Gardener - TP60083577

Natural and Cultural Resources; Craven Terrace (NC); On-site; USD 31,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) is seeking a Grounds Worker II for Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens. You will manage lawn and hedge care, planting displays, and garden upkeep for Tryon Palace and the North Carolina History Center, contributing to high aesthetic standards and guest experiences.

Responsibilities include seasonal displays, event prep, and general landscape tasks.

Qualifications

• Knowledge in plant maintenance procedures used in landscape installation and garden maintenance.
• Knowledge to identify plants and plant problems and assess health and propose solutions.
• Certified Plant Professional preferred.

Responsibilities

• General daily care of landscape including trees, shrubs, and beds with weeding, fertilizing, mowing, pruning.
• Maintain lawns, marl paths, sidewalks and mulched beds.
• Install and maintain seasonal horticultural displays in assigned garden areas.
• Propose planting plans and select plantings to improve appearance of gardens.
• Support special events by preparing gardens and grounds for events.

Education

High school or GED diploma and two years of progressive experience in horticultural work

Associate's degree in agriculture and natural resources or closely related field

Job description

Agency Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources Division Tryon Palace Historic Sites , Gardens Job Classification Title Grounds Worker II (S) Position Number 60083577 Grade NC03

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) enriches people’s lives through education and stewardship of North Carolina’s natural and cultural resources. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including historic sites, museums, state parks, trails, aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo, the Library of North Carolina, the State Archives, the North Carolina Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. These programs and places unite North Carolinians, create a shared identity, and provide common ground. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

Description of Work

The Grounds Worker II / Gardener at Tryon Palace will perform all levels of garden and grounds maintenance required to achieve the highest aesthetic standards throughout the property. This position is directly responsible for the care, maintenance and overall appearance of lawns and hedges on our main site as well as the North Carolina History Center. This position also assists with special event preparation and maintenance.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for general daily care of landscape including trees, shrubs, annual and perennial beds by performing detailed weeding, fertilizing, mowing, pruning and applying pesticides.
• Maintain lawns, marl paths, sidewalks and mulched beds.
• Install and maintain high-quality seasonal horticultural displays in assigned garden areas for public viewing.
• Propose planting plans and select culturally adapted and historical plantings to maintain and improve appearance of the gardens.
• Support special events by preparing gardens and grounds for interpretive/educational events and third-party events such as weddings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. Recruitment Range: $31,200.00 - $41,000.00 Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred: Knowledge in plant maintenance procedures used in landscape installation and garden maintenance. Knowledge to identify plants and plant problems and correctly assess condition and health of plants and propose solutions to problems. Knowledge of safe handling and application of pesticides and fertilizers. Certified Plant Professional preferred.

Position/Physical Requirements

• Must be available to work the schedule of Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm with weekend work on a regular rotation and as needed for special events.
• Must be able to lift heavy materials (50-100lbs) with our without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to perform repetitive manual tasks and operating power equipment.
• Must have a valid NC Pesticide License or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license issued from within the United States or be able to obtain one within 90 days of employment.

***SIGN-ON BONUS BEING OFFERED***

A sign-on bonus of $2500 is being offered for eligible candidates. See eligibility at https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy *Payout contingent on funding availability*

Location

This position is located at: Tryon Palace 529 Front Street New Bern, NC 28562 City, State, Zip

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma AND two years of progressive experience in horticultural work; OR Associate's degree in agriculture and natural resources, greenhouse and grounds maintenance, horticulture technology, landscape gardening or closely related field from an appropriately accredited institution; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

May require North Carolina Commercial Driver's License.

Section/Unit Description

The Gardens Branch is responsible for the onsite maintenance of 16 acres of gardens and lawns at Tryon Palace, while engaging and interacting with visitors, volunteers, and event guests. The garden staff are responsible for the general daily care of our landscapes, which include detailed weeding, watering, fertilizing, mowing, pruning, shearing hedges & applying pesticides. We prepare seasonal high-quality horticultural displays in assigned garden areas for public view and maintain lawns, marl paths, sidewalks & mulched beds.

Division Description

Tryon Palace welcomes, inspires and engages all visitors and patrons to discover eastern North Carolina’s rich dynamic history. At Tryon Palace, North Carolina’s first permanent colonial and state capitol, we interpret the history of our community and state using living history programming and exhibits to present an authentic visitor experience. With scholarship and integrity, we preserve and interpret buildings, landscapes, collections and gardens that tell the story of One History, Many Voices. https://www.tryonpalace.org/

Supplemental and Contact Information

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job‑related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence. We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community.

ADA Accommodations

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below.

Employment Eligibility

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System).

Sign On Bonus Eligibility

To be eligible for a sign-on bonus, the candidate must not have worked as a probationary, permanent, or time‑limited employee in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including without limitation the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system, subject to the State Human Resources Act. Employee eligible for a sign-on must work at least 20 hours per week. All Sign‑on Bonuses are contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. Additional information regarding the Sign-on Policy can be found here.