Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

November/December 2011
Volume 35, Number 6
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
Pictured above is just one of the breath-taking views at the Bernheim Arboretum and Research
Forest, one of the stops on the Pre-Conference Field Trips that took place as part of the highly
successful 2011 School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO. See page eight and nine for
a recap of the event and visit the PGMS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ProfessionalGroundsManagementSociety to see event photos.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ProfessionalGroundsManagementSociety
Joe Jackson, CGM
President’s Farewell
The Forum Newsletter is published
six times a year by the
Professional Grounds
Management Society
720 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-223-2861 / Fax 410-752-8295
E-mail: [email protected]
www.PGMS.org
Board of Directors:
President Donald Bottger, CGM
President-Elect John Van Etten, CGM
Vice Pres. Walter Bonvell, CGM
Treasurer John Burns, CGM
Past President Joe Jackson, CGM
Directors
Dennis Baker
Marion Bolick, CGM
Diana Bramble Rudolph
Gerry Dobbs, CGM
John Dorion
Mark Feist
Ron Hostick, CSFM
Gerald Landby
Joe Payne, CGM
Staff
Thomas C. Shaner, CAE
Executive Director
Kelly Mesaris
Associate Director
Monica Shaner
Financial Manager
Molly Baldwin
Director of Communications
Meghan Brady
Assistant Director of Communications
Opinions expressed in PGMS Forum
are the opinions of the authors and do
not necessarily express the opinions
or policies of the PGMS Board and its
membership. No part of this newsletter
may be reproduced in any manner
whatsoever without written permission.
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A Year Worth
Remembering
What a great journey. This year will unquestionably go down in my personal annals
as one of incomparable delight. Having been afforded the opportunity to serve as
President of PGMS, I was provided with many gratifying and rewarding experiences.
The wonderful interactions I’ve had with Board members, the general membership,
Tom Shaner and his staff as well as many of our partners and affiliates in the “green
industry” have been tremendously inspiring. Undeniably, these relationships and the
numerous lessons that I’ve learned will be a part of me until my earthly days are done. It
is my greatest hope that with as much as I have been given, that I was able to give a little
in return.
PGMS has made great strides over the years and the direction that it is currently heading
clearly suggests that the best is yet to come. I will conclude my term with a great deal of
confidence and a strong sense of security with the leadership you have entrusted to guide
this organization into our bicentennial.
This is my final President’s message for the Forum. That being the case, I will take
advantage of my soon to be relinquished “bully pulpit” for one last occasion. While I
remain highly optimistic about what the future has in store for PGMS, there are two
items that I feel should be indelibly woven into the fabric of our strategic processes.
First, we must accept and embrace our roles as effective Grounds Managers in the
environmental sustainability and management practices that this country is swiftly
adopting. Many of us have witnessed first-hand the shortcomings and deficiencies of
projects delivered to us to manage proclaiming to be “green.” It is incumbent upon us to
prepare ourselves to fully meet these new demands and challenges and then to assume
our rightful positions at the table throughout all phases of these projects to ensure that
they have a reasonable chance to be successful.
The second item involves stimulating a greater engagement by those who may become
our future Grounds Managers early on in their formative years. Our first student chapter
signals the beginning of a valiant effort to expose and enlighten our young people on the
benefits to be gained by pursuing this very worthy profession. It should become a career
decision that is made not by happenstance or by accidently stumbling upon it. It should
be made by one’s aspiration. With our support, the student chapter at the University of
Maryland will thrive and will lead the way for others to follow.
So, as I bid adieu and pass the baton to the very capable hands of Don Bottger, CGM,
I give a heartfelt thank you to every individual that is a member of PGMS. You are the
ones that truly determine our identity and our destiny.
This year, we proudly reached our centennial milestone and our outlook for the future is
bright. Salute.
Joseph Jackson, CGM
PGMS Past President
The Next Fantastic Journey
By Tom Shaner, PGMS Executive Director
The Centennial year for PGMS (2011) was a good one. At a time when other organizations were
struggling to maintain membership and growth, PGMS capitalized on the excitement of its 100th
year by increasing its membership roles by nearly 15 percent while also increasing the support it
receives from its industry partners by more than 100 percent.
Now, however, as we enter 2012, PGMS looks forward to continued growth and expansion.
Why? PGMS has become the leading organization advocating on behalf of grounds
professionals. We advocate for these professionals to be better recognized for the value they
bring to the organizations they serve. As one member so eloquently put it, “We are responsible
for the first and the last impressions of visitors to our campuses.” How true it is!
More importantly, however, may be the “new” role for the professional grounds manager - the
stewards of sustainability and the implementers of government environmental mandates and regulations. Professional grounds leaders
can no longer be considered solely as the persons who oversee the maintenance of the outdoor areas. They must now play a critical
role in protecting and enhancing the property’s value; in providing safety while capturing beauty and creating a place for reflection and
enjoyment. Of course, as PGMS sees it, this new and vitally important role should be better recognized by employers who understand
the value provided, and as such, are willing to better compensate professionals to achieve what we all call a visual “wow factor.”
Among the PGMS initiatives to help its members achieve appropriate standing in their organization’s team are such dynamic
education and recognition programs as the Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) and Certified Ground Technician (CGT) efforts.
Individuals achieving these coveted professional milestones are quickly recognized as experts in their field and are rapidly becoming
demanded by organizations seeking excellence in their grounds. PGMS is also providing members with excellence in education
through its annual (October) School of Grounds Management and the GIE+Expo as well as through its two (spring and summer)
regional conferences and site visits. Besides providing top-notch classroom presentations, these dynamic educational programs offer
ample opportunities to interact with peers in learning what is working for them on their respective campuses.
All of this is helping PGMS continue to grow; and with an excited team of membership recruiters who participate in the Society’s
Member-Get-A-Member campaign, growth and expansion of services and advocation of the professional grounds manager is
expected to continue as PGMS begins the quest for its second hundred years.
Join us on that fantastic journey.
PGMS’ Growing Presence in the Social Media World
Social media is one of the biggest fads to hit our lives since the
invention of the Internet. Along with all other major and small
businesses, PGMS is keeping right along with the trends in social
media. In case you haven’t been following the PGMS social
media train, here’s an update:
LinkedIn
PGMS recently created a LinkedIn page. LinkedIn
is the world’s largest professional network on the
Internet with more than 135 million members
in more than 200 countries and territories. Use
LinkedIn to connect with past and present colleagues quickly.
