"Horticulture & Forestry Specialist - Facilities Planning & Management"

Job Details

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Position Title: Horticulture & Forestry Specialist - Facilities Planning & Management

Job Category: University Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Horticulture/Forestry Spec

Job Duties:

Attention:

The Department of Facilities Planning and Management at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a Horticulture & Forestry Specialist (FP077).

Job Details:

This position performs year-round landscaping and groundskeeping activities to maintain and improve University grounds. A key focus of this position will be the design, propagation, installation, and care of annual and perennial plants, shrubs, and trees on campus grounds as well as greenhouse operation and maintenance. Employees in this class also support the overall operation of the University by performing snow removal, litter and trash removal, and the safe operation of various vehicles and power equipment to conduct maintenance tasks. The incumbent is also responsible for overseeing the training and work of students, temporary and classified employees assigned to them. This position will be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills. Position is listed as a level 2 for risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens. All work is performed under the general supervision of the Buildings & Grounds Manager and the Grounds Lead. The normal work schedule for this position is 6 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday. Position work schedule may change, including evening, weekend, and holiday hours, based upon operational need for snow and ice removal.

Key Job Responsibilities:

A. Provide Horticulture and Forestry expertise

• A1. Identify common plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, and weed species encountered on campus.
• A2. Develop, coordinate, and execute a maintenance plan for existing and future landscaping.
• A3. Develop, coordinate, and execute fertilizer, plant protectant and pest control programs for lawns, gardens, and flower beds.
• A4. Design and layout landscape beds and gardens with annual and perennial plants, shrubs and trees to ensure proper growth.
• A5. Recommend the purchase of plant stock based on type, location, and size of desired mature plants.
• A6. Operate greenhouse for annual and perennial plant production, including maintaining irrigation, shade, and ventilation systems.
• A7. Propagate, plant and care for annual and perennial plants grown in a greenhouse environment.
• A8. Maintain records and inventory data.
• A9. Direct and train students, limited term employees and classified employees assigned to them.

B. Perform year-round landscaping and grounds maintenance activities

• B1. Mow, trim, rake, edge, aerate and water turfgrass.
• B2. Restore bare areas in turfgrass by seeding or sodding as appropriate.
• B3. Pick up and dispose of litter, leaves branches and other miscellaneous outdoor debris.
• B4. Cultivate, edge, plant, weed, mulch and water gardens and landscape beds as needed.
• B5. Plant and prune trees and shrubs and mulch as needed.
• B6. Safely use and operate chainsaws and woodchippers to dispose of tree waste as required.
• B7. Use and safely operate vehicles and power equipment such as skid loaders, trucks, mowers, tractors, street sweepers, string trimmers, and blowers to accomplish landscaping and grounds maintenance tasks.
• B8. Inspect, clean, and perform routine operator maintenance on vehicles and equipment under the direction of the Vehicle Equipment Technician.

C. Perform Winter snow and ice control activities

• C1. Prepare campus grounds and related outdoor amenities for snow season, and return to active state the following spring.
• C2. Operate trucks, loaders and specialized equipment to clear snow and ice from sidewalks, roads, and parking lots.
• C3. Hand shovel, scrape, and apply snow and ice melting chemicals to ramps, stairs and sidewalks.
• C4. Use and safely operate vehicles and power equipment such as skid loaders, trucks, mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, salt spreaders, brine application equipment, brooms, and snowblowers to accomplish snow and ice removal tasks.

D. Perform miscellaneous tasks as assigned

• D1. Police campus grounds for litter and trash
• D2. Install and repair signs, posts, fences bike racks and other campus amenities.
• D3. Assist with moving and hauling furniture and equipment.
• D4. Move, set up and tear down tables and chairs for various campus events.
• D5. Assist campus Fleet operations by washing, preparing, and fueling various university fleet vehicles.
• D6. Other duties as assigned.

This description attempts to indicate the kinds and types of responsibilities given to this position and shall not be construed as defining all specific duties and responsibilities of this position. It is not intended to limit or modify the right of supervisors to assign, direct and monitor the work of their employees. Statements of employee duties are not intended to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of responsibility.

Department: Facilities Planning and Management

Compensation: Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting hourly wage within a range of $18/hr - $20/hr. UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.

Required Qualifications:

• H.S. Diploma
• 2 years of prior experience performing landscaping and grounds maintenance, horticulture, or greenhouse management in a professional setting
• Ability to attain UW System driver authorization within first week of employment Driver Driver Authorization
• Individuals must have or have the ability to obtain a State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License 3.0 Turf and Landscape within 6 months of hire

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree or a professional certification in horticulture, botany, forestry, or a related field
• Prior experience performing snow removal using trucks, loaders, tractors, or specialized equipment in a professional setting

Knowledge Skills and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of plant identification and proper methods and techniques for planting, transplanting, pruning and trimming perennials, trees, shrubs etc.
• Ability to have and maintain a valid Driver's License meeting the criteria for operating a university vehicle
• Ability to assist with database management and record keeping as it relates to greenhouse management, plant labeling and pest control applications
• Ability to perform a variety of daily, periodic, and seasonal duties that require bending, standing for prolonged periods, stooping, kneeling, and walking significant distances
• Ability to be able to work in various environments, noisy or dust-filled areas, adverse weather conditions, or at heights above 30' etc.
• Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers, staff, and students
• Ability to work independently and prioritize workload
• Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or other special events as needed
• Ability to grasp, lift or carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to interact respectfully with people with diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds
• Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills

How to Apply:

Applications received by December 18, 2025 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Name and contact information for three professional references

Contact Information:

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Stephanie Lederman
Administrative Assistant II
262-472-1320
ledermas@uww.edu

If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or hr@uww.edu.