Garden & Landscape Technician

Old Dominion University; Norfolk (VA); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, seeks a Grounds Maintenance worker to sustain the campus landscape and public spaces. The role involves mowing, planting, litter removal, and operating grounds equipment such as mowers and tractors; basic pesticide application may be required.

As an essential personnel member, you’ll work outdoors in varied weather, perform regular maintenance tasks, and support waste and irrigation efforts while complying with safety and licensing requirements.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of maintaining trees, shrubs and flowers.
• Experience with hand tools and landscape maintenance.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus landscape to a neat, clean appearance.
• Operate grounds equipment such as mowers, tractors and trucks.
• Perform pesticide application tasks and irrigation maintenance as needed.
• Support litter removal and seasonal planting and upkeep.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Equipment operation

Pesticide knowledge

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Grounds equipment operation

Pesticide application equipment

Job description

• Staff and Administrative & Professional Faculty Applicants:
• Contact Human Resources at:
  [phone]
  [e-mail]
• Teaching and Research Faculty Applicants:
• Contact Academic Affairs at:
  [e-mail]

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please attach resume.

Position Information

Role Title

Role Code

Role Code 79031

Pay Band

Pay Band 01

Working Title

Position Number

Position Number 00865A

Department

Department CARE & MAINT

Location

Location Norfolk, VA

Type of Position

Type of Position Classified

Type of Job

Type of Job Full Time

EEO Category

EEO Category H Service/Maintenance

Job Description

To properly maintain the landscape of the University to present a neat, clean and well maintained appearance. This will include the performance of grounds maintenance, operate grounds maintenance equipment such as truck with or without manual transmission, riding and push mowers, pesticide application equipment, tractors, and small powered equipment. This will also include horticulture practices such as mowing, weed control, turfgrass maintenance, planting, litter removal and other aspects associated with the upkeep of the landscape of the campus. Position is designated as “essential personnel” for emergency closing.

Type of Recruitment

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Basic knowledge of proper way to maintain and/or plant trees shrubs and flowers. Basic knowledge of the proper way to trim, spray, mow, remove trash and debris, weed, fertilize, sweep, rake, cultivate, dig, water, shovel or plow snow, remove ice, spread salt and/or sand and other related functions. Basic knowledge of how to prune different species of shrubs and trees. Basic knowledge of and experience in the operation of grounds equipment. Some knowledge of pesticides. Basic mechanical knowledge to recognize malfunctions of equipment. Demonstrated ability to recognize irrigation malfunction. Demonstrated ability to work in extreme heat or cold; to lift/move/carry 50 pounds many times per week. Demonstrate the ability to read and write. Demonstrate ability to work independently or to work with others.

Special licenses, registration or certification

Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record which must be maintained. Demonstrate the ability to acquire a valid Pesticide Technician License within 1 year of employment.

Education or training

NONE

Level and type of experience

Basic Horticultural experience in garden and landscape maintenance. Basic knowledge of insects, diseases, weed identification, and plant material. Some prior experience using hand tools and operating related equipment.

Additional Considerations (supplemental knowledge, skills, abilities, education, training, licensure, certification)

Virginia Department of Agriculture Certified Technician or Commercial Applicator 3 A or 3B License. Professional Certifications, Licenses, and/or Credentials from: VNLA , ISA , PLANET , State Master Gardener Program, VTC , or any other industry specific recognized organization. Irrigation Repair Experience associate. Membership in any Horticulture related organization.

Conditions of Employment

Facilities Management employees are considered essential personnel and subject to working during university closings. This is an open until filled recruitment. This recruitment may close after the five-day required posting period when a suitable pool of applicants has been generated.

Annual Salary/Hourly Rate

Annual Salary/Hourly Rate Salary commensurate with education and experience

Job Requisition Number

Job Requisition Number S03234

Job Open To

Job Open To General Public

Open Date

Open Date 02/24/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions Summary

Please attach resume.

Criminal Background Check

Criminal Background Check The final candidate is required to complete a criminal history check.

College Home Page

College Home Page https://www.odu.edu/

Department Home Page

Department Home Page https://www.odu.edu/facilities

Equity Statement

It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Reasonable Accommodation Request

If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at [phone].

Alternative Hiring Process

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process.
To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly called a Certificate of Disability) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services ( DARS ), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired ( DBVI ). Service-Connected Veterans may also apply via the AHP if they also provide an AHP Letter.
To request an AHP Letter, use this link: https://www.dars.virginia.gov/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019, or DBVI at 800-622-2155.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you a former federal employee who was terminated from a position of employment with the federal government on or after January 1, 2025, due to a reduction in the federal budget or initiatives put in place by the federal Department of Government Efficiency?
  • Yes - If yes, please upload a copy of your Standard Form (SF-50)
  • No
• * Do you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Resume
• Recommendation/Reference Letter 1
• Recommendation/Reference Letter 2

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Yellow Layoff Form
• Blue Layoff Card
• AHP Letter
• Standard Form 50 (SF-50)

If you have questions:
Staff and Administrative & Professional Faculty applicants, please contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at [phone] or [e-mail].
Teaching and Research Faculty applicants, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs at [e-mail].