Colorado School of Mines Visa Sponsorship USA

Department Information

Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Located in the foothills of the Rockies, a short walk from downtown Golden, Colorado, Mines campus is home to a close-knit community of change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers.

We offer a comprehensive portfolio of benefits to our classified workforce, including medical, dental, life, short and long-term disability plans, dependent tuition benefit, and retirement plans. Benefits begin the first of the month following your start date.

Other perks include:
- 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!

Description of Job

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.

Why Join Mines?

- 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.

What You’ll Do

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.

Who We’re Looking For

- 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.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

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:

D8E2XX GROUNDS AND NURSERY II

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience Only:

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.

Experience must be clearly documented in the "Work History" section of your application. "See Resume" will not be accepted. Part time experience will be pro-rated.

Qualities Shared by Successful Employees in This Role

- 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.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

Supplemental Information

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a rich and vibrant diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.