LinkedIn makes networking and staying in touch simple. It can
help power your career and help you discover inside connections
when you’re looking for a job or new business opportunity.
Lastly, it’s a great source for information! Your network is full of
industry experts willing to share advice. Have a question? Just
ask or start a discussion on the PGMS page! PGMS’s page can
be found at www.linkedin.com/groups/Professional-GroundsManagement-Society-4173565.
YouTube
YouTube provides a forum for
people to connect, inform, and
inspire others across the globe and
acts as a distribution platform for
original content creators and advertisers large and small. PGMS
has created a channel on YouTube that will be dedicated to
posting videos that are enriching and interesting to professionals
in the green industry. PGMS has already posted the 2011 Green
Star Award presentations that took place in late October in
Louisville. Check it out for yourself at www.youtube.com/user/
PGMSheadquarters.
Facebook
PGMS’s presence on Facebook continues to grow.
We use Facebook to post breaking news, event
details, member accolades and so much more. With
a posting almost every day, you must “like” our page to be in the
loop on everything PGMS. Find us now at www.facebook.com/
ProfessionalGroundsManagementSociety.
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Join the PGMS “Member-Get-A-Member” Campaign!
Would you enjoy winning prizes such as an all-expense paid trip to the 2012 PGMS School of Grounds Management & GIE+Expo
(Louisville, Oct. 24-27) or the PGMS 2012 Spring Regional Conference at Arizona State University (March 22-23), or complimentary
memberships for 2013, an iPad, free registration to the PGMS School of Grounds Management or one of several other exciting prizes
being donated by our Elite Partners In Education? Then this contest is for you!
Together we made our Centennial year (2011) a great one! We increased membership as
well as the number of dynamic industry vendors who are supporting us as Elite Partners In
Education. One of the ways in which we accomplished this was through the help of many
of you who participated in our first “Member-Get-A-Member” campaign. So, to launch our
second century, let’s have fun and do it again.
PGMS is aiming for 101 new members by March 31, 2012.
It’s easy to participate. Just sponsor a new member. For every member you sponsor, your
name goes into the contest. The more new members you sponsor, the more often you
have a chance to win. To help you encourage other grounds professionals to join us in our
efforts to advance the grounds management profession and the professionals who comprise
our profession, any member you recruit can join for only $125 (normally $175). To make
sure that you get credit for recruiting the new member(s), you or the new member must fax
or e-mail his/her application to us (sorry, but they can’t sign up online). (Please note: this
special 1st year dues is only for members recruited by another member and does not include
branch dues.)
A membership application can be found online at www.pgms.org/MembershipApplication.pdf.
Let’s all kick off the second century of PGMS and help reach our goal by recruiting just one new member - remember, the more new
members you recruit, the more often you have a chance of winning one of our great prizes. The more members we have, the more we
can grow PGMS and our profession! Questions? Contact Kelly Mesaris at [email protected] or 410-223-2861.
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Member Profile: Jenny
PGMS: When and how did you first become involved with PGMS?
Gulick: I joined the Cincinnati Branch in 1999. With Earl Wilson’s support and
encouragement, I was elected as a Board member in 2000, and soon became Branch
President, a position I am still proud to hold and serve as.
Gulick
PGMS: What inspired you to pursue a career in the green industry?
Gulick: Long ago, my father advised me to choose my career carefully because “it
would be my job for the rest of my life.” That’s a pretty daunting decision for a 17-year
old. The only thing I could say with conviction was that I loved being outside and
thought trees were neat. So I went to West Virginia University for a forest resource
management degree and after secured a position as an Urban Forestry Specialist for
the City of Cincinnati. During the 17 years I was with the City, I received a Masters of
Public Administration from the University of Cincinnati, and advanced to the position
of Natural Resource Manager and ultimately to Superintendent of Park Operations.
I joined Davey Resource Group, the consulting division of The Davey Tree Expert
Company in 1999 as an Urban Forestry and Natural Resources Consultant and am
currently a Business Developer/Project Manager for the eastern United States.
PGMS: What was your favorite part of being a professional in the green industry?
Gulick: By far, my favorite aspect of working in our industry is the knowledge that through what I do, whether consulting or
hands-on work, I am truly being a good natural resource steward and serving my community in ways that have a positive impact
now and will long after I’m gone.
PGMS: What changes have you seen in industry trends since you began your career up until today?
Gulick: I’ve certainly been around long enough to see the dramatic impact technology has had on the green industry. We are now
faster, better, smarter, and safer in many ways because of advancements in communication, equipment, and computer technology.
The latest trend to be “green” pleases me the most. We’ve always been green, but now our industry is embracing it and we are being
more considerate of the environment when we do our jobs. And, it’s nice to finally have the support, or at least a greater awareness
and appreciation of our work from the public and our customers.
PGMS: How has membership in PGMS helped you professionally?
Gulick: I can’t say enough how valuable my PGMS membership is in terms of networking and support. When I need help fast and
need it the most, there is a raft of great people at the ready to lend me a hand or give me sage advice. PGMS members, by far, are
one of the most approachable and accommodating group of professionals I’ve had the pleasure to work with and to serve.
PGMS: What committees were you part of as a member? Did you receive any accolades, awards, etc. in your career?
Gulick: I’ve primarily served PGMS as President of the Greater Cincinnati Branch for the last 10 years. I was awarded Life
Membership in the Ohio Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture for serving as their President for two years.
PGMS: What advice do you have for the young professionals who are just joining the profession? What advice do you have for
professionals who are in the field already?
Gulick: For young professionals, I say first and foremost, get involved with local, regional and state professional organizations. Go
to the conferences and volunteer for committees. Not only will you learn more, but your network will expand exponentially and
the connections you make will help and support you in your career when you need it most (or even least expect it!). And one more
thing, listen to the ‘old pros.’ Their experience, wisdom, and perspectives on green industry issues are invaluable. For established
professionals, now’s the time to step up, get involved, and take a leadership role with PGMS and other professional organizations.
Our industry needs your experience and expertise. If you can’t commit the time to serve on a board, then write an article, mentor
a student, help out at a conference. Any and all contributions are needed and will be appreciated. And you too will make new
professional connections that can make your job easier (and may even help you find another job if that becomes necessary). And one
more thing, listen to the young professionals. They tend to be better at understanding, embracing, and using new technologies, and
they haven’t “always done it this or that way” so they can bring a fresh perspective to challenging situations.
PGMS: How do you see the future of the grounds industry?
