Department: Facilities Mgmt EV
Salary/Grade: 681/U3

Position is part of a collective bargaining unit. Pay for this position will be $36.32 per hour. Rate is determined by collective bargaining agreement.

Job Summary:

Under general direction from Foreman, Assistant Foreman and Lead Workers, performs general landscape and grounds maintenance function as assigned, including but not limited to those listed below. Maintains assigned work areas and related equipment in a clean, safe and operable condition. May provide directions for specific tasks to Utility workers or temporary employees, with supervisor instruction.

The role will support the department's mission and values by exhibiting the following: inclusiveness, respect, initiative, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. The incumbent will strive to provide excellent service when performing job responsibilities and will practice safe work procedures, and follow safety rules at all times.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Flower bed maintenance: installing plant material, weeding beds, and watering.
• Landscape construction: under general direction of others, installs tree and shrub plantings, site preparation and plant removals.
• Turf maintenance: mowing, seeding, sodding, and watering.
• Small equipment operation: lawn mowing equipment, snow blowers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, bulb drills, walk-behind aerators. Drives University vehicles.
• General landscape maintenance: lawn mowing, watering, weeding and cultivating. Assists with trimming and pruning. General landscape clean up and leaf removal.
• Snow and ice removal: includes the use of shovels, small snow brooms and snowplows.
• Refuse removal: carrying and emptying garbage cans and picking up trash from campus areas.
• Special event setups for University departments.
• Available 24x7 for snow removal and storm response
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of educational training and experience from which comparable skills are acquired;
• Two (2) or more years of professional landscape or grounds maintenance experience;
• Must possess and maintain a valid Illinois driver's license;
• Must be a member of Local 681 or join after one month of employment.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• General knowledge of landscape maintenance and construction;
• Familiarity with the operation of landscape related equipment;
• General knowledge of the tools, equipment, methods, and standard trade safety practices;
• Physical ability to work in cramped quarters, climb ladders, and work from equipment high off ground level;
• Physical ability to lift and maneuver weight up to 50 pounds;
• Dexterity necessary for the use of tools, manipulation of materials, and the operation of motorized equipment;
• Receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement;
• Helpful, respectful, approachable and team oriented;
• Seeks to build collaboration by encouraging trust, mutual respect and shared purpose;
• Good written and oral communications and listening skills;
• Integrates health and safety precautions into daily activities;
• Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Associates or Bachelor's degree in horticulture or related field;
• Valid CDL Class B driver's license;
• Valid Illinois Pesticide Operator license.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Successfully uses multiple software program independently. Software may include Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, webmail and Peoplesoft;
• Proficiency with mobile devices including iOS;
• Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team;
• Plans ahead, manages time well and arrives on time;
• Recommends improvements and opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce costs;
• Exceptional customer relationship skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment;
• Analytical skills including critical thinking, decision making, trouble shooting and problem solving;
• Achieves a standard of excellence with work processes and outcomes, honoring University and Department policies and all regulatory requirements.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more.

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The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.