Grounds & Nursery II - Horticulturist

• 13 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick leave which starts accruing your first month!
• Free access to Mines varsity sporting events for you and 3 guests!

Bring your passion for plants, landscapes, and craftsmanship to one of the nation’s top STEM universities. The Colorado School of Mines is seeking a skilled Horticulturist/Greenhouse Operator to join our Grounds Division within Facilities Management. This is a hands-on, outdoor-focused role where your work directly shapes the beauty, sustainability, and welcoming environment of our award-winning Golden, Colorado campus.

• Impactful work: Your efforts enhance the daily experience of thousands of students, staff, and visitors on our highly visible and celebrated campus.

• Variety in work: From greenhouse propagation and seasonal floral displays to turf care and snow management, no two seasons are the same.

• Team culture: Collaborate with dedicated professionals who value pride in craftsmanship, professionalism, and customer service.

• Career growth: Access to on-the-job training, workshops, certifications, and opportunities to advance into supervisory or specialized roles (irrigation, arboriculture, sustainability).

• Stability & benefits: Enjoy the security of a state position with excellent benefits and long-term career opportunities.

Greenhouse & Horticulture (60%)

• Plan, germinate, cultivate, and transplant annual flowers for campus displays.

• Manage greenhouse operations: climate control, insect/disease prevention, and plant propagation.

• Transition plants from greenhouse to outdoor beds, ensuring color and hardiness in Colorado’s variable climate.

• Maintain flowering displays through proper irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and IPM practices.

Grounds & Turf (30%)

• Perform skilled landscape maintenance: planting, pruning, mowing, edging, and cleanup of lawns, trees, shrubs, and athletic fields.

• Monitor turf/plant health, diagnose issues, and recommend treatments.

• Assist in mentoring student workers and supporting fellow Grounds staff.

Snow Management (10%)

• Serve as essential staff during snow/ice events, contributing to Mines’ Snow Management Plan by clearing streets, lots, sidewalks, and steps to keep campus safe and accessible.

• Hands-on horticulture/landscape experience (municipal, golf course, university, or commercial landscaping preferred).

• Knowledge of greenhouse operations, plant propagation, and plant health care.

• Certifications (pesticide applicator, irrigation, arborist) are a plus but not required at hire.

• A team player who values professionalism, safety, and customer service.

• Comfortable working year-round outdoors in Colorado’s climate.

Residency Requirement: 

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. 

Class Code & Classification Description: 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Two (2) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position, which included:

• Hands-on horticulture and landscape maintenance experience: demonstrated ability in plant care, turf management, pruning, soil health, and seasonal grounds upkeep.
  
• Demonstrated experience with grounds equipment and tools: ability to safely operate and maintain equipment such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, tractors, or skid steers.
  
• Knowledge of irrigation systems: ability to operate, troubleshoot, and repair irrigation for efficient water use in Colorado’s climate.
  

• Strong horticultural knowledge and hands-on skill – able to diagnose plant health issues and deliver high-quality landscape care.
  
• Pride in craftsmanship and attention to detail – ensuring campus spaces looked professional and inviting.
  
• Professionalism and communication – approachable, respectful, and able to work well with campus partners and community members.
  
• Teamwork and adaptability – willing to help others, step into different tasks, and adjust to the changing priorities of the campus.
  
• Customer-service mindset – understood that the appearance of the campus reflects directly on Mines, and worked to meet those expectations.

Appeal Rights: 

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.