General Utility Worker

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional training opportunities

Exclusive perks for campus discounts

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a General Utility Worker to perform a variety of grounds maintenance tasks on the campus. The role requires physical stamina and the ability to operate standard maintenance equipment, with attention to safety and accuracy.

The position offers opportunities for training, benefits, and potential eligibility for a sign-on bonus as described by the department. Evening and night shifts and on-call duties may apply.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform medium to heavy physical work.
• Valid NC Driver's License or ability to obtain one before start date.
• Experience in grounds maintenance or landscape work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform manual grounds maintenance and related tasks on UNC-Chapel Hill campus.
• Operate equipment such as mowers and hand tools in various weather conditions.
• Follow safety procedures and wear required protective gear.

Skills

Safety practices

Oral communication

Physical stamina

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

**ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS

The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements: To be eligible for a Sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including but not limited to the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system in a position subject to the State Human Resources Act.

A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week). This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy.

Posting Information

Posting Information

Department

Department Carolina North Maintenance-244008

Career Area Other

Is this an internal only recruitment?

Is this an internal only recruitment? No

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 08/28/2026

Application Deadline

Application Deadline 09/10/2026

Position Type

Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)

Position Title

Salary Grade Equivalent

Salary Grade Equivalent NC01 / GN03

Working Title

Working Title General Utility Worker

Position Number

Position Number 00018096

Vacancy ID

Vacancy ID P021336

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited

Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Permanent

If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment

This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC -Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

Grounds Services maintains approximately 758 acres of managed campus grounds and more than 700 acres of forest land/trails. Services provided by Grounds include the following: Landscape Maintenance, Irrigation, Integrated Pest Management, Landscape Installation, Stormwater Management, Forest Management and Trail Maintenance, Parking Lot Maintenance and Arboriculture.

Position Summary

A SIGN -ON BONUS OF $3,497.00 IS AVAILABLE FOR THIE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF HIRE : $1,748.50 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE & $1,748.50 12 MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE

Requires working knowledge of machine operations, safety practices, snow removal operations, and horticultural and turf management practices. Also requires good oral communication skills so that task instructions are delivered and received in a clear manner. Responsibilities generally include manual work related to the upkeep of highways, grounds, buildings and equipment on the UNC -CH campus, and the performance of a variety of physical labor tasks requiring some specialized knowledge and experience. Work is routine and repetitive in nature and may require strenuous physical exertion.

*Requires a valid N.C. Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one prior to hire date.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Some knowledge of cleaning procedures, ability to follow instructions and to perform medium to heavy physical work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. NOTE : Some positions may require special licenses or certification.

Management Preferences

Directly related landscape maintenance experience at the journey level and ability to problem solve in high density population. Ability to obtain pesticide license if necessary. Operation of Zero Turn mower and ability to work in Hot and Cold Weather Conditions.

Required Licenses/Certifications

Requires a valid N.C. Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one prior to hire date.

Ability to obtain pesticide license if necessary.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Ability to withstand extreme weather conditions (ranging from hot and humid to cold and windy) during any time of the day or night; perform physically demanding work; climb, bend, stoop, lift, and walk behind or operate equipment on varied terrain for extended periods of time; move objects weighing up to 50 pounds; and wear safety glasses and shoes, and hearing protection with or without reasonable accommodation.

Ability to serve as a mandatory employee and report to work in support of essential university operations during periods of adverse weather or other emergency situations that may require the university to close.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Position/Schedule Requirements Evening work occasionally, Night work occasionally, On-call occasionally, Overtime occasionally, Valid NC Driver’s License

Special Instructions

**ELIGIBILITY FOR SIGN-ON BONUS

The selected candidate for this position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Qualified applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool of this posting and meet the State policy following requirements: To be eligible for a Sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in North Carolina state government, including but not limited to the judicial system, state executive branch agencies, and the university system in a position subject to the State Human Resources Act.

A newly hired permanent full time or permanent part-time (more than 20 hours a week) employee are eligible for a sign-on bonus (this will be prorated for employees working more than 20 hours and less than 40 hours per week). This SHRA Sign-on Bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the Pay Back Agreement form. Additional information regarding the SHRA Sign-on Policy can be found https://oshr.nc.gov/policies/sign-and-retention-bonus-policy.

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]. Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• List of References

Optional Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• Certification/licenses
• Degree Transcripts

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you currently have a valid North Carolina Driver’s License or the ability to obtain a valid North Carolina Driver’s License by your potential start date?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please describe your responsibilities and duties in your current position that are related to grounds maintenance/landscape work.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * What types of power equipment (large and small) do you have experience operating proficiently?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * This position is designated as an emergency duty employee and required to report for work during weather emergencies. What experiences such as snow , ice and windstorms you have encountered?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * How much experience do you have in maintaining landscape beds? Briefly list skill set involved with landscape beds.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the Building Environmental Services Technician position.
  • Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Some knowledge of cleaning procedures, ability to follow instructions and to perfom medium to heavy physical work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • None of the above.