Gulick: I think the future of our profession looks bright. I believe the heightened awareness of the multiple values that trees and
landscapes bring to the properties we manage (beyond aesthetics) is raising the visibility of our industry and of each of us as grounds
managers. We won’t be seen as ‘grass cutters’ anymore; we’ll be storm water, energy use, and air and water quality managers, and
we will be viewed as valuable partners by colleagues in our organizations and in the community at-large. We’ll be doing all of this
while still making our small parts of the world more beautiful and safe for everyone as we have always done.
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Two Little Plants that Grew into
Acres of Colorful Wonder
The Hotel del Coronado now the home of the first Proven Winners® Signature Gardens on the West Coast
It all started with Snow Princess® Lobularia and Supertunia® Vista
Bubblegum Petunia—two plant varieties from Proven Winners® that are
wonderful landscape choices for any part of the country.
EuroAmerican Propagators shared these two varieties with The Brickman
Group several seasons ago during a presentation to Brickman’s branch
managers. Each manager was given only two of each variety, and they decided
to gauge the plants’ performance on the grounds of the legendary Hotel del
Coronado on Coronado Island just off the coast of San Diego.
It didn’t take too long for these few samples to burst into bloom and trail four
feet down several walls outside of the Eno Wine Bar, catching the eye of nearly
every hotel guest and visitor. The amount of questions and feedback about
these two plant varieties caught the ear of the management team at the hotel as
well as those at The Brickman Group, who quickly decided to use nothing but
Proven Winners varieties for their full installation at the Hotel del Coronado.
Now 35 different varieties and more than 6,500 Proven Winners or Proven
Selections® plants grace the grounds of this prestigious and historical hotel.
Once again, the amount of inquiries from guests has led to the need for signage
identifying the plants, and soon a brochure will be available in each hotel room
that will help guide guests through each of the beautiful gardens.
“This garden celebrates both the rich history of our property and a more colorful
future for our guests,” said Barry Brown, director of sales and marketing
for the hotel. “We partnered with Brickman to reinvigorate the property as a
Proven Winners signature garden and bring glamour back to the grounds.” The
hotel recently won a beautification award from Coronado Island for their newly
designed gardens, and anyone who has the opportunity to view these stunning
settings would quickly agree—the hotel, and the Proven Winners plant varieties
have paired up to bring colorful island splendor to Coronado Island.
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PGMS was Horsing Around in Kentucky...
Another Successful Event in Louisville!
Grounds professionals from across the country gathered once
again in Louisville, Ky. to attend the 2011 School of Grounds
Management & GIE+EXPO that took place Oct. 26-29.
Attendees enjoyed a pre-conference field trip, educational
programs focused on industry hot topics, entertaining social
events and much more. A good time was had by all! View photos
from the event below and see more at www.facebook.com/ProfessionalGroundsManagementSociety.
2011 Green Star Award
Winners Announced
While Hollywood has the Emmys and athletics has the Olympics,
the Green Industry has the PGMS Green Star Awards. This program
brings national recognition to grounds maintained with a high degree
of excellence, complimenting other national landscape award programs
that recognize outstanding landscape design and construction.
Congratulations to the 2011 Award Winners:
Small Site
Honor Award-Western Michigan University
Park, Recreation Area, or Playground
Grand Award-Biltmore Estate Historic Gardens
Hotel, Motel or Resort
Honor Award-Evergreen Marriott Resort
Golf Course
Grand Award-Ohio State University Golf Club
Grand Award-Stone Mountain Golf Club
School Grounds
Honor Award-Dwight-Englewood School
University and College Grounds
Grand Award-Aurora University
Honor Award-University of Redlands
Honor Award-Sam Houston State University
Honor Award-UNC Chapel Hill
Merit Award-Southern Illinois University
Urban University Grounds
Grand Award-University of Chicago
Grand Award-University of Rochester
Honor Award-University of Guelph
Merit Award-University of Tampa
Read more about the winners at www.pgms.org/2011GreenStarWinners.htm.
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PGMS Presents 2011 Awards to Grounds Professionals
The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) honored several grounds professionals with
numerous awards as part of their annual Awards Dinner that took place Friday, Oct. 28 during the 2011
School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO held in Louisville, Ky.
Sustainable Sites Initiative™ (SITES™) was presented the 2011 PGMS Gold Medal. The PGMS Gold
Medal is given to an individual or entity to recognize them for outstanding and long-term achievements
and/or contributions to the green industry. The Sustainable Sites Initiative was saluted for its unending
support of PGMS and for its prominent campaign to promote sustainability in the green industry
and beyond. SITES, an interdisciplinary effort by the American Society of Landscape Architects,
the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin and the United States
Botanic Garden, was recognized for its programs to create a voluntary rating system and performance
benchmarks for sustainable land design, construction and maintenance practices. PGMS members, and
the campuses they represent, are actively engaged in providing maintenance evaluations to the SITES
program and in helping to implement recommendations. More information on SITES can be found at
www.sustainablesites.org/.
Gerry Dobbs, CGM, landscape services manager at Michigan State University (pictured right)
received a President’s Award from outgoing President, Joe Jackson, CGM. Each year the PGMS
President is asked to give a President’s Award to a member or members they feel have shown
outstanding service and contributions to the Society. Dobbs has actively participated on the PGMS
board for several years, where he currently serves as a Director-at-Large. Dobbs is being honored
for his exceptional skills as a grounds manager at Michigan State University. In July of this year, he
organized and directed a site visit to his campus that entailed scheduling educational programs as well
as leading an in-depth tour of the grounds program at the university. This event drew more than 60
grounds professionals from across the country to the East Lansing community where they spent two
days touring the campus. The attendees, and especially PGMS President Joe Jackson, CGM, were
awe-struck at the workmanship and leadership Dobbs brings to his grounds program. “He is truly an
exceptional grounds professional. His leadership, dedication and commitment to sustainability serve as
an example for what professionals in landscape services should strive to be,” Jackson said.
PGMS Celebrates Election of Don Bottger, CGM as President
Don Bottger, CGM of General Growth Properties, Inc. in Chula Vista, Calif. (pictured
left in the photo) was elected and installed as the new president of the Professional
Grounds Management Society during the Society’s annual Awards and Induction Dinner
held on Friday, Oct. 28 in conjunction with the 2011 School of Grounds Management &
GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 26-29.
The 90th grounds management professional to hold the office, Bottger succeeds Joe
Jackson, CGM as the chief elected officer of the 100-year-old green industry organization.
