Gardener Lead
 University of Wisconsin Madison | |
$26.00/hr, but it is negotiable based on experience, skills, and qualifications.
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life insurance, paid time off
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 United States, Wisconsin, Madison | |
 Jun 20, 2026 | |
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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 Staff
Employment Type:Regular
Job Profile:Horticulture/Forestry Spec
Job 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/Renewable Full-Time: 100% FTE Hours generally scheduled Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm. Occasional nights, weekends and holidays may be required for this position. Key Job Responsibilities:
About our the Grounds department Grounds 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 reduction About 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 Staff Required Qualifications:
High School Diploma or Equivalent -Preferred How 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:
The search committee will review all application materials after the posted deadline. We will notify selected applicants to participate further in the selection process directly. This position requires obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within six months of hire. UW-Madison conducts drug and alcohol testing for positions that require a CDL and the performance of safetysensitive functions. Candidates who receive an offer for this position will be required to successfully complete a drug and alcohol screen once they have obtained their CDL and before performing any safetysensitive duties. Employees in this role are also subject to ongoing random drug and alcohol testing for the duration of their employment Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. Contact Information:Miluska Canicoba, cinthya.canicoba@wisc.edu, 608-262-6593 Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information Institutional Statement on Diversity:Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal OpportunityEmployer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website. To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodationfor any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)in the division you are applying to.Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you. Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. | |