Lead Landscape Technician

The Lead Landscape Tech II position will provide horticulture knowledge for completion of Grounds tasks, assistance in general Grounds maintenance, and leading other tech II’s in their general duties.

  • 520199
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Fac Grounds Maintenance
  • Staff Full Time (USS)
  • Closing on: Sep 30 2025
  • On-site

About This Role

This position exists to provide horticulture knowledge for completion of Landscape services horticultural tasks and instruct personnel in necessary horticulture practices, including pruning, fertilization, pest control, herbicide and fungicide application, safety procedures, and all other aspects of plant care. This role entails providing leadership to the Tech II team as well as maintaining an assigned zone on campus.

About Us

Grounds maintenance services aim to create a safe, aesthetically pleasing, well-maintained, and user-friendly environment, which is both functional and memorable for students, faculty and staff.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires four years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to write concise, meaningful reports.
  • Perform mathematical computations necessary to make accurate estimates for supplies such as fertilizer, grass seed, flowers, and chemicals.
  • Thorough knowledge of plant materials and accepted horticulture practices.
  • Knowledge of methods, practices, techniques, and tools used in the planting and care of trees, shrubs, grasses, and plants.
  • Knowledge of the hazards, proper use and effects insecticides and herbicides.
  • Six months experience in equipment operation.
  • High school graduate of equivalent.
  • Training at post-secondary institution in nursery management, landscape horticulture, agronomy, horticulture, forestry, or plant pathology and knowledge of all phases of horticultural practices preferred.
  • Arborist training and experience in utilizing landscape plans and blueprint reading would be beneficial.

Additional licenses / registrations / certifications:

  • Must obtain 3A and 3B Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s license within six months of employment.
  • Valid driver’s license upon employment.

Additional Role Information:

  • Work requires considerable physical exertion of transport 50 pounds, repeatedly, unassisted during the completion of daily tasks.
  • Daily: Trucks, UTV’s, Gas Powered Blower, Weed Eater, Computer, Mower, Hand Tools.
  • Weekly: Tractors w/attachments, Edger, Roller, Loader, Back Hoe, Dingo, Skid Loader, Chainsaw, Chemical Application Equipment, Dump Truck, Goossen Vacuum, Trailer.
  • Monthly: Shredder/Chipper, Gas Shears.
  • As Needed: Snow Removal Equipment, Trencher.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

1.) Application

2.) Resume

Application Window

Applications close on September 30th, 2025.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$15.00 - $18.17 Hourly

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Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.

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