Michigan State University
Material & Logistics — Gardening Group Leader
Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States, 48823
Overview
Pay $24.84 - $27.60 / hour. Employment type: Other. MSU Landscape Services maintains campus landscaping and supports snow removal, signage, hardscape maintenance, golf course maintenance, tree care, and general campus repairs. This position leads and oversees support staff and daily operations to execute the Campus Landscape Management Plan and maintains plant health in assigned areas. This role may participate in MSU Football tailgate cleanup and in the Campus Snow Removal Plan, including shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles/equipment, applying ice-melt, and serving as Emergency Response Team Captain if needed. The focus is on leading crews in mowing operations, gardening maintenance, and equipment training. The role emphasizes high-performance practices, people-centric leadership, and inclusive culture within the IPF. The position requires regular in-person work on campus.
Responsibilities
Lead crews in campus mowing operations, gardening maintenance, and equipment training; coordinate with other landscaping crews to align tasks and complete landscape management activities.
Interpret work instructions, determine work sequences, and schedule seasonal tasks (leaf removal, litter collection, watering, pruning, plantings, IPM strategies, invasive species management).
Lead planting and routine care of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, turf grass, and other horticultural items; oversee grading, seeding, and sodding; manage debris removal; supervise tool/equipment inventory, safety, and maintenance.
Operate and maintain light/medium-weight vehicles and landscape/snow removal equipment; water, fertilize, and cultivate plant material; trim hedges/vines; monitor irrigation; read planting plans/blueprints; assist with layout and modification of landscape beds.
Oversee rotations and protocols for shared equipment, perform routine preventative maintenance, and assist in training staff in equipment operation, maintenance practices, safety, and landscape work methods.
Requisition tools, equipment, supplies, and additional staff as needed; assign and review tasks for support staff under the Landscape Management Plan.
Inspect assigned areas for pests/disease; apply fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides with proper calibration and rates; maintain work records and provide progress updates to supervisors.
Assist in football tailgate cleanup and participate in the Snow Removal Plan activities; assume Emergency Response Team Captain role if necessary.
Ensure compliance with safety protocols, monitor hazards, stay current with equipment/products developments, and provide customer service to the MSU community and the public.
Minimum Requirements
Expert knowledge of landscape equipment, tools, methods, and processes used in gardening and grounds maintenance.
Two years of satisfactory experience as a Landscape Gardener II and satisfactory performance or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience.
Two years of experience planning, leading, and overseeing work tasks of support staff in executing a Landscape Management Plan.
Over five years of commercial snow removal experience operating a licensed plow vehicle.
Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification - Turf (3A), Ornamental (3B), and Right of Way (6).
Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association certification or approved equivalent.
MSU Forklift, Loader, Tractor, and Toolcat Operator Permits prior to probationary period completion.
Valid Michigan vehicle operator's license; ability to drive University vehicle for job duties.
Ability to work in variable or severe weather; after-hours, weekend, and holiday work required.
Frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds; occasional lifting over 75 pounds.
Desired Qualifications Over eight years of landscape maintenance/installation experience in a large university campus, public gardens, or theme parks; experience operating multiple power equipment types used in landscape installation and maintenance; experience calibrating and operating fertilizer and agricultural chemical application equipment.
A creative, innovative lifelong learner who communicates effectively with diverse populations; problem-solving in a collaborative team; ability to understand different perspectives while applying technical expertise.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials Resume
Work Hours M-F from 6am-2:30pm with significant after-hours, weekend, and holiday work
Building Location LANDSCAPE SERVICES
Website ipf.msu.edu
Summary of Physical Demands Duties involve frequent carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, and lifting 26 to 75 pounds, with occasional lifting over 75 pounds.
Summary of Health Risks Duties involve working in noisy environments (above 85 decibels) and in variable or severe weather conditions.
Bidding eligibility ends Ends August 5, 2025, 11:55 PM
About the company Michigan State University is a public land-grant research university in East Lansing, Michigan.
Notice Talentify is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Talentify provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. Request assistance at accessibility@talentify.io or 407-000-0000.
Federal law requires every new hire to complete Form I-9 and present proof of identity and U.S. work eligibility. An Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) will score your job-related skills. Bias-audit & data-use details: www.talentify.io/bias-audit-report. NYC applicants may request an alternative process or accommodation at aedt@talentify.io or 407-000-0000.
