Job Summary:

 The Lead Gardener and Grounds Maintenance, performs the duties of a Gardener, snow removal, equipment operations associated with the maintenance of the campus grounds and supports all campus wide events. Assists Supervisor with planning and scheduling of the Institute’s campus-wide maintenance program; to include landscape design, daily task coordination, greenhouse operations and project work for each campus area. Work in concert with other leads to support campus wide events. Serve as team leader for crew of assigned staff. Act on behalf of the Supervisor during their absence.

Who we are:

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree in Horticulture or a related field, with at least 5 years of field experience in landscape maintenance, including training and operating landscape maintenance equipment, irrigation systems, and snow removal equipment.
• Or a relevant combination of education, training, and directly related experience.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Valid New York State Pesticide Technician’s or Applicator’s License (Category 3a), or the ability to obtain within one year of appointment.

Relevant combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to independently operate all landscape, turf maintenance and snow removal equipment
• Understanding of irrigation systems, trouble shooting and ability to make minor repairs
• Ability to properly mix and apply appropriate pesticides, calibrate spreaders and sprayers
• Ability to identify plant material with the understanding of cultural requirements and growth habits.
• Thorough knowledge of planting techniques
• Ability to operate and train others on all landscape, turf maintenance and snow removal equipment
• Ability to provide day-to-day direction to staff and lead projects
• Ability to read, write, and perform arithmetic functions
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft and job specific software
• Ability work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Must have the ability to work flexible hours which may include, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays

Representative Job Duties:

• Coordinate an effective campus-wide seasonal maintenance program as directed by the Supervisor. Provide recommendations and input for improvements to grounds maintenance program. Organize the routine and non-routine duties of assigned staff to ensure equal distribution of work assignments fairly and appropriately concurrent with the qualifications of staff. Adjust work priorities as necessary to account for changes in weather, special events scheduled and projects. Communicate all unit activities to the Supervisor. Keep the Supervisor informed of staff issues, maintenance schedules, project status, equipment malfunctions, equipment and turf damage, equipment repair needs.
• Use campus maintenance software system to review daily work orders and assign to appropriate staff. Ensure all work orders are updated and closed out as appropriate.
• Coordinate and oversee campus wide planting and bed maintenance techniques. Diagnose insect, disease or cultural problems in the turf and landscape. Ensure safe handling, storage and application of granular and/or liquid fertilizer to maintain healthy plant growth. Ensure Pesticide product inventory/product books are current and up-to-date. Provide technical and horticultural assistance/training to staff in collaboration with the Supervisor. Responsible for keeping abreast and coordinating landscape preparation for campus events.
• Administer an effective staff development, mentoring and continuing training program as directed by the Supervisor. Provide ongoing training with an emphasis on proper equipment use and grounds maintenance.
• Act as a liaison and interact effectively and routinely with Rensselaer staff and special event coordinators. Respond to visitor and student requests. Schedule and coordinate outside contractor and vendor services as directed. Provide support for athletic field operations and campus moves as required.
• Oversee the routine maintenance, minor repair and troubleshooting of campus irrigations systems. Adjust watering times for changing moisture conditions, soil testing, irrigation startup and winterization. Make recommendations for new systems needed around campus.
• Perform snow removal functions in accordance with the Institute snow removal plan. Respond to and be available for weather related emergencies as necessary to maintain safe transportation through campus. Operate, maintain and inspect all snow removal equipment in accordance with Institute’s standards. Provide coordination of the Snow and Ice Response Plan in assigned area. Initiate regular assessments of the snow and ice control process to ensure a safe and traversable campus. Monitor and inform Supervisor of campus readiness. Ensure snow equipment and product readiness for next storm.
• Monitor assigned staff for adherence to all established Divisional SOPs, safety policies and standard practices. Respond to campus emergencies as required. Report instances of vandalism/theft of Institute property immediately to Supervisor or Public Safety. Maintain work and storage areas in a clean, organized and safe condition.
• Operate loaders, forklifts, wood chipper and other related landscape equipment at proper working and safety standards. Load, secure and transport equipment, materials and supplies by truck and trailer using proper safety methods. Work in concert with other Leads, and Supervisor to provide solid waste and recycling pickups.
• Plan, implement and maintain extensive, year-round greenhouse operation including growing annuals and perennials for campus planting beds. Plan and assist in the implementation of all newly proposed landscape projects. Provide input to Supervisor of Landscape Operations regarding annual goals for department and staff. Assist Supervisor in planning, implementing and maintaining a comprehensive grounds assessment program. Perform regular inspections of all landscape bed and hardscape areas. Provide input to Supervisor for performance evaluations of assigned staff. Schedule and coordinate outside contractor and vendor services as directed by Supervisor.
• Perform the duties of a Senior Groundskeeper and Gardener as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Shift:

Primarily standard business hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed to support campus events, maintenance, or emergency operations.

Travel:

Driving:

Driving a Rensselaer vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate:

Expected hiring range: $25.00 -$27.75

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions:

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information:

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).