In addition to Bottger, PGMS members elected John Van Etten, CGM of Hoffman
Landscape & Design in Scotia, N.Y. as their president-elect. Walter Bonvell, CGM of
Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio was elected vice president and John Burns, CGM
of the University of Texas at Austin was elected as secretary/treasurer.
The regional directors are as follows: North East Regional Director, John Doiron of
Concord Hospital in Concord, N.H.; North Central Regional Director, Dennis Baker
of Harrison, Ohio; North West Regional Director, Gerald Landby of Carroll College
in Helena, Mont.; South East Regional Director, Marion Bolick, CGM of Lexington
Medical Center in West Columbia, S.C.; South Central Regional Director, Joe Payne,
CGM of the City of Springfield in Missouri; and South West Regional Director, Ron
Hostick, CSFM of San Diego State University.
Directors at Large include: Diana Bramble Rudolph of Baltimore, Md.; Mark Feist of American University in Washington, D.C.;
and Gerry Dobbs, CGM of Michigan State University East Lansing, Mich.
Thomas C. Shaner, a Certified Association Executive, continues to serve the Board as PGMS executive director and Kelly Mesaris
continues to serve as the associate director. PGMS leaders are already at work planning the 2012 School of Grounds Management &
GIE+EXPO which will take place in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 24-27, 2012.
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PGMS Plants Centennial Tree at
University of Louisville
In commemoration of its Centennial celebration, the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) planted a Centennial
Tree on the University of Louisville campus on Oct. 28, 2011 as part of the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus USA program.
Several PGMS board members braved the chilly fall weather to help plant the commemorative tree, marking a very important
milestone for the Society.
Before the tree planting took place, Past President Joe Jackson, CGM addressed the crowd. He spoke about the impact of planting
trees for the future health of our environment, the need for making sustainability a part of our everyday lives and the importance
of green industry groups and other organizations partnering and working together for the greater good of the environment. “We
were honored to be asked to be a part of such a great event. Not only because it helped us to celebrate our 100th year, but also
because partnering with other organizations in this industry to help beautify and enrich landscapes around the world is at the heart
of PGMS,” Jackson said.
In honor of the Society’s participation and to commemorate its 100th year, PGMS was presented with an engraved shovel from
Mary Widhelm, program coordinator for the Arbor Day Foundation. The University of Louisville was also part of the event,
celebrating its recent Tree Campus USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. PGMS is a big proponent of the Tree Campus
USA program, boasting numerous members from campuses that are already designated.
More photos from the event can be found at www.facebook.com/ProfessionalGroundsManagementSociety.
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Celebrating Centennial: Roses
J. H. Nicolas, December 1929
PGMS is publishing articles from classic issues of the Gardeners’ Chronicle in recognition of the Society’s centennial. The article is meant
to highlight the issues and topics that grounds professionals faced many years ago and note the similarities or differences in the way the
industry is now. We welcome your thoughts and comments. Please post them online on the PGMS Facebook page.
H
ow to Winter Roses:—
Cold does not kill a
Rose bush without
contributive causes, and it is
these contributive causes which
we must prevent or eliminate.
Hybrid teas and pernetianas
could be made to endure if this
fact were thoroughly understood
and Roses treated accordingly.
otherwise. Such plants go into Winter still clad in their Palm Beach suits!
Normal conditions mean good health, plants which have not been
devitalized by severe attacks of black spot and ensuing early defoliation.
Summer neglect is largely contributive to Winter losses. The plants
which have not been able, through loss of foliage, to store the organic
elements which will sustain and buttress them against the assaults
of Winter; they are like animals, which, for some reason, have been
deprived of the fur they should normally grow during Summer in
anticipation of Winter.
Sanitation:—Sanitation is the most important part of Winter protection.
All plants should be closely inspected, dead wood and any branch with
suspicious looking spots or discolorations should be removed as also
remnants of blooms and seed hips, which often harbor disease spores
and germs. Fall leaves must be gathered and burnt. Spray with lime
sulphur (obtainable anywhere in liquid, paste, or dry form) at the
strength directed on the package—the strength varies according to the
formula of the manufacturer. Saturate the plants so that every part is
covered and also the soil around. Repeat this operation two or three
times on the exposed parts during the Winter, selecting days when the
temperature is above freezing. In the Spring, as soon as the covering is
removed, give another application of lime sulphur and this will be the
last, as lime sulphur must not be used on Roses after vegetation has
started. From then on, use Bordeaux mixture.
Until lately black spot was thought to be a leaf disease only and we
did not connect it with Winter hardiness. We now know that it attacks
the wood as well and perpetuates itself over Winter not only on the
wood but penetrates under the external layer of the skin, becomes
active in mild weather and causes, in a short time, what we formerly
called “die back” or “Winter kill.” The cankers which appear in late
Summer and Fall, more frequently on pernetianas, are fungous diseases
related to black spot, due to the same atmospheric conditions which
create favorable conditions for the spread of the spores (propagating
Under normal conditions the organisms) and their attack on certain less resistant strains. The
degree of Winter hardiness (there canker germs are also carried over Winter on the wood and much of
is also Summer hardiness but this the damage is done during mild periods.
does not concern us now) of the various classes is as follows: rugosa and
some of its hybrids; then hybrid rugosas and hybrid perpetuals; a third This condition answers the old question why do plants of a given variety
group, nearly as hardy as the previous one—polyanthas, Bengals, and die in one garden and survive in another nearby, although exposed to
Bourbons; the next group pernetianas closely followed by the hybrid similar Winter conditions. Winter protection, to be adequate, comprises
teas; and the last group, the most tender of all—Noisettes and teas. two well defined operations—sanitation and covering.
