Horticulture Technician Job Listing at OSU-Oklahoma City in Oklahoma City, OK (Job ID 18515)

Description

Job Summary

Performs semi-skilled level duties under general supervision to support operation and maintenance of the gardens, grounds, and greenhouse. An incumbent in this position will follow generally standardized operating policies and procedures. Proper conduct and appearance are important at all times.  

Essential Job Functions:

1. Complies will all state and university policies.
2. Completes all mandatory training and participates in a minimum of two professional development activities each year.
3. Performs other duties as assigned.
   
   

Grounds:   

1. Mow warm and cool season lawn grasses.
2. Plant, weed, cultivate, water, and maintain planting bed areas.
3.  Operate commonly used grounds maintenance power equipment.
4. Perform routine maintenance on power equipment.
5. Assist in the pruning and trimming of trees and shrubs.
6. Monitor and perform routine maintenance of landscape and turf irrigation systems.
7. Assist in the preparation of student outdoor lab activities.
8. Responsible for trash removal on grounds.
9. Responsible for snow and ice removal as needed.

Gardens:

1. Weed, cultivate, water, and maintain planting bed areas.
2. Assist in the growth and care of numerous flowering and bedding plant greenhouse crops.
3. Transplant plant material to outside beds.
4. Water, fertilize, and maintain Quonset greenhouse and shade house plant materials.
5. Assist in preparation and planting of seedbeds.
6. Operate commonly used grounds maintenance power equipment.
7. Assist in the preparation of outdoor student lab activities.
8. Responsible for removal of trash around and in beds.

Greenhouse:

1. Transplant and organize plants on the greenhouse benches.
2. Propagation of various greenhouse plant materials.
3. Assist in the growth and care of numerous bedding plant crops, flowering plant crops, tropical plants, and vegetables.
4. Watering and fertilizing of all Quonset greenhouse crops and display planting areas.
5. Monitoring greenhouse crops, scout for disease and insect problems and participate in control measures.
6. General maintenance of structures and systems related to greenhouse operations.
7. Assist in the preparation of horticulture class laboratory activities.
   
   

The duties listed in this job description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Education:

High school diploma, GED or previous job related experience.

Work Experience:
One to two years grounds, maintenance or greenhouse experience and/or equivalent horticulture training.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience operating and maintaining greenhouse equipment (sprayers, mowers, tillers, etc…) and knowledge of safety practices is a plus. 

Licenses & Certifications:

• Must have passed certified pesticide exam (Category 3a), or ability to pass the exam within six months of the hire date.
• Must have valid Oklahoma driver's license.
  

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to effectively operate equipment such as push mowers, riding mowers, weed eaters, sprayers, etc.
• Ability to use garden and hand tools such as hand pruners, loppers, hand saws, etc.
• Strong communication skills; ability to understand and follow instructions and avoid safety problems.
• Ability to read and interpret printed materials for chemicals, basic charts, diagrams and instruction material for equipment.
• Ability to follow standardized policies and procedures.
• Must pass the pesticide spray technician exam within nine months of employment.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively with high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate diplomatically, clearly, and effectively, both verbally and in writing to exchange information, give/receive instructions and respond to inquiries appropriately with all students, faculty, staff and community partners.
• High degree of initiative to work independently and also collaborate in a team environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of office technologies including but not limited to: office computers, fax machines, scanners, internet, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Passion for assisting customers and representing the OSU-OKC and OSU brand with positivity and professionalism.
• Demonstrated history of ethical and professional behavior.

Working Conditions:

• Work will be performed in an environment that requires working outdoors and in greenhouses with temperature changes and extremes; operating motorized equipment; proper handling of toxic materials and exposure to chemicals, dust, fumes, gases, etc. with appropriate personal protective equipment.
•  Position may require working on occasional weekends and evenings and/or assisting with special events outside of normal working hours.

Physical Requirements:

Other than those physical/mental requirements included within the essential functions, this position:
Standing and/or walking approximately 7-8 hours per day.

• Significant physical stamina to perform tasks that require frequent/continuous physical activities.
• Frequent to continuous bending/stooping, squatting/crouching, and pushing/pulling, lifting/carrying.
• Position requires frequent carrying/lifting of materials up to 45 lbs. (If an object weighs more than 45 lbs., OSU-Oklahoma City requires this to be a two-person lift). On occasion, may lift weight over 75 lbs. using proper lifting techniques.
• Individual must be able to use both feet for repetitive movements as in operating foot controls on equipment.
• Individual must be able to use both hands for repetitive actions requiring simple/firm grasping and/or fine manipulation.

The work environment and physical demands described herein are representative of those required of an employee to be able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodations.