Grounds: Gardener

Job Description

A full-time university staff position is available in Grounds Maintenance beginning mid January. The working title for this assignment is Gardener with an official title of Groundskeeper. This is an expected-to-continue assignment which requires a six-month probationary period [or project assignment expected to last at least one year}. The expected hourly hiring salary will be $18.00 an hour.

Position Summary
This position requires extensive knowledge of horticultural, arboricultural and landscape construction practices. The ability to guide the work of others, to coordinate projects with other shops and to work with the public is important. This position involves the operation of heavy equipment around thousands of University students, employees and visitors. Work is performed under the direction of the Grounds Supervisor.

Goals and Worker Activities

60% Development and maintenance of ornamental plantings and turf.

• Assume a lead role in the maintenance of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and native plantings on Campus.
• Routinely prune trees and shrubs throughout Campus. Transplant and remove trees and shrubs as directed by Grounds Supervisor.
• Plant trees, shrubs and herbaceous material according to plans and specifications. Document dimensions and locations for “as built” drawings.
• Condition and prepare soils for the planting of flower and shrub beds.
• Weed, till, edge and mulch flower and shrub beds; deadhead flowers; pick up litter and other debris. Remove annual flowers after killing frost.
• Maintain the campus Japanese Garden.
• Assist supervisor in design and selection of annual and perennial flowers and prairie plantings for rain gardens.
• Thin and divide perennial plants; plant and mulch seasonal bulbs.
• Inspect ornamental plant material; identify, and report major insect, disease and environmental problems. Maintain a log of potentially hazardous trees.
• Control plant insect and disease problems on ornamentals and turf areas by cultural practices and the application of fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and compost tea using Integrated Pest Management procedures, as required.
• Take an active role in the control of invasive plants on campus.
• Calibrate equipment and assist others in the application of fertilizers and pesticides on turf and landscaped areas.
• Accurately keep pesticide and fertilizer application records. Keep records of insect and disease problems.
• Maintain pesticide applicators certification and license.
• Attend training sessions related to horticultural practices.
• Coordinate planting and pruning project assignments as defined by the Grounds Supervisor; help plan labor and material needs, organize and procure supplies and direct completion of the work.\
• Guide the activities of other employees in performing maintenance and planting projects; initiate maintenance work as necessary.
• Recommend projects, work assignments and procurement selections to Grounds Supervisor.

10% Perform Maintenance and Construction duties

• Perform maintenance, repair and construction project assignments as defined by work orders and Grounds Supervisor as part of the Project Crew.
• Assist on various construction projects, including: excavation, demolition and concrete work.
• Help on the annual fall and spring leaf clean-up across campus.
• Help inspect, clean and do minor repairs to roads, parking lots and walks.
• Help install and repair benches, waste containers, bike racks, cigarette urns, signs, posts, fencing and barricades and other site amenities.
• Maintain hiking trails, gravel drive and stream banks in Putnam Park.
• Maintain and operate flood control structure, as needed.
• Grade, topdress, seed and sod lawn areas.
• Guide other employees in carrying out assigned tasks in the absence of the Grounds Crew Lead and /or Grounds Supervisor.

20% Removal of snow and ice.

• Plow, brush and blow snow from roads, walks and lots with articulating tractors and loaders.
• Plow, load and haul snow with articulating loaders and dump trucks.
• Shovel steps, ramps and walks.
• Spread sand and salt as required.

5% Operation and maintenance of grounds equipment.

• Operate fork lift, front end loaders and articulating tractors with specialized attachments for maintenance and construction projects.
• Drive dump and pickup trucks and trailer for hauling construction materials and trash.
• Operate other special equipment including: aerial bucket, tree spade, chain saws, trimmers, trenchers, sod cutter, lawn sweeper, etc., as needed.
• Inspect, clean, grease, gas up, change oil and perform minor adjustments on mowers and all small equipment and tools.
• Sharpen blades on pruning equipment and chain saws.
• Assist Grounds Mechanic as required.
• Observe and execute safety practices and procedures.

5% Other maintenance and development projects.

• Haul trash; pick up litter and other debris.
• Move and transfer furniture and equipment.
• Clean and organize Grounds Shop, break room and storage areas.
• Accurately maintain work logs, time sheets and other records.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Grounds Supervisor.

Other

• The regular work shift is 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Overtime work is required by the supervisor as it is necessary, particularly during winter months. This makes it necessary for the holder of this position to live within a forty five (45) minute drive of the University.
• This job involves Heavy Work (lifting 50lbs frequently and occasionally up to 100lbs).
• A valid Wisconsin Drivers License, and a good driving record which meets Wisconsin’s minimum driving standards necessary to operate University vehicles, is required. A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) may be required if heavier vehicles are needed in the future
• A Commercial Pesticide Applicators License is required.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage
• Constructs lawn and landscaping projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding
• Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment
• Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice
• Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs

Department:

Facilities Grounds

Compensation:

$18/hr

Required Qualifications:

A thorough knowledge of ornamental horticultural practices; adherence to rules and regulations of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. The ability to interpret UWEC’s Integrated Pest Management program and Landscape Management standards; experience with removal, installation, maintenance and care for ornamental horticultural specimens including trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and others.

Preferred Qualifications:

Current Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator’s License, pruning and maintenance techniques for woody ornamentals including trees and shrubs, horticultural practices for perennials, annuals, ornamental grasses; demonstrates commitment to support and enhance the diversity and cultural and global awareness of students, faculty, and staff.

How to Apply:

Applications are submitted electronically. Please follow instructions found on the following UW-Eau Claire Website: http://wisconsin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UW_Comprehensives. You must create an account and login before you can apply. Please be sure you have included the following in PDF format:

• Cover letter
• Resume/curriculum vita
• Names and contact information for three references.

To ensure consideration, completed applications must be received by Wednesday, January 7, 2026. However, screening will continue until position is filled.

Contact Information:

ALLENJEN@uwec.edu

INSTITUTIONAL OVERVIEW

UW-Eau Claire, an institution of approximately 9,000 students and 1,200 faculty and staff, is consistently recognized as a top comprehensive university in the Midwest and is widely known as a leader in faculty-undergraduate research and study abroad. We strive for excellence in liberal education and select graduate and professional programs through commitment to teaching and learning and dedication to our core values of diversity, sustainability, leadership, and innovation. To learn more about UWEC, visit https://www.uwec.edu/human-resources/employment-opportunities/.

The City of Eau Claire, situated at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, is at the center of a metropolitan area of approximately 100,000 people located 90 miles east of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The area features beautiful parks and trails, strong public schools, a vibrant arts scene and local food culture, and abundant recreational opportunities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The university reserves the right to contact additional references with notice given to the candidates at an appropriate time in the process. Employment will require a background check. Employment will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding past conduct related to sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).

The UW-Eau Claire Police Department is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for learning and working. Although crime at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is limited, the University Police want students, faculty and staff to be aware of crime on campus and the area surrounding the campus. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose annual information about campus crime. Visit Campus Security and Fire Report. Also visit our Campus Security Authority(CSA) policy.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.