Laborer, Outdoor​/Nature​/Animal Care, Landscaping

Position Summary

Laborer I – temporary position supporting Michigan State University’s Landscape Services. Work includes routine manual labor for general landscape and grounds maintenance, plant and tree care, preservation, and treatment.

Full‑time (40 hours per week).

Work schedule:

Monday–Friday, 5:00 AM–1:30 PM. Starting pay $19.58 per hour, increasing to $20.61 per hour after six months and 1,040 hours based on performance.

• Perform routine manual labor tasks related to landscape and grounds maintenance.
• Assist in plant and tree care, preservation, and treatment.
• Work with a designated crew (Gardening, Forest Akers Golf Course, Turf & Irrigation, Landscape Supply, Arborist, Hard Surface, Site Construction).
• Handle frequent lifting of 26–75 lb regularly, occasionally lifting over 75 lb.
• Operate university vehicle, forklifts, and other equipment as required.
• Work in variable or severe weather and possibly after‑hours, weekend, or holiday work.

• Work–life balance: 40‑hour weeks, holiday pay, vacation leave after six months, sick leave.
• Optional health‑care coverage with employer contribution to an HSA.
• Professional development: certifications in pesticide applicator, CDL, heavy‑equipment, advanced green‑industry certifications.
• After six months and 1,040 hours, opportunity to bid on a full‑time position with full MSU benefits.

• Valid Michigan driver’s license; must drive university vehicle.
• Good driving record; must pass department motor‑vehicle and university criminal background checks.
• Wear required safety footwear (leather work boot).
• Obtain MSU forklift operator’s permit within three months of hire.
• Obtain valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification (core only) within six months of hire.
• Physical ability to lift 26–75 lb regularly; occasionally lift over 75 lb.
• Ability to work in variable or severe weather; accommodate after‑hours, weekend, and holiday work.
• MSU is a tobacco‑free campus; no tobacco use on campus or during work breaks.

• Experience in landscape maintenance/installation, construction, logistics, delivery, or agriculture.
• Experience operating industrial or commercial landscaping equipment (forklift, mower, sky track, cement mixer, truck/trailer, tractor, skid steer, etc.).
• Experience with hand tools (rake, shovel, weed whipper, blower, drill, grinder, spreader, chainsaw, lopper).
• Paid experience in commercial snow removal with a licensed plow vehicle.
• Industry certifications: arborist, C.G.I.P., N.A.L.P., Master Gardener, equipment training records.
• Commercial driver’s license(s) with Michigan requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

Mon–Fri 6:00–2:30 PM with significant after‑hours, weekend, and holiday work. Shifts may vary depending on seasonality or emergencies.

Work in noisy areas (>85 decibels), variable and severe weather, frequent lifting of 26–75 lb (occasionally up to 75 lb), carrying, pushing, pulling, and climbing.

Send any questions to IPF.Landscape Services. Apply through the MSU Careers website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..