Gardener

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the Gardener position. The Gardener is a full-time, year-round position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $23 to $25 per hour.

The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.

The Gardener supports the efforts of the Landscape and Grounds Department with planning and executing landscaping operations. Ensures proper maintenance of all horticultural aspects on campus. Assists in the planning, organizing and implementing new plants and renovations, as well as provides labor and equipment operation and support for all aspects of grounds work as required.

The position is designated as providing essential services and may be required to report to work or remain on duty even though the College is closed. Our work is central to student life and their needs occur at a variety of times throughout the day, week, and year and in such, a flexible schedule with extended shift times and emergency call-ins may be required. The work schedule may vary and corresponds to the College’s operational needs, but generally is Monday through Friday.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Provide labor support for all horticultural aspects of the diverse campus community, including pruning, trimming, weeding, fertilizing, spraying, repairing damaged areas, grading terrain, seeding, transplanting shrubs and plants, and brush, leaf, and snow removal.
• Operate department equipment, including trucks, utility vehicles, tractors, saws, lawn mowers, tools, and snow equipment as needed. Inspect and perform minor and basic equipment maintenance.
• Assist Special Services with the setup for special functions, including commencement, reunion, freshman orientation, etc. Support office moves as needed.
• Assist Design and Construction with the planning and/or preparation of landscape projects, including inspection, work planning, maintenance, plant labeling, repair operations, and purchasing of materials.

Qualifications:

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• MA DOT card or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire

• Specialized training in the culture and maintenance of many types of plants

• Pesticide and hoisting licenses or ability to acquire within 6 months of hire

• A valid driver’s license and successful credentialing is required in order to operate college vehicles

• Strong written and verbal communication, organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to plan, organize, and multitask when priorities change frequently

• General knowledge in the selection and maintenance of plants

• Experience in the operation of motorized vehicles and equipment; trucks, tractors, chainsaws, and general landscaping tools

• Ability to work with garden design drawings

• Knowledge and Experience in Irrigation maintenance and water conservation

• Basic computer skills

• Successful completion of required reference and background checks

• An acceptable criminal offender records information (CORI) check

• Successful completion of pre-employment physical and lift test

Preferred

• 1 year of related vehicle operations and equipment use

• 1 year of snow plowing experience

• 1 year of experience within higher ed landscape and grounds

• MA 1A hoisting license

• Category 37 pesticide applicator

• MA DOT License

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen.) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.