Buildings & Grounds Maintenance

We are proud to announce the first graduates of the Grounds Services’ CLT Training Program to become Certified Landscape Technicians; Joe Riggs and Dave Reed.

This certification is nationally recognized and demonstrates proficiency in the landscape workforce by identifying qualified professionals.

In 2001, Herb Fong, Manager for Grounds Services, decided to bring CLT training to our department so the employees could develop their skills and become more valuable to both Stanford University and themselves. Beginning in 2002, a comprehensive two-year program was developed in which a team of facilitators teaches the theoretical and practical skills necessary for passing this challenging certification.

Some of the CLT test topics include irrigation installation and maintenance, pesticides and fertilization, plans reading, sod installation, tree installation and safe use and care of power equipment. Each test candidate chooses a specialty to be tested on. For more information, go to the California Landscape Contractors Association.

Joe Riggs has over a decade of experience in landscaping. He has worked for Stanford University Grounds Services for four years as a Gardener. Joe received his CLT certification in maintenance and plans to continue participating in our CLT program earning the other two certifications as his next goal, as well as participating in other continuing education classes.

Dave Reed has earned two out of three CLT certifications, one in irrigation and the other in maintenance. He plans to go back to receive the third for installation. Dave worked for several years in the golf course industry doing irrigation and supervision, as well as gaining management experience in other fields. Dave has worked for Stanford University Grounds Services for three years as an Irrigation Specialist. He looks forward to opportunities where he can integrate his previous experience and use his newly gained knowedlege to advance within the department.

CLT training is an excellent opportunity for all employees to develop and better themselves. The information obtained in our CLT classes can be integrated with field experience to achieve both personal and professional goals.