Horticulture Technician at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Job Description:

Position DetailsReq ID:req18515Position Title:Horticulture TechnicianPosition Type:Staff Full-TimeOSU Campus:OKLAHOMA CITYDepartment:HorticultureLocation Address:

900 N Portland Ave
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73107
United States Hiring Supervisor and Contact Info:Jackson HolmanHiring Range:
(Contingent upon available funding):14.31 - 14.88, Hourly Work Schedule:VariesJob Summary:

Job Summary

Performs semi-skilled level duties under general supervisionto support operation and maintenance of the gardens, grounds, and greenhouse. Anincumbent in this position will follow generally standardized operatingpolicies and procedures. Proper conduct and appearance are important at alltimes.  

Essential Job Functions:

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

Grounds:   

Mow warm and cool season lawn grasses.Plant, weed, cultivate, water, and maintainplanting bed areas. Operate commonly used grounds maintenancepower equipment.Perform routine maintenance on powerequipment.Assist in the pruning and trimming of treesand shrubs.Monitor and perform routine maintenance oflandscape and turf irrigation systems.Assist in the preparation of student outdoorlab activities.Responsible for trash removal on grounds.Responsible for snow and ice removal asneeded.

Gardens:

Weed, cultivate, water, and maintain plantingbed areas.Assist in the growth and care of numerousflowering and bedding plant greenhouse crops.Transplant plant material to outside beds.Water, fertilize, and maintain Quonsetgreenhouse and shade house plant materials.Assist in preparation and planting ofseedbeds.Operate commonly used grounds maintenancepower equipment.Assist in the preparation of outdoor studentlab activities.Responsible for removal of trash around andin beds.

Greenhouse:

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

The duties listed in this job description are intended onlyas illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. Theomission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from theposition if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to theposition.
 Special Instructions to Applicants

Education & ExperiencePosition Qualifications:

Education:

High school diploma, GED or previous job related experience.

Work Experience:

One to two years grounds, maintenance or greenhouseexperience 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 avoidsafety problems.


• Ability to read and interpret printed materials for chemicals, basic charts, diagramsand 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 ofethical 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 includedwithin 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 hereinare representative of those required of an employee to be able to perform theessential functions of this position, with or without reasonableaccommodations.

 

 
Oklahoma State University (OSU) strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, OSU conducts pre-employment background checks on final candidates.  Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal (felony and misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

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