Landscape Gardener

Advertisement Closes

4/26/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)

26-01841

Landscape Gardener

Pay Grade 10

Salary

$2,623.40 - $3,935.20 Monthly

Employment Type

EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 40.0 HR/WK

Click here for more details on state employment.

Hiring Agency

Finance & Administration Cabinet | Dept for Facilities and Support Srvs

Location

701 Holmes Street

Frankfort, KY 40601 USA

Description

The Department for Facilities Management, Division of Building Services is responsible for preventive maintenance, general repairs, small construction projects, janitorial and landscape services, plus many other essential day-to-day building functions at State-owned campuses. We’re a team of talented professionals, driven by results and relationships.

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is seeking a dedicated and experienced Landscape Gardener to join our Horticulture Services Branch within the Department of Facilities and Support Services. This position plays a vital role in preserving and enhancing the beauty of state-managed grounds, including historically significant and high-profile properties.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee the work of contract employees performing landscape maintenance duties across assigned state properties.
• Participate in hands-on landscaping tasks including the planting, cultivation, and maintenance of flowers, shrubbery, trees, turf, and lawns.
• Support greenhouse operations including transplanting, repotting, and transporting plants to designated planting areas.
• Mow lawns and coordinate debris removal activities including leaf raking and trash collection to ensure clean and safe grounds.
• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides under supervision of a licensed applicator. Maintain accurate records of applications and treatments.
• Assist with routine recordkeeping and documentation of completed work.
• Coordinate snow and ice removal on sidewalks and driveways during winter months.
• Support seasonal and special events such as the Kentucky Derby, holiday decorations at the Capitol, gubernatorial inaugurations, and more.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the Horticulture Services Branch and Facilities and Support Services Department.
  
  

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic horticulture practices and landscape maintenance.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with contract staff.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must be organized and able to keep detailed maintenance and application records.
• Experience with lawn equipment, hand tools, and small machinery preferred.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and directions from supervisors and licensed applicators.
  
  

Why Join Us?:

• Be a part of a team that enhances and preserves the natural beauty of Kentucky’s most visible and historic landscapes.
• Enjoy the stability and benefits of public service employment.
• Contribute to special events that showcase Kentucky to the nation and beyond.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: High school graduate.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have two years of experience in grounds maintenance, golf course greens keeping, landscaping, farming, or other related experience.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: An associate degree or technical training in horticulture or a related field will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. A Kentucky Certified Nurseryman, Certified International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist or other trade certification will substitute for the required experience.

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): Must possess a valid driver's license prior to employment in this job classification. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.

Working Conditions

Work outdoors in all weather conditions. Operate power equipment. Exposed to substances commonly associated with landscaping (pesticides, fertilizers, etc.). Exposed to loud noises and sharp objects.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Ryan Hix at Ryan.Hix@ky.gov or 502-782-0434.

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D