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Native Plant Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

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Landscaping Crew Member

Madison, WI · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Plant native trees, shrubs, grasses, sedges, and wildflowers according to project plans and proper planting practices. Landscape installation: Install mulch, stone, edging, boulders, pavers, and ...

Native Plant information

See Madison, WI salary details

$41.8K

$100.6K

$144.1K

How much do native plant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for native plant in Madison, WI is $100,635.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,100.00 and $120,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a native plant?

Native plants are species of plants that have evolved and occur naturally in a specific region, ecosystem, or habitat without human intervention. They are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, which makes them beneficial for supporting local biodiversity and requiring less maintenance compared to non-native species. Using native plants in landscaping helps conserve water, reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and provide habitat for native wildlife, such as birds and pollinators.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a native plant specialist?

To thrive as a Native Plant Specialist, a solid background in botany, ecology, and environmental science—often with a relevant degree or certification—is essential. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), plant identification tools, and ecological restoration software is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail help specialists collaborate with stakeholders and ensure successful project outcomes. These skills and qualifications are crucial for promoting native plant conservation, restoring habitats, and supporting sustainable land management.

What are typical challenges faced by native plant nursery technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Native Plant Nursery Technicians often encounter challenges such as managing plant health in varying weather conditions, controlling pests without harming native species, and ensuring accurate identification and propagation of diverse native plants. Effective communication and collaboration with horticulturists, landscapers, and environmental scientists are crucial for problem-solving and maintaining healthy plant populations. Staying current with best practices in sustainable cultivation and pest management helps technicians adapt to these challenges and support conservation goals.

What is the difference between Native Plant vs Landscape Designer?

AspectNative PlantLandscape Designer
CredentialsBotanical or horticultural certifications, native plant expertiseDesign certifications, landscape architecture degrees
Work EnvironmentNurseries, conservation projects, ecological restoration sitesDesign firms, outdoor spaces, residential and commercial projects
Industry UsageEnvironmental conservation, native plant landscapingLandscape design, outdoor space planning

Native Plant specialists focus on selecting and maintaining indigenous plants for ecological and conservation purposes, often working in restoration or conservation projects. Landscape Designers create aesthetic outdoor spaces, integrating various plant types, including native plants, to meet client needs. While both roles involve plant knowledge, Native Plant experts specialize in native species and ecological health, whereas Landscape Designers focus on overall design and functionality of outdoor environments.

What are popular job titles related to Native Plant jobs in Madison, WI?

For Native Plant jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Native Plant jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Native Plant jobs in Madison, WI are:

Infographic showing various Native Plant job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Temporary. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,635 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Groundskeeper

Sun Prairie, WI


Sun Prairie Area School District
Elementary and Secondary Schools • 1 - 10 employees

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 639 rated elementary and secondary schools

Great coworkers

Good employer

Respectful managers


$21.39/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 16 hours ago


Job description

STARTING WAGE: $21.39+ per hour (based on experience)
This position is full time, year round and comes with paid time off, paid vacation and is benefit eligible.  
Summary  
The Groundskeeper will maintain school grounds to an excellent degree to convey pride, care, and stewardship of the District's grounds.  This includes but is not limited to landscaping, lawns, turf and athletic fields, natural and retention ponds, tree maintenance, irrigation systems, playgrounds, and planting beds, plowing snow, maintaining equipment, and performing other duties as required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned. 







  • Care and maintenance of perennials, shrubs and trees; bed maintenance; plant selection; lawn care and maintenance; general landscaping.
  • Care and maintenance of natural turf, synthetic turf, and athletic fields; painting of athletic fields; set up and measurements of athletic fields and equipment; fertilization; pesticides; irrigation; seeding; aeration.
  • Care and maintenance of detention/retention ponds and storm water systems.
  • Care and maintenance of natural areas including native plant areas and wetlands.
  • Care, maintenance and inspection of playground equipment and playground area.
  • Care, maintenance and repair of hardscapes including asphalt and concrete; signs and parking lines.
  • Plow and salt sidewalks and other paving areas as required, includes being on-call for after-hours plowing during the snow season.
  • Perform maintenance and small repairs on Grounds equipment & Fleet vehicles
  • Coordinate with other grounds crew both regular and seasonal, coordinates with custodians for school related grounds issues.
  • Deliver grounds supplies to the schools including fuels, salt, seed, and equipment.
  • Provide backup for Shipping & Receiving when needed
  • Complete and submit logs and records as required for regulatory record keeping and submissions.
  • Serve on the district wide on-call rotation as required.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Director of Facilities & Grounds.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
High School graduate with horticulture, turf and/or landscape training and a minimum of three years of turf, landscaping, grounds power equipment, and building and grounds experience or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.  Must be capable of identifying plant species, correctly pruning and caring for shrubs and trees and evaluating plant diseases and insect issues and treatment.  Prefer certifications in the area of playground equipment inspection.  Must possess a valid driver's license.  Obtaining and utilizing a Certified Playground Inspector and/or a commercial pesticide/herbicide application certification through District-paid training is highly encouraged.
Minimum Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
Physical Requirements



  • Ability to operate a variety of building and grounds maintenance equipment including mowers, snow plows, tractors, fork lifts, skid steers, end loaders, etc.
  • Ability to use a variety of landscaping, mechanical and carpentry tools, including power tools
  • Ability to provide care and maintenance to synthetic turf surfaces.
  • Ability to lift and maneuver objects weighing up to 90 pounds
  • Must have current physical on file with the district certifying applicant is able to meet all job qualifications

Supervisory Skills

  • Ability to assign, supervise and review the work of others

Mathematical Ability

  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide and calculate decimals and percentages
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, proportions, area, circumference and volume
  • Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

  • Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with building and grounds personnel, athletic director, principals, coaches, teachers, the general public, and others verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to comprehend, interpret and/or prepare a variety of documents, including field diagrams, landscape civil engineering plans, work orders, maintenance manuals, material data sheets, request for proposals, purchase orders, etc.
  • Ability to prepare a variety of documents including landscaping plans, daily worksheets, equipment maintenance logs, reports, correspondence, etc. and using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction and style.
  • Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow instructions.
  • Ability to use and interpret landscaping and building and grounds maintenance terminology.

Environmental Adaptability

  • Ability to work effectively outdoors under a variety of conditions.
  • Ability to work near or with moving mechanical equipment.
  • Ability to meet deadlines with severe time constraints.
  • Ability to work in a loud and/or dusty environment.
  • Ability to work with hazardous materials.

Maybe required to work outside of normal work hours.





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