New

GARDENS AND GROUNDS TECHNICIAN

Rutgers University

life insurance, employee discount

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Jan 22, 2026

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	GARDENS AND GROUNDS TECHNICIAN
Job Category	AFSCME Local 888
Department	Rutgers Gardens
Overview	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Gardens and Grounds Technician for Rutgers Gardens. Among the key duties of the position are the following: Performs diversified maintenance, landscaping, and grounds duties throughout Rutgers Gardens and associated educational garden and natural areas. Conducts maintenance of equipment and garden infrastructure. Assists with events and programs as needed.
FLSA	Nonexempt
Grade	15
Salary Details
Minimum Salary	42735.860
Mid Range Salary	50184.470
Maximum Salary	57839.220
Offer Information	The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits	Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs
Position Status	Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours	40.00
Daily Work Shift	Rotating
Work Arrangement	This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Union Description	AFSCME - Local 888
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit	Facilities Maintenance - New Brunswick
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	PERS

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	High school/vocational school education or equivalent plus one year of experience conducting hands-on, applied work in the horticulture and landscape industry. A combination of related vocational/technical/ junior college, or college level courses and six months experience can be substituted for the above experience.
Certifications/Licenses	A valid driver's license would be required for this position. Two years of driving experience. Successful completion of the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course. Successful completion of the Rutgers Environmental Health and Safety fall prevention training upon employment to complete garden and irrigation duties on the living roof garden. NJ Pesticide Applicator License Category 3A and 3B must be obtained, at the expense of the employee, within 90 days of employment.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Knowledge of, and experience with, landscaping tools, methods, materials, and best practices used in grounds maintenance. Ability to read and speak English commensurate with job duties.
Preferred Qualifications
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Special Conditions	Must be willing to work evenings and weekends with advanced scheduling or on short notice in emergency situations as required of the position. Clean Driving Record. Shift/Schedule: Seasonally Rotating.

Posting Details

Posting Number	26ST0119
Posting Open Date	01/22/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants	Notice to AFSCME Local 888 union members ONLY: To submit an internal bid, an application must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 01/30/2026. Although AFSCME Local 888 members have priority consideration, outside applications are accepted as well.
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Cook (RU-New Brunswick)
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement