Landscape Technician (MT9857)

Job Description

The Landscape Technician, under the direct supervision of the Grounds Manager, supports Stetson University by helping maintain a safe, clean, attractive, and welcoming campus environment for students, employees, alumni, and visitors. As a member of the Facilities Management team, this position performs skilled grounds maintenance using a variety of power equipment. The Landscape Technician calibrates and operates equipment; maintains, weeds, and trims native plants; manages and trims trees as needed; maintains walks and drives; installs landscape materials; and adjusts and replaces irrigation heads while maintaining irrigation controls and low-voltage lighting fixtures. The Landscape Technician helps ensure that the University's outdoor spaces are well maintained and ready to serve the needs of the campus community. In alignment with Stetson’s Strategic Priorities, the Landscape Technician contributes to a positive campus experience by helping maintain outdoor spaces that support learning, connection, and community engagement.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Safely operating power mowers, tractors, light trucks, edgers, clippers and other handheld power tools used in the grounds maintenance industry.
• Inspecting and maintaining equipment and machines following a preventative maintenance program.
• Laying sod; watering grounds; raking; picking up paper and other debris from assigned areas, installing landscaping and repairing roads.
• Assisting in the set-up of various events held on the premises.
• Assisting in recommending, coordinating and/or implementing as directed, short- and long-term plans and programs for an integrated landscape management.
• Installing new landscapes and materials as specified by Landscape Architect.
• Maintaining privacy and decorative fence, provides paint touch-up as needed to both fence and facilities.
• Conducting periodic inspections of premises and grounds to assure appropriate measures are taken to prevent occurrence/reoccurrence of problems associated with an integrated pest management and landscape programs.
• Supporting on the job training of newly hired staff members.
• Maintains an effective working relationship, both inter and intra-departmentally.
• Responding to building and grounds complaints, remedying problems and keeping constituents informed in a timely manner.
• Effectively planning and performing in a multi-task environment and meeting self or pre-imposed objectives and deadlines. Exercises the use of independent judgement.
• Performing all other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• The ability to effectively communicate in spoken and written English.
• Knowledge of tools and equipment used in the turf maintenance industry.
• Knowledge of occupational safety rules and practices.
• The ability to perform strenuous physical work in adverse environmental conditions.
• Skills in the operation of light trucks, tractors and mowing equipment.
• Knowledge of mathematics sufficient to calculate quantities and determine appropriate ratios and mixtures.
• The ability to work independently and maintain accurate data logs, records and information sheets as may be required.
• The ability to effectively interact and communicate with others.
• The ability to carry and lift moderately heavy objects (20-30 bl.) to very heavy objects (100 lb. or over).
• The ability to walk over rough or uneven surfaces, bend, stoop, climb stepladders and work in confined spaces.
• The ability to walk and climb stairs and provide manual labor necessary to fulfill job functions. Many buildings have multiple floors with stairs and no elevators.
• The ability to work in environments with extreme temperature and humidity common in Florida. Frequently performs work outside and may work in buildings without air conditioning, heating, or other comforts. May work in areas that are dusty, noisy, and areas that may have unpleasant odors.
• Support the University’s Mission and Values in their role.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum high school diploma or GED preferred but not essential with appropriate experience; Valid Florida Driver’s License and an insurable driving record.
• One (1) year of experience in landscaping.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record as determined by the University’s auto insurance carrier.

Work authorization sponsorship may be available for this position. However, sponsorship is contingent upon the non-applicability of the visa petition fees outlined in the relevant Executive Order signed September 19, 2025. Due to the recent federally mandated increased financial expense, the university is not in a position to absorb this significantly increased cost of sponsorship for new H-1B petitions at this time. International candidates are encouraged to apply but should be aware that eligibility for sponsorship will be evaluated in accordance with current U.S. immigration regulations and institutional policies.Benefits This position is benefit eligible. Stetson University offers a variety of benefits for our full-time employees including comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, employer paid life and disability insurance, generous leave and holiday benefits, employer retirement contributions, tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents, and others. All employees are also eligible to enjoy our Hatter Perks which include a variety of discounts and special privileges within our community.

Please visit our employee benefits webpage for more information.