In Europe, the past Winter has been extremely severe, some sections
experiencing the lowest temperatures of a century, and some interesting
observations have been made. These observations were related in a
paper by Colonel Meyer, a learned rosarian, at the Congress of the
French Rose Society, Lyons, France, on June 28, 1929; a brief summary
being “no healthy Rose died of the cold (although a long siege of 13°
below zero). Some suffered, others died, but simply because they were Covering:—Another contributive cause of Winter loss is evaporation
old or diseased. Among the climbers, certain canes four or five years by sun and wind when the ground is frozen below root depth and the
old died, while the young ones on the same plants resisted very well.” source of supply of moisture necessary to offset the evaporation is cut
off the plant; in such a case, the plants die not of cold but of thirst. They
If the plants are healthy, nature’s process of “hardization” not being simply dry up. I had this fact vividly demonstrated for several years.
impeded by unchecked Summer disease and insects, hybrid teas will On the south wall of my house shielded from north winds; are several
be reasonably hardy to quite a distance north, and pernetianas will climbing teas and hybrid teas reaching to the third story. The ground is
almost rival hybrid perpetuals. But since pernetianas are particularly protected from deep frost by the heat from the furnace room, and they
susceptive to black spot and leaf drop, they have acquired an unjust have never been affected by the cold, although two Winters reached
reputation for tenderness, although it has been proved time and again 5° below zero. While elsewhere on the grounds, the same varieties on
that conditions being equal, pernetianas outdistance hybrid teas in pillars, exposed to the combinations of wind and deeply frozen soil, are
resistance to Winter ravages. And this seems logical since pernetianas often killed down although wrapped with burlap.
have a very large percentage of Persian Yellow blood, one of the hardiest
The thoroughness of the covering depends upon the latitude, normal
Wild Roses known.
temperature, and exposure to winds, remembering that it is possible to
It is a well known fact that foliage is necessary, if the plant is to mature love Roses to death. The need of protection has been most extravagantly
normally; roots send raw food to the foliage, where it is transformed exaggerated; most ingenious, but costly and laborious, methods and
by the sun and air into life-giving, tissue-building sap. This fluid is schemes have been devised. It has been generally demonstrated that
the subsistence of the whole plant system which becomes inert from the simpler the method the more efficient it is. Above all avoid the
malnutrition, if the foliage is untimely removed through diseases or use of tar paper or any impervious material which would stop free
12
circulation of air.
Rugosa and its hybrids, hybrid perpetuals,
polyanthas, need no protection anywhere. In
the extreme North, Bengals and Bourbons
may suffer unless at least the base is covered.
In sections where the thermometer does not
often go below 25° above zero and does not
stay there long at any time, it is not necessary
to cover pernetianas and hybrid teas, although
as a matter of precaution, it would be advisable
to hill up some soil about the base of the plants.
Sections farther north and the mid-Western
states will need more protection, although
hilling eight to nine inches is sufficient in
most cases, as the wood above that height is
generally removed, dead or alive, at pruning
time. An important factor is to keep the
ground from freezing too deeply by a heavy
mulch. At first the hollow places made
between the plants by the hills are filled with
manure, preferably fresh litter from either
barn or stable which will generate some heat,
thus retarding the frost. Over this a layer
of straw or leaves held with boughs or wire
netting. This mulching has a two-fold object, it
prevents depth freezing and also protects from
the wind the most vital parts of the plants.
If the plants are so close together (normal
space between hybrid teas is fourteen inches)
that they cannot be conveniently banked, soil
can be brought from some other part of the
garden. Another good material is coal ashes
from the furnace; in the Spring the coarse
parts are removed and the dust turned in the
soil to which it is a beneficial agent.
In countries with long and protracted Winters,
where the freezing of the ground below root
depth for a long period cannot be prevented,
another method is employed as the whole
plant must be covered to retain its moisture.
The soil is partly removed on one side of the
plant until the main root stalk is uncovered
down to the lateral roots and the whole plant
is gently bent on one side its branches held by
hairpin-like wires then covered with soil.
Climbing Roses should also be “insulated”;
they are taken down from their support, laid
on the ground, then covered with soil, straw, or
leaves. Even such tender varieties as Marechal
Niel can thus be wintered in northern states.
Standards (tree Roses) are best wintered by
being bent down so that the heads can be
covered with soil or stuffed with straw and
wrapped with burlap.
PGMS Welcomes Our
Newest Members!
Carlos Agila
Erick Barnett
Indiana State University
Christopher J. Lauer
The Episcopal Academy
Jeffrey McClintock
University of Redlands
Joell Bassett
Brian D. McKenna
Evan Boyer
Indiana State University
Mark Miles
The Green Guardian
Ronald Brown
Mark J. Chadwell
Acreage Services Inc.
Dustin Morgan
Indiana State University
Joshua Daniel Nadler
Gregory S. Fear
Alyssa Gilbertson
Larry Ostermueller
Quincy University
Brent Matthew Given
Evergreen Conference Resort
Jenni Pechmiller
University of Wisconsin Stout
Brandon Haley
Red Diamond, Inc.
Jerry Pertillo
Karen S. Harris
Indiana State University
Curtis Lynn Horn
Biltmore Company
Blayne Radford
Springfield Public Schools
Gary Ringus
Property Props, Inc.
Gemelyn Santos
Justin T. Jones
University of Maryland
Michael James Keating
KEI
Craig Kemp
Indiana State University
Brad Schott
Schott Nurseries LLC
Robert Sheehan
Sutech Ind.
Michael A. Smith
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Sarah Ketchem
NC State University
Agustin Vidondo
Benjamin C. Kinard
The Greenery, Inc.
Michael J. Walsh
University of Maryland
Adam Kingsbury
Michigan State University
Cory M. Wesselman
University of Maryland
Trevor D. Laliberte
13
Member Profile:
Doyle Watson
PGMS: When and how did you first
become involved with PGMS?
Watson: I joined PGMS in the spring
of 1983, a friend of mine saw an ad in
a trade magazine and suggested that I
join. In a year or so I was asked to be
on the PGMS Board and served for
a few years and worked with many
committees over the years.
PGMS: What is your official job title?
Who inspired you to pursue a career in
the green industry?
Watson: I have been the Landscape
Superintendent at Belle Meade Country
Club in Nashville Tennessee for 31
years. I think that God may have directed me to this profession because I had a
love for plants as a child and love to work outdoors.
PGMS: Describe any challenges you have with your site and tell me about some
innovative ways you meet these challenges?
Watson: Here at the Club, I think that my biggest challenge is working with
architects and hot weather. Working at a country club is like having only one
customer and having a thousand people looking over your shoulder all the time.
One just learns how to deal with it.
PGMS: How has PGMS helped you grow professionally?
Watson: Having been a member of PGMS for 28 years, I have met people
from all over the United States. I also have visited many sights that I would not
have been able to had it not been for PGMS. Learning at the conferences and
networking have been beneficial.
PGMS: What committees were you part of as a member and which branch? Did
you receive any accolades, awards, etc. in your career? If so, please elaborate.
