Gardener Lead

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Job Category:University StaffEmployment Type:RegularJob Profile:Horticulture/Forestry SpecJob Summary:The Gardener Lead position is part of the Grounds Department within the Division of Facilities Planning & Management at UW–Madison (FP&M). This role plays a key part in guiding and supporting crew members in the field, helping ensure daily operations run smoothly. Responsibilities include overseeing inventory, supporting equipment maintenance, and leading larger-scale projects such as mulching. Given the wide range of tasks our Gardeners manage, having a knowledgeable, hands-on leader is essential to team success.The Gardener Lead provides real-time support and training, helping team members build skills, work safely, and consistently deliver high-quality results. This role is instrumental in fostering a positive, productive work environment where employees feel confident in their abilities and take pride in their contributions.Our goal is to set every Gardener up for success by providing the tools, guidance, and support needed to meet expectations and grow professionally. By strengthening safety practices, on-the-job training, and team stability, the Gardener Lead helps create an environment where both individuals and the team can thrive.This role involves regular physical activity, including bending, stooping, kneeling, and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.If you are a hands-on leader with strong landscape knowledge, a commitment to safety, and a passion for developing others, we encourage you to apply and bring your skills to our team.Ongoing/RenewableFull-Time: 100% FTEHours generally scheduled Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm. Occasional nights, weekends and holidays may be required for this position.Key Job Responsibilities:Maintains inventory data on equipment and toolsAssists with overall landscape maintenance, including vegetation control, equipment use, and pest management support.Oversees and organizes crew placement, scheduling and mulch delivery during larger mulching projectsProvides training to full-time and temporary personnel on safety procedures, tool operation, and preventive maintenance.Maintains inventory data for assigned area including tagging, insect monitoring, and planting and movingMaintains and evaluates hardscape maintenanceDevelops, coordinates and executes spraying programs for fungicide, pesticide, and herbicide applicationsCoordinates the spacing of plants, shrubs, trees, and ground cover to ensure proper growthPerforms all necessary snow removal duties in the winterCoordinates the planting, sowing, fertilization, trimming, watering, and spraying of assigned areasDepartment:About our the Grounds departmentGrounds is responsible for maintaining a safe, welcoming, and beautiful outdoor environment across the 938-acre UW campus. Our team of more than forty full-time professionals handles a wide range of tasks—from lawn care and snow removal to maintaining concrete, asphalt, and signage.In addition to caring for thousands of trees, shrubs, and perennials, Grounds crews design and maintain multi-seasonal and signature floral displays. To support these efforts, we operate a dedicated greenhouse that produces over 30,000 annuals and perennials each year. Grounds is committed to sustainability, continually working to reduce its ecological footprint through initiatives such as eco-friendly lawn care practices and road salt reductionAbout the Division of Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M): The Division of Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M) is a full-spectrum service organization that builds, maintains, and operates the physical environment of UW-Madison in the university's education, research, and outreach activities. We are responsible for everything from the building projects that change the face of campus to the flowers that beautify the grounds.Find out more about our Division: https://inside.fpm.wisc.edu/about-fpm/Compensation:The minimum rate for this position is $26.00/hr, but it is negotiable based on  experience, skills, and qualifications. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.For a summary of benefits, please see below for more information: University Staff : 2026 Benefits Summary-University StaffRequired Qualifications:Minimum of 2 years of related groundskeeping or horticultural experienceStrong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a teamAbility to obtain a CDL Class B license with air brakes and tanker endorsement within 6 months of hireDrivers License Required - Valid and Meets UW Risk Management Standards Ability to obtain a pesticide applicator’s license within 6 months of hireRequires trapper education course and certification within six months of hire.Availability for snow removal and overtime work as neededPreferred Qualifications:Experience guiding and mentoring team members to help them learn, grow, and succeedEducation:High School Diploma or Equivalent -PreferredHow to Apply:To begin the application process, go to the “Apply Now” section of the job posting.Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all of your documents in the attachment field, either as one combined document, or separate documents.We are eager to learn more about how your experience may align with this position!The following is required for your application to be considered complete:A cover letter describing how your experience relates to the listed required and preferred job qualifications.A resume detailing your educational and professional backgroundThe search committee will review all application materials after the poste