College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

Position Summary

MSU Landscape Services has been maintaining campus as a living, learning laboratory since 1905. We are responsible for all aspects of landscape construction and maintenance including snow removal, signage, hardscape maintenance, golf course maintenance, tree care, and general repair on the campus of Michigan State University.

This position will provide leadership, planning, and record-keeping to a group of workers engaged in the care and maintenance regularly scheduled mowing operations, maintenance and repair of manual and automated irrigation systems, fountain pool maintenance, and general natural and artificial turf maintenance that includes aerating, weeding, spraying, seeding, and fertilizing work for turf areas, intramural fields, and designated campus athletic grounds areas. Coordinate and interact with athletic and intramural department staff and coaches. This position will require participation in MSU Football tailgate clean up and participation in the Campus Snow Removal Plan by shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles and equipment, applying ice-melt products, and assuming the role of Emergency Response Team Captain (if volunteers are not acquired).

This position will engage in high performing, leading edge practices, valuing people, partners, and stewardship. At IPF, we are committed to fostering an equitable, inclusive culture; engaging and hiring a diverse workforce.

Pay Rate: $24.38 - $27.09 upon meeting probationary period requirements. This position is not eligible for remote work. Regular, in-person attendance is required to meet business and customer needs.

MSU Benefits: Free comprehensive health care for you and your family as well as a 10% contribution toward your retirement; Generous sick, vacation, personal and holiday time.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Two years’ satisfactory experience as a Groundskeeper II or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience; Two years’ experience in leading, accompanying, and overseeing groundskeepers and/or other landscape personnel; Expert knowledge of tools, equipment, methods, and materials used irrigation systems and fountain maintenance; Expert knowledge of tools, equipment, methods, and materials used turf grass diseases, insect problems and weed management; Over five years of commercial snow removal experience in operating a licensed plow vehicle; Possession of a Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association certification, or an approved equivalent; Possession of a valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification - Turf (3A), Ornamental (3B), Right of Way (6), and Public Health Pest Management (8); Possession of a valid MSU Forklift, Toolcat, Tractor, and Loader Operator’s Permit upon completion of probationary or trial period; Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator's license.

May require possession of a valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification – 7F (Mosquito Control); May require valid chauffer or commercial driver’s license with applicable endorsements and medical certificate to comply with State of Michigan requirements.

Must drive a university vehicle to perform job duties of this classification; Must be able to work in variable or severe weather conditions; This position requires significant after-hours, weekend, and holiday work; Frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds and occasional lifting of over 75 pounds.

Desired Qualifications

A two-year technical degree in turf management; experience in fertilization, irrigation, and boom spraying application.

A creative and innovative lifelong learner with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population; able to problem solve within a collaborative team environment; ability to understand different perspectives while utilizing expert knowledge of the technical operations of the job.