Watson: To be honest I can’t remember some of the committees, but I do
remember one in which we were trying to come up with a new logo. I had one of
the coffee cups from one of the conferences, saw the logo on the side and blew it
up presented to the board. It hasn’t changed I guess for a hundred years! While
here at the Club I did win a PGMS Honor Award in 1985. Our Middle Tennessee
Branch of PGMS for many years designed and built many gardens at local
garden shows and won an award every year for 15 or 16 years. I was awarded a
landscape maintenance award from the Tennessee Nurserymen Association and I
have been given three PGMS Presidents Awards. My home garden was presented
on our Nashville Public Television show “Tennessee Gardner.’
PGMS: What advice do you have for the young professionals who are just
joining the profession? What advice do you have for professionals who are in the
field already?
Watson: My advice has always been “If you can’t take care of it, don’t plant it.
Don’t get into this business thinking that you will get rich. Have a passion for it!”
PGMS: How do you see the future of the grounds industry?
Watson: There’s one thing for sure, people will always have to rake and blow
leaves, mow grass, trim trees, and do all of the things that we do. Machines help,
but we run the machines!
14
PGMS Salutes the
Longest Standing Members
PGMS would like to recognize some
of our longest standing members.
Your dedication to PGMS is truly an
inspiration...THANK YOU!
Ludwig Schneider - 1962
John Moseley - 1963
John Monday - 1965
Jeffrey Bourne - 1975
Kenneth Mays - 1975
David Frank - 1978
Robert Clements - 1979
Philip Lee - 1979
Roy Peterman - 1979
Nicholas Sacco - 1979
Thomas Tarbox - 1979
C. Craig Williams - 1979
Robert Sulak - 1980
John Blair - 1981
Ralph D’Amato Jr. - 1981
Robert Cool - 1982
Lawrence Labriola - 1982
David Loomis - 1983
Doyle Watson - 1983
Eugene Pouly, CGM - 1984
Ronald Potter - 1984
Dan Lewis - 1984
Robert Schultz - 1984
Stephen Pida - 1984
Leonard Morrow, CGM - 1985
Kevin O’Donnell - 1985
Clifford Cortelyou - 1985
Stephanie DeStefano - 1985
Bill Bedrossian - 1985
Benjamin Ali - 1986
Richard Schnall - 1986
Ed Sagen - 1986
Don Mazzei - 1986
Michael Neale, CGM - 1987
David Bennett - 1987
Michael Wilhelm - 1987
Steve Wharton, CGM - 1987
Lester Potts - 1987
Christopher Fay - 1988
Robert Plankinton - 1988
Randall Nenninger - 1988
Kevin Carr - 1988
Robert Smith - 1989
Edward Howell, CGM - 1989
John Harrar - 1989
Joseph Bevilacqua, CGM - 1989
Kenneth Stanton, CGM - 1989
Bob TheBodo - 1989
15
Athletic Fields and Budgeting For
Your Grounds Program
By George Van Haasteren, CGM
Dwight Englewood School, Englewood, N.J.
Unless you have been sleeping under the bleachers and haven’t
noticed, there has been an explosion in the use of athletic fields.
From adolescents learning the basics to senior citizens playing
in organized leagues, fields across the country are being used to
capacity. With more participation on our fields and with the trend
of insurance companies demanding greater uniformity in design,
construction and maintenance of athletic fields, it has become
increasingly important for today’s athletic field manager to know
the basics of having a budget in place.
As grounds management professionals we have learned the
essentials of keeping the fields we maintain in the best condition
possible. Mowing, seeding,
fertilizing, lining fields and
proper watering are just some
of the tasks that are performed.
Topdressing, aeration and repairing
unsafe or worn areas are other
responsibilities. For most of
us, budgeting is most likely our
least favorite task. We all share
the passion for growing and
maintaining green spaces, but many
of us need to be more proactive and
knowledgeable when it comes to
the budgeting process.
Capital
Operating budgets reflect the expenditures used to operate and
maintain the fields you are responsible for. Capital budgets reflect
expenditures that adjust the assets of either a school, college
or recreation program. Capital money often is raised through
borrowing, bond issues or gifts. Items covered by capital
budgets include:
• Machinery, which is depreciated.
• Large expenses.
• Routine renewal projects such as rebuilding or constructing
a field (natural or synthetic), installing an irrigation system or
installing lights are considered capital budget items.
Know the existing budget
Keep in mind that all budgets are incremental. Usually, you
receive what you received last year, plus or minus adjustments for
program changes, plus or minus
a percentage. Given the small
increments usually involved, it is
critical to be very familiar with
your existing budget and how it
is performing. Ask yourself the
following questions regularly:
• Are you meeting expectations
on expenditures?
• Is department overtime too
high because of increased athletic
events or weather problems?
• Are there programs or lines in
the budget that need adjustments?
Budgeting
What we need to realize is that when it comes to maintaining our
fields it all really begins and ends with a budget. Although this is
not a general topic of conversation for most of those performing
day-to-day tasks, as a grounds manager you need to recognize
that a budget is vital to your survival.
To be a leader in athletic field management requires
knowledge of the budget procedures and how they impact
your athletic field operations.
Often your destiny is determined by your budget and how
you work with that budget. As a manager who oversees and
is responsible for maintaining athletic fields, it is extremely
important to understand the budget process just as well as you
know the latest irrigation technologies. Remember, operating
within a budget is a very important part of your duties, so careful
preparation of your budget can be an asset in building credibility
with those throughout the organization. No matter if you are
responsible for maintaining fields for a youth program, high
school, college or even a professional field, you need to know
what you are able to spend when it comes to materials, supplies,
equipment and wages.
16
Work on areas that you know need improvement.
Know the process
Learn as much as you can about the type of budget your
administrators expect to see. Are you in a situation in which
you have to explain your operation or are they only interested
in numbers? Some administrators just care about the bottom
line. Find out about the budget guidelines. If spending cannot
grow more than three percent, then you know that requesting 10
percent is unrealistic. To bolster your chances for receiving your
requests, suggest that those who participate in the budget process
take a look at the work you and your crew do on your fields and
the amount which is accomplished. They may truly be amazed to
find what your budget covers.
Put it in writing
Add up your known costs, along with the level of services you
provide with those funds. Add or subtract the items you know
will change. Make sure to include retirements, rate changes,
staff additions, etc. If you expect program changes, estimate the
impact, then add or subtract. Next, consider the need for changes
in staff or materials depending on any program changes. And, be
sure to know the costs for routine tasks such as mowing a field,
lining fields, fertilizing, seeding and repairing your fields. Prepare
a defense. Ultimately, you are the one who is responsible for the
fields you maintain. Work to meet the expectations of those who
use them. Coaches, athletic directors, alumni, spectators and most
importantly, those who play and practice on your fields are the
ones you need to support your efforts. Base your arguments on
their expectations. Play to the vulnerability of those who prepare
the budget. Though you may know more about your job than
anyone else, that means little in the money game. The dollars that
you think are large are actually only a small part of the budget
for the place you serve. The best justification for expenditures
is performance and that may not be enough. To be a leader in
athletic field management requires knowledge of the budget
procedures and how they impact your athletic field operations
Nothing is more persuasive than a well-written document
such as a budget proposal.
