Campus Gardener

Posting Details Posting Number:
S15225P

Working Title:
Campus Gardener

Department:
FMD-Grounds-Maintenance

About the University of Georgia:
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the states flagship university ( . The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The Universitys main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The Universitys enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department:
The UGA Facilities Management Division is the largest of 7 divisions reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration. The exceptional staff of over 800 personnel manage, operate, and maintain campus landscapes, buildings, and infrastructure to promote the long-term sustainability of the University of Georgia.

College/Unit/Department website:
fmd.uga.edu

Posting Type:
External

Retirement Plan:
TRS

Employment Type:
Employee

Benefits Eligibility:
Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time:
Full Time

Work Schedule:

Additional Schedule Information:
Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM-2:30 PM
No on call rotation
Essential Worker
Some night and/or weekend work may be required to meet the needs of the organization.

Advertised Salary:
$40,000

Posting Date:
06/01/2026

Open until filled:
Yes

Closing Date:

Proposed Starting Date:
07/05/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Location of Vacancy:
Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement:
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( ... ).

USG Core Values Statement:
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02 .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom .

Position Information Classification Title:
Groundskeeper I

FLSA:
Non-Exempt

FTE:
1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:
2+years of landscape experience,
4 year degree in the horticulture field,
Knowledge of perennials and how to care for them

Position Summary:
The responsibilities of the Campus Gardener involve gardening and maintenance activities such as planting, weeding, chemical application, and pruning.

Plan, curate, and manage the specialty gardens at University of Georgias Athens campus. Duties and responsibilities include planting, pruning, weeding, dividing plants, chemical application, leaf removal, and, maintenance. The Campus Gardener will work closely with the Foremen and Landscape Manager to ensure that plazas, pathways, lighting, and architectural features are safe, clean and in good condition, as well as the maintenance of the containers across campus. This position is an essential employee that may be needed to report during weather events. This employee also performs regular maintenance duties alongside the other employees as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Ability to operate all types of grounds maintenance equipment to include small gas powered equipment.
• Some knowledge of pesticides and weed control.
• Understand and follow specific oral and written instructions.
• Extensive knowledge of cultural requirements needed for plants that grow in the hardiness Zone 8a
• Extensive knowledge of proper pruning techniques for plants in southeast.

Physical Demands:

• Standing and walking most of the day, lifting up to 50 lbs., reaching, stooping, and kneeling.
• The responsibilities of this position are primarily outdoor duties. Working outside during adverse weather conditions.
• Strenuous physical activity including but not limited to mulching, weeding, raking, digging, and planting.
• Driving is needed to perform job tasks.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?:
Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?:
No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:
No

Does this position require a P-Card? :
No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :
No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:
No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):
No

Credit and P-Card policy:
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy:
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .

Duties/Responsibilities Duties/Responsibilities:
Garden maintenance including weed control, pest management, leaf and litter removal, pruning, mulching, and fertilizer application.

Percentage of time:
50

Duties/Responsibilities:
Specialized seasonal maintenance to include winter pruning of specimen woody ornamentals, deadheading and specialized seasonal pruning of flowering ornamental shrubs, and container displays, and lifting, dividing, and propagating of perennials.

Percentage of time:
20

Duties/Responsibilities:
Maintain all containers across campus to include watering, weeding, and planting.

Percentage of time:
10

Duties/Responsibilities:
Install annuals, perennials and bulbs in specialty garden areas and containers.

Percentage of time:
10

Duties/Responsibilities:
Monitor soil conditions in all garden beds. Correct problems through drainage adjustments, soil amendment, and fertilization.

Percentage of time:
5

Duties/Responsibilities:
Respond to campus emergencies including inclement weather events.

Percentage of time:
5