The University of Colorado Boulder — one of Colorado’s most prestigious public universities — is hiring a Horticulturist within its Facilities Management Outdoor Services team. This role involves implementing the Main Campus Grounds Shrub & Bed Management Plan, conducting chemical applications for weed and pest control, performing snow removal as essential services, and leading general landscape maintenance to keep CU Boulder’s campus beautiful year-round.
About CU Boulder — Facilities Management Outdoor Services
Employer: University of Colorado Boulder — one of Boulder County’s largest employers
Department: Facilities Management (FM) — Outdoor Services Division
Scope: Grounds maintenance and irrigation for general fund and auxiliary campus areas
Benefits: Medical, dental, retirement, generous PTO, tuition assistance, ECO Pass transit
Designation: Essential Services position — eligible for State Step Pay Program
Why Join CU Boulder Outdoor Services?
Inspiring Environment: Work on a world-class university campus in scenic Boulder, Colorado
Career Growth: State classified role eligible for Step Pay increases per July 2024 program
Competitive Salary: $46,584 annual salary with full state employee benefits package
Community Impact: Maintain and beautify one of Colorado’s most visited academic campuses
Position Overview
This Horticulturist role sits within CU Boulder’s Facilities Management Outdoor Services team, reporting to the Main Campus Horticulture & Weed Management Supervisor. You will support the implementation of the campus Shrub & Bed Management Plan, conduct pre- and post-emergent chemical applications for weeds and pests, train grounds staff on safe practices, perform snow removal as essential services personnel, and carry out a wide range of landscape maintenance activities across the main campus and auxiliary facilities.
Why This Role Matters: As a Horticulturist at CU Boulder, you directly shape the health, appearance, and safety of a world-renowned university campus. You apply hands-on plant science expertise, lead chemical application programs, support essential campus operations during weather emergencies, mentor grounds staff, and contribute to a sustainable, well-maintained outdoor environment enjoyed by thousands of students, faculty, and visitors daily.
Key Responsibilities
Landscape Management Practices
- Assist the Horticulture & Weed Management Supervisor with implementing the Main Campus Shrub & Bed Management Plan
- Perform pruning, watering, fertilizing, weeding, and maintenance of vine, rock, shrub, annual, and perennial landscape beds
- Conduct soil and compost preparation, plant installation and removal, edging, mulching, and irrigation monitoring
- Identify pests and diseases, assess conditions, and recommend corrective adjustments to the Supervisor or Irrigation Manager
- Maintain accurate records of all bed applications throughout the growing season
Chemical Applications for Weeds & Pests
- Conduct pre- and post-emergent chemical applications using synthetic and organic liquid or granular products
- Safely mix chemical concentrates in designated storage areas per label instructions and regulatory requirements
- Apply chemicals in both general fund and recharge areas across campus for pest and weed management
- Maintain complete records of all chemical applications and submit timely reports to the Supervisor
- Ensure appropriate pre- and post-application public signage is correctly placed and removed upon safe re-entry
Safety & Compliance
- Contribute to a safe working environment for self, co-workers, direct reports, and the general campus public
- Adhere to all Federal, State, Local, and Department safety guidelines including chemical application regulations
- Follow Colorado Department of Agriculture guidelines, pesticide storage rules, and university safety policies
- Report unsafe conditions or accidents to supervisors and participate actively in safety training programs
Snow Removal & Ice Abatement
- Perform mechanical, hand shoveling, and ice abatement operations during campus weather emergencies
- Clear sidewalks, stairs, bus stops, curb cuts, paved trails, parking lots, and ADA ramps as required
- Respond to essential services requests during campus emergencies including snow, wind, rain, and flood events
- Report for regularly assigned shifts during emergency campus closures as designated essential services personnel
General Landscape Maintenance
- Lead and assist with manual weeding, pruning, mowing, string trimming, sidewalk edging, and rough mowing
- Support native area management, noxious weed management, drainage corrections, and tree care activities
- Maintain hardscape and outdoor furniture assets, perform graffiti removal, and support building entry maintenance
- Assist Campus Arborist work activities and support other grounds maintenance assignments as directed
Qualifications & Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Must be a Colorado resident to apply for this state-classified position
- Must hold a valid Colorado driver’s license at time of hire
- Minimum 2 years of grounds care, greenhouse, or plant nursery general labor work experience
- Obtain and maintain a Colorado Department of Agriculture Certified Operators License (Category 207 — Ornamental Pest Control) within 12 months of hire, or possess one currently
Skills & Competencies
- Ability to work independently and effectively within a team setting across multiple projects
- Effective verbal and written communication and strong interpersonal skills
- Horticulture and landscape management hands-on experience is highly preferred
- Crew or lead worker supervisory experience is a valuable advantage
About University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the nation’s leading public research universities and one of Boulder County’s largest employers. Its Facilities Management Outdoor Services team is responsible for the grounds maintenance, irrigation, and overall outdoor environment of the main campus and auxiliary facilities. CU Boulder is committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of every employee through a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, retirement plans, generous paid time off, tuition assistance for employees and dependents, and an ECO Pass for local transit.
Apply by June 25, 2026 for full consideration. Applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs — materials will not be accepted via email.
Who Should Apply?
- Horticulture Professionals: With 2+ years hands-on grounds care, landscape, or plant nursery experience in Colorado
- Landscape Maintenance Specialists: Experienced in shrub, bed, and weed management on large institutional properties
- Chemical Applicators: Holding or eligible for Colorado Department of Agriculture Category 207 Certified Operators License
- Crew Lead Workers: With experience training, coordinating, and supervising grounds staff in outdoor environments
- Essential Services Personnel: Comfortable responding to campus weather emergencies and snow removal duties year-round
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