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Pay $24.84 - $27.60 / hour. Employment type: Other. MSU Landscape Services maintains campus landscaping and supports snow removal, signage, hardscape maintenance, golf course maintenance, tree care, and general campus repairs. This position leads and oversees support staff and daily operations to execute the Campus Landscape Management Plan and maintains plant health in assigned areas. This role may participate in MSU Football tailgate cleanup and in the Campus Snow Removal Plan, including shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles/equipment, applying ice-melt, and serving as Emergency Response Team Captain if needed. The focus is on leading crews in mowing operations, gardening maintenance, and equipment training. The role emphasizes high-performance practices, people-centric leadership, and inclusive culture within the IPF. The position requires regular in-person work on campus.
Responsibilities
Lead crews in campus mowing operations, gardening maintenance, and equipment training; coordinate with other landscaping crews to align tasks and complete landscape management activities.
Interpret work instructions, determine work sequences, and schedule seasonal tasks (leaf removal, litter collection, watering, pruning, plantings, IPM strategies, invasive species management).
Lead planting and routine care of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, turf grass, and other horticultural items; oversee grading, seeding, and sodding; manage debris removal; supervise tool/equipment inventory, safety, and maintenance.
Operate and maintain light/medium-weight vehicles and landscape/snow removal equipment; water, fertilize, and cultivate plant material; trim hedges/vines; monitor irrigation; read planting plans/blueprints; assist with layout and modification of landscape beds.
Oversee rotations and protocols for shared equipment, perform routine preventative maintenance, and assist in training staff in equipment operation, maintenance practices, safety, and landscape work methods.
Requisition tools, equipment, supplies, and additional staff as needed; assign and review tasks for support staff under the Landscape Management Plan.
Inspect assigned areas for pests/disease; apply fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides with proper calibration and rates; maintain work records and provide progress updates to supervisors.
Assist in football tailgate cleanup and participate in the Snow Removal Plan activities; assume Emergency Response Team Captain role if necessary.
Ensure compliance with safety protocols, monitor hazards, stay current with equipment/products developments, and provide customer service to the MSU community and the public.
Minimum Requirements
Expert knowledge of landscape equipment, tools, methods, and processes used in gardening and grounds maintenance.
Two years of satisfactory experience as a Landscape Gardener II and satisfactory performance or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience.
Two years of experience planning, leading, and overseeing work tasks of support staff in executing a Landscape Management Plan.
Over five years of commercial snow removal experience operating a licensed plow vehicle.
Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification - Turf (3A), Ornamental (3B), and Right of Way (6).
Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association certification or approved equivalent.
MSU Forklift, Loader, Tractor, and Toolcat Operator Permits prior to probationary period completion.
Valid Michigan vehicle operator's license; ability to drive University vehicle for job duties.
Ability to work in variable or severe weather; after-hours, weekend, and holiday work required.
Frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds; occasional lifting over 75 pounds.
Desired Qualifications Over eight years of landscape maintenance/installation experience in a large university campus, public gardens, or theme parks; experience operating multiple power equipment types used in landscape installation and maintenance; experience calibrating and operating fertilizer and agricultural chemical application equipment.
A creative, innovative lifelong learner who communicates effectively with diverse populations; problem-solving in a collaborative team; ability to understand different perspectives while applying technical expertise.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials Resume
Work Hours M-F from 6am-2:30pm with significant after-hours, weekend, and holiday work
Building Location LANDSCAPE SERVICES
Website ipf.msu.edu
Summary of Physical Demands Duties involve frequent carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, and lifting 26 to 75 pounds, with occasional lifting over 75 pounds.
Summary of Health Risks Duties involve working in noisy environments (above 85 decibels) and in variable or severe weather conditions.
Bidding eligibility ends Ends August 5, 2025, 11:55 PM
About the company Michigan State University is a public land-grant research university in East Lansing, Michigan.
Notice Talentify is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Talentify provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. Request assistance at accessibility@talentify.io or 407-000-0000.
Federal law requires every new hire to complete Form I-9 and present proof of identity and U.S. work eligibility. An Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) will score your job-related skills. Bias-audit & data-use details: www.talentify.io/bias-audit-report. NYC applicants may request an alternative process or accommodation at aedt@talentify.io or 407-000-0000.
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