grounds
Job Summary The Technical Assistant II (Landscaping) performs horticultural work on campus landscapes, including planning, planting and maintaining flowers, shrubs and other plants. The role reports to the Maintenance Working Foreman and Head of Grounds and is responsible for all technical maintenance aspects of campus plant care.
Essential Functions
Prepare, plan for, oversee, and participate in the planting, display, and maintenance of flowers (annuals and perennials) and plants, including formal gardens to ensure campus beautification.
Determine and advise university landscape department personnel on the best methods of planting, spraying, cultivating, and harvesting to increase quality.
Maintain rain garden, rooftop, and landscape planting beds.
Work daily with student interns to ensure they meet internship requirements and provide functional supervision to skilled laborers and interns.
Assist in ordering and purchasing plant material for the landscape greenhouse and campus future plantings.
Prepare budget requests for assigned activities and purchase seeds, plants, seedlings, soil material, etc., for use in university landscape areas.
Assist in the design and layout of new planting beds, renovation of existing beds, and event and specialty arrangements.
Conduct training for university personnel on the care and maintenance of flowers (annuals and perennials).
Maintain liaison with UMass Extension Services Soil Testing Lab, local garden clubs, campus schools, and students to exchange ideas and solve problems.
Check soil conditions to determine nutrient and moisture requirements and detect germ and pest infestations.
Monitor irrigation system usage by performing test runs to provide preventative and corrective maintenance.
Assist in the daily operation of the landscape department greenhouses.
Determine needs and assign workers to tasks such as watering, weeding, mulching, fertilizing, or applying herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides.
Maintain updated copies of Material Safety Data Sheets on all chemicals used.
Attend building construction meetings to provide input for landscaping design.
Perform job responsibilities in an environmentally compliant and responsible manner reflective of Physical Plant policies and goals.
Operate motor vehicles to travel to work sites and perform landscaping work.
Other Functions
Maintain inventory of supplies and equipment, employee records, and prepare written reports.
Perform related duties as required.
May assist in herbicide application on university-owned land.
Minimum Qualifications
Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator's License.
Class D Driver's License.
Massachusetts Class 2B Hoisting License.
Two (2) years of full‑time or equivalent part‑time horticulture experience, including planning and planting displays. An associate’s degree in horticulture, biology, or related field substitutes one (1) year of experience.
Knowledge of state and federal pesticide storage, use, and disposal laws.
Ability to work outdoors under all weather conditions and chemical hazards.
Knowledge of horticulture principles, safety practices, techniques, and terminology.
Familiarity with floriculture materials, equipment, flower varieties, and soil conditions.
Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and use of fertilizers, germicides, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides.
Ability to analyze data, generate reports, and make recommendations.
Ability to work independently and direct the work of others.
Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and email software.
Ability to conduct training.
Excellent leadership, customer service, and record‑keeping skills.
Physical Demands / Working Conditions
Operate motor vehicles to travel to work sites.
Perform manual labor for extended periods, under varying climate conditions, and under chemical hazards.
Balance, carry, push, pull, stand, bend, climb, drive, reach, sit, twist, lift, and perform repetitive movements.
Additional Details
Must be available for scheduled overtime and callbacks during emergencies.
Position is designated as essential.
Optional obligation to work overtime and return to work between shifts when directed; incumbent must keep service desk contact updated.
Work Schedule Sunday‑Thursday; 7 am‑3 pm.
Salary Information Non‑Exempt, AFSCME Grade 13.
Special Instructions to Applicants Please submit a resume with your application. References will be checked at the finalist stage, and you should be ready to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti‑discrimination laws.
Advertised: Aug 11 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Nov 11 2025 Eastern Standard Time
#J-18808-Ljbffr