Landscape Worker Senior

Position Overview

The Landscape Worker Senior position is responsible for operating and maintaining the University's physical plant and grounds. Work involves planting, cultivating, transplanting and caring for ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers and all other aspects of general landscape and grounds care on campus. The role requires working independently and/or as a lead worker and operating work‑issued vehicles, forklifts, pallet jacks, mowers, string trimmers and other mechanized equipment.

Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

Facilities Services within KU Operations plays a vital role in maintaining an inviting and safe campus environment that supports teaching, learning and research. KU Operations supports KU’s mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by providing visible and behind‑the‑scenes services that make possible the university’s academic and research missions.

KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities.

• 60% Horticultural maintenance: Prunes and trims plantings to acquire desired effect; removes diseased or dead parts; contains size of plantings; acts as lead worker with crews in planting, maintaining and treating lawns, flower beds and other horticultural plantings; uses chemical treatments on plantings for pest and disease control as instructed; inspects areas to determine the need for work to be done and directs efforts accordingly.
• 30% Equipment operation: Operates small to medium sized equipment such as mowers, string trimmers, snow blowers, tractors, trucks, and other equipment used in landscape operations and snow removal.
• 5% Coordination and maintenance: Coordinates work with Landscape Technicians and other crew members and keeps supervisor informed about work in progress; performs equipment maintenance on sprayer units, irrigation systems and other horticultural equipment.
• 5% Other duties: Performs other work as assigned.

Reach, grasp, lift, carry, and place moderately heavy loads frequently, and heavy loads occasionally (50 lbs) with or without reasonable accommodation. Work in temperature extremes, both hot and cold—typically outdoors. Work overtime and respond to after‑hours emergencies as necessary. Report to work during declared periods of inclement weather. Must enter work order information digitally.

• High School diploma or completion of G.E.D. equivalency.
• One (1) year of experience in landscape and/or horticultural work.
• Kansas Pesticide license and certification or able to obtain within 6 months of hire date.
• Valid driver’s license by the time of hire and throughout the term of employment.
• Previous experience that required the use of computer or handheld devices to communicate & perform work activities as evidenced by application materials.

• Knowledge of the methods, practices, techniques and tools used in the planting and care of common Midwestern turf care, trees, shrubs, grasses and other ornamental plants as evidenced by application materials.
• Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of working with power tools and equipment in the landscape and grounds care trade as evidenced by application materials.
• Knowledge of the methods, practices, techniques and tools needed to correctly identify, control and prevent plant diseases and insects as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience working in a college, university or multi‑building campus setting.

A complete application includes the following:

• Resume
• Cover letter addressing how the required and preferred qualifications are met.
• List of 3 professional references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Application review begins Friday, December 5th and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.

Joe Fearn
Joe.

Fearn

Starting at $40,000

Friday, December 5, 2025

Monday, February 2, 2026

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Management and Manufacturing

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