Estate Gardener
Employment Type : Full-Time
Welcome to Land, Buildings & Real Estate
Land, Buildings & Real Estate (LBRE) is the operational core of Stanford University’s physical campus. LBRE constructs and maintains the Stanford campus, where advancements across the academic spectrum are made possible. Our work is founded upon the collective value of dedication, innovation, expertise, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We are committed to serving the university’s academic mission, as well as preserving and enhancing Stanford’s 8,180 acres, and pride ourselves on supporting the teaching and research of the university as “Caretakers of a Legacy."
The Mission of the Stanford University Grounds Services Department is to provide a beautiful and safe outdoor experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
We pride ourselves in being the in-house service of choice since the University began. We provide a stewardship role in the proper care of all outdoor facilities. We are prompt, efficient, and professional in appearance and duties. We "tailor make" our services and are immediately responsive to our diverse clientele.
This position is represented by SEIU Local 2007 and the collective bargaining agreement between the university and SEIU Local 2007 governs the terms and conditions of employment.
What you will do in this role:
You will be responsible for (but not limited to):
- Working under minimal supervision, maintain an acceptable physical appearance and health condition of the grounds.
- Perform the full range of routine landscape maintenance duties, determining when they are necessary and carrying them out independently in most cases.
- Direct routine phases of grounds maintenance and serve as a resource for grounds maintenance.
- The duties listed under this section are designed to provide a representative sampling of key tasks and/or responsibilities associated with the job. They are not intended to be a complete list of all the duties performed by employees in the classification.
- Interface and coordinate with House Manager and /or residents and serve as resource person for schedules, work coordination and horticultural questions.
- Lead a crew of Groundskeepers, Gardeners and Grounds Equipment Operators assigned to them by the Grounds Supervisor.
- Operate power equipment such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, line trimmers, rototillers, trenchers, dump trucks as necessary during operations.
- Read landscape plans and documents.
- Make quantity decisions relating to plants, soil amendments and fertilizers as directed by plans or as required by project.
- Provide weed and pest control based on best practices of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Work includes but not limited to pruning, cleaning, planting, fertilizing, retrofitting, and adjusting existing irrigation systems.
- Coordinate irrigation watering schedules with Irrigation Manager.
- Collaborate/schedule with tree crew and tree crew contractors (This is an ongoing project with Advanced tree care)
- Coordinate and create scope of work for other shops including but not limited to grounds, electricians, plumbers, water department as a project requires.
- Organize and delegate daily work of employees as related to a specific landscape maintenance task and /or project.
- Reviews work of personnel assigned to help work on a project or task.
- Provide instruction to new or inexperienced staff workers as well as train them as necessary.
- Provide recommendations or treatment of landscape problems, new plant material selection, irrigation upgrades and other maintenance programs.
- Assist with special events as needed.
- Ability to provide the highest quality service to all customers in every interaction
- Maintain flexibility and perform other duties as assigned to respond to the needs of the House
- May perform any of the duties described in the Gardener specification or other duties as assigned.
To be successful in this role you must bring:
- High School diploma or GED or equivalent required.
- Five years’ experience in landscaping industry or combination of equivalent education and experience.
- Valid California Non-commercial Class C license.
- Horticultural industry related certification is required
- Experience with fine gardening with ownership of estate’s gardens and understanding it’s historical value and able to carry the garden’s legacy.
- In addition to the qualifications required for Groundskeeper, the Gardener classification requires the following demonstrated qualifications:
- Ability to plan and schedule on a moment’s notice
- Ability to train others in groundskeeping and equipment operating duties
- Demonstrated strong communications skills (both verbal and written). Ability to understand and follow job-related instructions given in English, either verbally or in writing.
- Must be proficient in the full range of groundskeeping skills and in the use of tools and equipment required in the work.
- Must be an effective collaborator with the house residents and staff
- Must have practical knowledge of the growth requirements and characteristics of the plants with which they work and of the symptoms of common weeds, pests, and diseases; must know the common remedies for such pests and diseases
- Must know and apply safety precautions established by the university
- Demonstrated horticultural knowledge
- Ability to effect good working relationships and exercise initiative and good judgment in organizing work and solving routine problems
- Attendance and punctuality are essential to work and all work-related functions
Additional Information:
Physical Requirements*:
- Ability to obtain and maintain a California Non-commercial Class C Driver’s License.
- Frequently stand/walk, sit, twist/bend/stoop/squat, operate hand and/or foot and hand controls, grasp forcefully, and/or lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 10-40 pounds and 100 pounds with assistance.
- Occasionally perform seated work, kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other) reach/work above shoulders, perform work which require light/fine grasping,
- Rarely, perform desk-based computer tasks, use a telephone, write by hand and/or sort/file paperwork or parts.
Working Conditions:
- Required to wear appropriate issued uniform.
- May be required to work overtime, evenings, and weekends, including Holidays, sometimes in inclement weather conditions.
- Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- May be exposed to noise >80db TWA
- May be exposed to allergens, pollens, dust and fertilizers and pesticides
Work Standards:
- When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
- Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
- Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
- Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu/ and the appropriate collective bargaining agreement at https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/hrprocesses- policiespolicies/labor-relationscollective-bargaining.
Why Stanford is for You
Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:
- Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
- A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
- A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
- Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
- Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!
- All Stanford University employees are subject to all COVID-19 requirements, which includes being fully vaccinated for COVID-19 pursuant to our vaccination policy.
- The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
- Stanford is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
- Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.