Landscaper

Position Summary

The Campus Landscaper is responsible for maintaining the aesthetic appeal and safety of the University Hospital grounds while supporting the institution's healing mission. This position requires expertise in landscape maintenance, environmental stewardship, and adherence to healthcare facility standards. The successful candidate will maintain a mindset and support the culture of continuous quality improvement, contributing to a therapeutic environment for patients, visitors, and staff.

Key Responsibilities

Landscape Maintenance & Operations

• Perform comprehensive maintenance of campus lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs, and landscaped areas to healthcare facility standards
• Operate and maintain landscaping equipment including commercial mowers, trimmers, blowers, and specialized irrigation systems
• Execute proper pruning, trimming, and plant care techniques to ensure optimal plant health and visual appeal
• Install, maintain, and replace seasonal plantings and decorative landscape features that enhance the healing environment

Safety & Environmental Stewardship

• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides in strict accordance with established protocols, safety guidelines, and environmental regulations
• Remove debris, litter, and hazardous materials from walkways, entrances, patient areas, and common spaces
• Provide timely snow and ice removal to ensure safe pedestrian and vehicle access
• Implement and support sustainability initiatives including water conservation, integrated pest management, and eco-friendly practices

Healthcare Environment Support

• Maintain landscape features specifically designed to support the healing environment concept and patient well-being
• Respond promptly to landscape-related emergencies, urgent maintenance requests, and special event preparations
• Ensure all landscaping activities comply with hospital infection control protocols and minimize disruption to patient care areas
• Collaborate with maintenance team to address infrastructure-related landscape issues

Specialized Knowledge & Skills

Healthcare Environment Expertise

• Understanding of healthcare facility safety protocols and infection control measures
• Knowledge of therapeutic landscaping principles and healing garden concepts
• Awareness of patient, visitor, and staff safety considerations in outdoor environments

Technical Competencies

• Proficiency in irrigation system installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and water management
• Knowledge of native and adaptive plantings suitable for healthcare settings
• Basic hardscape maintenance including walkways, retaining walls, and decorative features
• Understanding of integrated pest management principles

Working Conditions & Schedule

• Full-time position requiring year-round outdoor work in varying weather conditions
• Standard Monday-Friday schedule with flexibility for occasional weekend rotations and emergency response
• On-call availability for weather-related emergencies and urgent maintenance needs
• Strict adherence to hospital safety protocols, infection control measures, and visitor interaction guidelines

Essential Competencies

Professional Attributes

• Exceptional attention to detail with commitment to maintaining high-quality standards
• Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple concurrent projects
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities for interaction with staff, patients, and visitors

Specialized Healthcare Skills

• Cultural sensitivity and awareness of the unique needs within a hospital environment
• Commitment to continuous quality improvement principles and best practices
• Dedication to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management
• Professional demeanor appropriate for interaction with patients, families, and healthcare staff

Performance Expectations

• Maintain landscape areas that consistently meet or exceed healthcare facility aesthetic and safety standards
• Demonstrate continuous improvement in work processes, efficiency, and environmental stewardship
• Participate actively in quality improvement initiatives and professional development opportunities
• Contribute to positive team dynamics and organizational culture

Reports To

Grounds Maintenance Supervisor

Career Development Opportunities

• Professional certification programs in landscape management and sustainability
• Cross-training opportunities within facilities management

Leadership development for advancement within the grounds maintenance team