Behind the Budget
Consider the following areas that can be crucial in putting a
successful budget together. Each can have a tremendous impact
on budget priorities and future activities:
• Activity Inventory —It is important that you know all the areas
that you are responsible in supporting, as well as any new ones likely
to appear. Keep abreast of schedule changes by having coaches,
directors or leagues provide a list of daily, weekly and monthly
schedules. List any ongoing maintenance programs. Accurately
calculating product use by developing a plan based on square footage
can affect the amount of material used and money spent.
• Personnel —Your employees may be your greatest asset, but it
is important that you know the costs, including fringe benefits.
Base pay, predicted overtime, as well as incorporating the costs
for part-time employees and benefits need to be incorporated as a
percentage in your budget.
• Training —Know your crew’s skills and see if any new skills
Bruce De Vrou of Spectrum
Health Earns CGM Status
The Professional Grounds Management Society has announced
that Bruce De Vrou of Grand Rapids, Mich. has become
the 134th grounds management professional to successfully
complete its Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) program.
De Vrou has been a project manager of the grounds services
department at Spectrum Health since 2004.
PGMS: Why did you want to become a CGM?
De Vrou: I have always believed that to be successful in any
business or profession, success is determined by adding value
and being proactive. By becoming a CGM it would ensure that
I was not only advancing my career to the next level, but it was
also adding value for my employer.
PGMS: What did you think of the program?
De Vrou: The CGM program was intense and did require quite a
bit of time to complete. The process really honed my management
and organizational skills. It was well worth the work.
PGMS: What advice do you have for aspiring CGMs?
De Vrou: Two things come to mind. One is to secure a mentor
like I did with Ken Stanton, CGM of Grand Valley State
University. Secondly, I’d say don’t wait to get started.
PGMS: What do you think is the biggest topic or issue affecting
grounds managers right now?
De Vrou: Staying proactive in areas of sustainability as it
relates to grounds and landscape management is a big challenge
these days. Technology and information regarding sustainability
is moving quite quickly and to ensure success, we as grounds
managers need to be able to accept change just as quickly.
need to be developed. Training can be essential to the success of
your department. With more work being generated each season
and with a limited amount of personnel, it is essential that your
crew is properly trained to perform the daily tasks in a safe,
efficient manner. Short courses, seminars and training videos can
benefit your crew greatly.
• Equipment —Work loads are constantly increasing, but the
size of your staff may not. The real challenge may be having the
incorrect equipment. Evaluate your equipment and determine if
there is a good match between the equipment and staff that can
operate the equipment. Is your equipment reliable or is there too
much down time? Consider leasing or renting equipment for
special projects.
The Final Step
Nothing is more persuasive than a well written document such
as a budget proposal. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for
it. Preparing a budget proposal is not a time for misplaced pride.
Those who are the decision makers are good at what they do. As
you are good in making your fields looking spectacular, you also
need to be as good in preparing your budget.
(l-r) John Van Etten, CGM presents Bruce
De Vrou, CGM a pin for becoming the 134th
Certified Grounds Manager (CGM).
17
Greater Cincinnati Branch Hosts 2011 Fall Educational Program
By Doug Young, Cincinnati State College
The Greater Cincinnati Branch met for its annual Fall Educational Program on
September 26 at historic Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum. This year a new, not
so nice, uninvited guest to southwestern Ohio was the center of attention - the Asian
longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae Anoplophora glabripennis).
Patricia Sharp and Vanessa Harper from the United States Department of Agriculture
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA-APHIS, accompanied Joe Boggs
for the evening’s presentation. Joe shared the history of the ALB since its discovery
in Brooklyn, New York in 1996 through the latest infestation found a few miles from
the Village of Bethel in Tate Township, Clermont County, Ohio on June 17, 2011. The
Governor of Ohio signed an Executive Order restricting the movement of hardwood
logs, firewood, stumps, roots and branches out of Tate Township.
The presenters offered attendees valuable information about ALB. ALB is native to
China and Korea causing widespread death to poplar, willow, elm and maple trees.
Many tree plantations sell their wood to be processed into packing materials such as
crates and pallets. ALB hitches a ride as larvae, pupae and young adults inside the
wood of those packing materials to the United States. The beetle has been identified at
ports of entry and in warehouses throughout the United States. ALB has the potential
to cause widespread death to trees in North America. It is a tree killer and has a wide
host range. In the United States the beetle attacks all species of maple, birch, elm, Ohio
buckeye, horsechestnut and willow. Less often it is found in ash, European mountain
ash, London planetree, mimosa and poplars.
Adult beetles are usually present from July to October; however the Ohio infestation
was found on June 17. Phenologically, in Ohio, it appears that first bloom of
Goldenraintree (Koelreuteria paniculata) and full bloom of Bottlebrush buckeye
(Aesculus parviflora) may coincide with adult emergence. The female deposits a single
egg in a 3/8” wide oviposition pit. The larvae feed under the bark in the phloem &
cambium during first and second instar stages. The third – fifth instar stages bore deep
into the xylem where they pupate. This damage causes branch breakage and eventual
death of the tree.
Effective management of ALB is to remove infested trees and destroy them by
chipping or burning. To prevent further spread of the insect, quarantines are established
to avoid transporting infested trees and branches from the area. Eradication of ALB has
been successful, but early detection is the key to that success.
All attendees benefitted from Joe’s information and advice, and are now on the alert for
ALB and other invasive pests, and are better prepared to combat these threats in their
own landscapes.
After the presentation on ALB and invasive pest management, and an interesting and
lively question and answer period, attendees were invited to enjoy dinner.
Local companies represented by the attendees were Xavier University, Spring Grove
Cemetery and Arboretum, Heritage Gardens, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati
State, Berea College, Paul Brown Stadium, Reading Rock, Cincinnati Park Board,
Mount St. Joe, The Christ Hospital, H. J. Benken Florist and Garden Center, Cincinnati
Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and Forest Lytle and Sons.
