Gardener

Job Description Summary

The Division of Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES) provides the expertise, business process, policies and standards required to plan, design, construct, operate, maintain and renew the physical assets of the University, excluding the health system. In addition, the Division, comprised of approximately five Departments, is responsible for the strategic planning, management and operation of non-academic University property, and collaborating with the neighborhood to create a safe, diverse and economically vibrant destination. With close to 12M square feet of space, FRES maintains 186 buildings on a campus of 276 acres, completes over 60,000 maintenance requests per year, and starts approximately 250 projects a year. FRES is comprised of the following Departments: Administration, Office of the University Architect, Design and Construction, Real Estate, Operations, and Maintenance.

The University of Pennsylvania is implementing a campus transformation entitled Penn Connects (http://www.pennconnects.upenn.edu). This comprehensive, award winning effort is expanding the campus over the next 20 years, including the construction of new academic research and recreational facilities. In addition, the University has secured $300M in Century Bond funding and continues to upgrade existing facilities over the coming years. https://www.facilities.upenn.edu/

The Gardener is responsible for the care, maintenance, and overall appearance of assigned areas of the University campus. This role performs semi‑skilled grounds and landscape maintenance work, including maintaining grass areas, reseeding, planting shrubs, and pruning trees and shrubs. The Gardener operates power mowing equipment, trucks, scooters, and other light landscaping tools; hauls materials; removes debris; and assists with seasonal tasks such as snow removal. Work is performed under the direction of a Foreman or Lead Person, with responsibilities that support a safe, clean, and well‑maintained campus environment. The Gardener performs related duties as assigned.

Job Duties:

• Identify landscape plants, maintain landscape beds including tree and shrub maintenance; general knowledge of gardening tools and equipment.
• Lift, climb, dig, plant, work in a squatting and/or kneeling position, and/or remove leaves.
• Experience in demanding work environments including set-up, servicing, and/or break-down of Athletics and Special Events.
• Experience with commercial snow removal, including the operation of skid steers, snow throwers, brooms, spreaders, and the application of ice melt.
• Experience working in inclement weather such as extreme heat/cold, snow, rain, and/or wind.
• Aptitude and general know-how maintaining equipment, general cleaning of work areas, and keeping a clean and safe work site.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Landscape planting and maintenance experience, including tree and shrub maintenance.
• General knowledge of gardening tools and equipment.
• Able to lift, climb, dig, plant, remove leaves, shovel/remove snow.
• Possess valid drivers license, free of any suspension or revocation from the individual's state of permanent residency.