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.

Position Title:

Gardener

Job Category:

University Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Groundskeeper

Job Duties:

The Gardener is responsible for the maintenance of grounds and landscaping. This position performs a variety of tasks, including the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials and bulbs, application of herbicides and pesticides, and tree and shrub pruning. The Gardener will also support the overall groundskeeping operation of the University including grounds maintenance tasks such as snow removal, athletic field maintenance, and litter and trash removal. Overtime work will be required for snow removal and for Special Events including but not limited to the WIAA State Track Meet. The normal work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This position reports to the Grounds Services Manager.

The review of applications starts on May 12, 2026. Applications received on or before May 12th are prioritized and review will continue until the position(s) is/are filled. Initial interviews will be conducted virtually, with shortlisted candidates invited to campus.

UW-La Crosse does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 608-785-8013.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Constructs lawn and landscaping projects including soil grading, seeding, and sodding

• Installs, propagates, and maintains the health of new and existing plants and landscape using a variety of vehicles and equipment

• Implements and monitors chemical and fertilizer programs

• Maintains clean and clear lawns, walkways, roadways, and parking lots to ensure they are free of debris, litter, snow, and ice

• Identifies and acts to remedy plant diseases and insect damage

Department:

Grounds Services

Compensation:

$18/ hour

Required Qualifications:

• The ability to hold and maintain a valid driver’s license meeting the criteria for driving a state vehicle.

• Individuals must have or be able to obtain a State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License Category 3.0 Turf and Landscape within 6 months of hire and must maintain certification throughout employment.

• Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry tools, equipment, or supplies, up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

• Physically be able to work in various positions, i.e. with arms above your head for periods of time; bending, twisting, crawling, squatting, climbing, stooping or kneeling; on scaffolding, ladders or stairs; standing, sitting or walking, while continuously performing job functions.

• Physically be able to work in various environments without adverse physical reactions, e.g., within extreme temperature ranges; in hot, noisy, dirty or dust-filled areas; at heights above 30 feet, etc.

• Ability to wear protective equipment, i.e. respirator, breathing apparatus, hearing, or eye protection, etc.

• Knowledge of safe, efficient operation of heavy equipment.

• Ability to work overtime hours for snow removal or for other special events as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree or professional certification in a directly related field.

• Knowledge of preventative maintenance of heavy equipment.

• Ability to identify different varieties of annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs.

• Ability to safely operate equipment in areas with high levels of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle activity.

• Knowledge of essential job functions and ability to safely perform duties with minimal supervision.

• Knowledge or ability to learn relevant software and/or computer languages in order to operate preventive maintenance, work order, time reporting and inventory control programs.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally or in writing, using the English language, in various situations, i.e. face to face, via phone or two-way radio, correspondence, taking messages, email, etc.

Education:

High School

How to Apply:

Required application documents

Cover letter (that addresses the required and preferred qualifications)

CV / Resume

Contact Information:

Anthony Meidl, ameidl@uwlax.edu

Special Notes:

Application deadlines
TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION: Priority consideration is given to those candidates who apply by the listed ‘First Review Date’. Applications received after that date may be considered at the discretion of the search committee. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or if you are not able to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWL is a state agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWL will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC & Reference Check Policy
All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.uwlax.edu/student-life/student-resources/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000.

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS
Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university.
Highlights include:

• Paid vacation for 12-month positions.

• Excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.

• Paid holidays and paid sick days.

• After 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.

• Benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.

Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.