The members and board of directors of the PGMS Cincinnati Branch would like to
thank Whitney Huang, special events/volunteer coordinator at Spring Grove Cemetery
& Arboretum, for hosting another successful Cincinnati Branch educational program.
Thank you Whitney!
Pictured in the photo to the right, (l-r) Joe Boggs is presented a gift from Walt Bonvell,
CGM, treasurer of PGMS on behalf of the Greater Cincinnati Branch.
18
Back Where It All Started!
PGMS is heading back to the “birthplace” of the Regional
Seminar and Site Visit program and we want YOU along for the
ride! Join PGMS on March 22-23, 2012 as we head to Arizona
State University (ASU) in Tempe, Ariz. for a program focused
specifically on sustainability and water conservation and quality.
Just like six years ago, Ellen Newell, CGM, associate director
of facilities management at ASU, will lead us through excellent
education sessions and a not-to-miss tour of the campus.
Designed to provide grounds managers with the hard-to-find
opportunity to gain knowledge, ask questions, and network
with their peers, this interactive program will feature education
seminars on must-know topics as well as behind-the-scenes tours
of area grounds management programs. This Regional Seminar
& Site Visit qualifies for the SGM program. Visit www.pgms.org/
SGMProgram.htm for more information on the SGM program.
Hotel Information: Twin Palms Hotel, 225 East Apache
Boulevard, Tempe, AZ 85281, Toll Free: 800-367-0835, Local: 480-967-9431
http://twinpalmshotel.com, PGMS Block rates (be sure to mention PGMS) - $92/night.
More details will be posted at www.pgms.org/2012RegionalArizona.htm.
This is a monumental occasion you don’t want to miss so mark your calendars now!
19
Classifieds
To place a classified ad on the PGMS website and in the PGMS Forum, please e-mail it to Meghan
Brady at [email protected]. Job postings are free. For information on how to apply for
the positions below please visit www.pgms.org/jobbank.htm.
Groundskeeper - Arizona State University (Phoenix, Ariz.)
Facilities Development and Management, Grounds Services, seeks Groundskeepers to maintain grounds. Waters and plants
trees, plants, flowers and shrubs; operates hand tools (e.g. loppers, rakes, shovels), power lawn tools (e.g. chain saws,
blowers, power hedge shears, string trimmers, edgers, aerators), equipment (e.g. riding mowers), machinery (e.g. push
mowers), and the boom and grove trucks to trim trees above six feet; works off ladders to trim trees using hand tools and
power tools; utilizes a sprayer to disperse grounds chemicals; stands for long periods of time while working; walks and
inspects campus; works in extreme temperatures; works in a dirty environment; lifts and carries grounds related equipment,
tools and materials up to 50 pounds; may operate a two-wheel or three-wheel bike, and/or drive University vehicles/trucks
and/or electric carts; use effective verbal and written communication skills.
Vice President of Horticulture & Facilities - Brooklyn Botanic Garden
(Brooklyn, N.Y.)
Brooklyn Botanic Garden seeks an exceptional leader for the position of Vice-President of Horticulture & Facilities.
This senior position reports to the President (CEO) of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, will be responsible for the grounds,
conservatories, production facilities, buildings and security of the 52-acre botanic garden and will have a budget of $5
million with 60 employees. Candidates should have degree(s) in horticulture or closely related field, at least 8 years of
managing large budgets and staffs, and experience overseeing gardens and grounds with the highest quality of horticulture.
Send inquiries to: Richard Daley, Partner, EMD Consulting Group, LLC, [email protected].
Bilingual Spanish Gardening Supervisor - Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks &
Mortuaries (Los Angeles, Calif.)
The Gardening Supervisor position will oversee the care and maintenance of our gardens and special care areas within the
cemetery grounds. This individual will be expected to keep abreast of innovations in the landscape maintenance field and
apply new procedures and practices whenever they will improve the appearance of our grounds and the efficiency of our
maintenance operations. Will assist in the development of new gardens; collaborate with our full time Horticulturist in
an effort to maintain gardens and special care areas according to established standards of appearance. Will also initiate
renovations and/or landscape replacements as needed. Will prepare designated areas for special events and programs. Will
oversee the application of pesticides and other chemicals to the landscape. Will meet with client families ans ensure proper
resolution to their complaints.
Ornamental Plant Care Technician - Complete Plant Health Care, Inc.
(Montgomery and Howard Counties, Md. and NW D.C.)
Complete Plant Health Care, Inc. is seeking an Ornamental Plant Care Technician who is outgoing, physically fit and
personable. The ideal candidate enjoys dealing with people, possesses good communication skills and likes the outdoors. He/
she is a team player, self-motivated and organized.
Lawn Care Technician - Complete Lawn Care, Inc. (Montgomery and
Howard Counties, Md. and NW D.C.)
Complete Lawn Care, Inc. is seeking a Lawn Care Technician who is outgoing, physically fit and personable. The ideal
candidate enjoys dealing with people, possesses good communication skills and likes the outdoors. He/she is a team player,
self-motivated and organized.
Mechanic, Grounds Department - Columbia University (New York, N.Y.)
Columbia University in the City of New York is seeking applicants for Mechanic to join its Grounds Department on the
Morningside Campus. The Mechanic will be responsible for performing repairs to fleet and utility vehicles, grounds keeping,
gardening and snow removal equipment to assure safety and operational compliance. Utilizing knowledge of safety codes,
the Mechanic will analyze defects, employ preventive maintenance procedures, and maintain records and inventory for
vehicles and equipment. High school diploma and/or GED required. Three years of experience in trades and/or technical
discipline. Previous automotive or equipment repair work history and NYS driver’s license required. ASE Certification
preferred. May be required to perform other work as required by job order and/or duties assigned by the supervisor.
Mandatory attendance required for snow emergency.
For a more detailed description please go to www.columbia.edu/cu/jobs/ job requisition number 063487.
For consideration please submit your resume through our online application system at jobs.columbia.edu/applicants/
Central?quickFind=126634. Columbia University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.
GOT NEWS?
Has something exciting happened to you
or do you know of a PGMS member who
doesn’t want to toot their own horn? Have
you been involved in new research or
community service programs? Have you
received an award or honor? Have you
received a promotion or been named to a
new position? Has your grounds crew been
making headlines in your local paper or
favorite trade magazine? If you have any ideas
for topics you would like to see articles on
or if you would like to submit articles please
contact Molly Baldwin at mollybaldwin@
assnhqtrs.com or 410-223-2861.