Naturalized area management - establishment and care of
approximately 60 acres of prairies, urban meadows, bio-filtration
basins, woodlands, and alternative-turf lawn areas.
Tree care - full-service care of approximately 9,500 trees
including planting, pruning, removals, preservation, risk
assessment, and health care & chemical treatments.
Irrigation - maintenance of approximately 130 networked campus
irrigation systems which are centrally controlled through an ET
based computer program.
Project installation - repair and restoration of targeted
campus sites including large-scale planting, small hardscaping,
irrigation installation & retrofit, and construction
staging.
Event service - ensure efficient waste management for approved
outdoor events, football tailgating, Homecoming events, and Welcome
Week activities.
Equipment repair and maintenance - oversee equipment fleet of
approximately 650 units including prioritizing daily repairs,
obtaining replacement parts, coordinating short-term coverage
during breakdowns, upholding recommended service intervals, and
advising on replacement cycles.
Snow removal - plan pre-storm logistics, activate crews, and
direct post storm response to provide a safe and accessible campus
for various transportation modes. This includes in-house staff and
contracted vendors and involves an approximate scope of 100 miles
of streets, docks, plazas and walkways, and 100 acres of parking
facilities.
Contracted vendors - assist in supporting various specialized
contractors to supplement Landcare resources including snow
removal, street sweeping, organics recovery yard, sodding,
landscape maintenance, and tree work.
Supervision - 30%
- Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training for
frontline staff and student employees.
- Set goals for maintenance programs, uphold established campus
service standards, and regularly inspect work quality. Make
decisions to ensure work is completed efficiently and resources are
applied appropriately.
- Ensure successful program outcomes in a dynamic environment
through effective workflow planning, prioritizing, and
scheduling.
- Conduct annual performance evaluations and regular 1 on 1
check-in meetings with direct reports to provide continuous
feedback and operational support.
- Carry out in-house employee safety and equipment training,
coordinate external training and professional development
opportunities, and support employees in maintaining relevant
industry certifications and licenses.
- Comply with collective bargaining agreements and applicable
University policies.
Administrative Procedures - 20%
- Adhere to University policies and procurement rules while
making discretionary purchases for various goods and services which
includes assisting in budget management and reconciling
invoices.
- Utilize University computer programs to manage work tasks and
service requests as well as review and approve employee timecards
and time off requests.
- Attend regular meetings on-site, in-person, and virtually to
collaborate with team members, creatively solve problems, provide
status updates, and plan upcoming priorities.
- Prepare and be accountable for cost estimates for labor,
material, and equipment.
- Assist in regulatory compliance such as material inventories,
pesticide applications, spill prevention, and SDS by collecting,
organizing, and maintaining records.
- Apply relevant policies, procedures, labor contracts, codes,
regulations, and guidelines including Affirmative Action and Equal
Employment Opportunity.
Customer Service & Issue Resolution - 15%
- Build and maintain positive customer relations through regular
communication with other business units, departments, staff,
faculty, and students.
- Execute stated goals in customer Service Level Agreements
(SLA’s) and serve as the point of contact for various
customers.
- Intake service requests from various campus departments and
stakeholders, and facilitate any appropriate follow-up action to
resolve the issue. This involves having a general understanding of
other units, relaying messages appropriately, and tactfully
interacting with requesters.
Other Duties as Assigned - 5%
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- BA/BS degree in horticulture, urban forestry, or related field
plus at least five years of experience or a combination of related
education and work experience to equal at least nine years.
- Five years of experience in commercial grounds maintenance and
snow removal or combination of related education and work
experience to equal at least nine years
- Two years of supervisory experience (preferably in a unionized
setting)
- Competence with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, ArcGIS or
similar Geographic Information Systems software
- Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of industry and practices including
horticulture, arboriculture, irrigation, landscape installation,
and snow removal
- Valid MN pesticide applicator license (categories A & E)
with two years experience
- Well-developed communication skills using a variety of tools
and techniques (written, spoken, graphical, email, phone, text,
etc.)
- Strong time management and organization skills with ability to
balance multiple priorities
- Experience leading effectively and working collaboratively in a
unionized setting
Physical and Environmental Requirements
Work is performed both in the field and in an office setting and
may be exposed to hazardous outdoor conditions such as heat, cold,
rain and snow and extended hours during the winter months for snow
removal. PPE such as hearing and eye protection may be required at
times.
Pay and Benefits
Pay Range: $34.86 -$40.87 an hour ($72,500 - $85,000
annually); depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type : Civil-Service
Please visit the
Office of Human Resources website for more
information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that
includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit
Program
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling
at no cost
- Employee Transit
Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro
area
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to
note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This
approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of
each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our
commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to
incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this
position, please click the Apply button and follow the
instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an
online application for the position and attach a cover letter and
resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing
your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My
Cover Letters and Attachments" section.
Please include the following required application
materials:
To request an accommodation during the application process, please
e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity
and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its
employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is
committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying
identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and
opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without
regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender,
age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran
status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
To learn more about diversity at the U:
http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful
completion of a background check. Our presumption is that
prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal
convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from
employment.
About University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the
largest public research universities in the country, offering
undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of
opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one
of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities,
students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from
extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers,
international corporations, government agencies, and arts,
nonprofit, and public service organizations.
At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by
Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer
for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State
(2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence &
Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life
flexibility.