Grounds Maintenance Technician (Multiple Vacancies)

Davita Inc.; Boone (NC); On-site; USD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Technician (Horticultural Specialist) for full-time permanent work. Responsibilities include maintaining landscapes using current horticultural practices and assisting with various tasks as needed, particularly in extreme weather conditions. This role requires physical fitness, knowledge of plant maintenance, and ability to operate machinery. Position offers a supportive work environment with a strong commitment to team collaboration and development.

Qualifications

• High school graduate with horticultural experience or relevant training.
• Knowledge of proper landscape maintenance practices preferred.
• Ability to operate university-owned vehicles and follow safety guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve assigned landscape zones using industry standards.
• Perform tasks like weeding, mulching, and snow removal.
• Communicate issues with supervisors and assist other zones.

Skills

Horticultural practices

Chemical applications

Snow removal operations

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

AAS or higher in Horticulture

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

ArcGIS

Adobe Suite

Job description

Position Summary Information

VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S

Graduation from high school and some experience in horticultural work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Special Note
This is a generalized representation of positions in this class and is not intended to identify essential functions per ADA. Examples of work are primarily essential functions of the majority of positions, but may not be applicable to all positions.

North Carolina Pesticide License may be required and can be obtained within six (6) months of employment. May require a Commercial Driver's License.

Considerable knowledge of current horticultural practices including turf, chemical applications, and snow removal operations.

Ability to follow safety guidelines and wear PPE when necessary.

Computer knowledge and ability to use the: internet, e-mail, Microsoft Word, excel and other Microsoft office programs, and have the ability to learn in house systems such as AiM and Banner.

Good written and oral communication skills is a must for this position.

Ability to operate university owned vehicles with a valid driver's license.

6:00 am - 3:00 pm; Monday through Friday. This position is subject to call back anytime should emergencies occur. Designated as MANDATORY, this position is expected to be available for work during university emergencies, closings and adverse weather conditions.

Weekend work and hours other than normal schedule may be required to accomplish assigned duties. Position is subject to call in, call back or stay over on off schedule hours and weekends should emergencies occur. This position is expected to work, as needed, in the event of staffing shortages, sporting events and/or other events on campus that require Landscape Department services. Supervisor assignment may be adjusted based on business/operational need.

The employee must be able to perform the following for extended periods of time: climbing, bending, stooping, shoveling, walking, and standing on uneven terrain, lifting 50 pounds or more, walking with a 32+ pound sprayer strapped to ones back, standing on very steep slopes weed-eating. Working in extreme conditions; either very hot or very cold and windy weather depending on the time of year and task to be accomplished. This position requires that one is relatively physically fit.

Knowledge-Technical: Considerable knowledge of plant maintenance procedures used in landscape installation and grounds maintenance; ability to observe plants and identify plants and plant problems, assess condition and health of plants. Responds to standard problems, and assists or makes recommendations for solutions to non-standard problems. Performs a variety of routine and non-recurring tasks; determines appropriate tools, equipment and vehicles. Administers safe application of various chemicals and nutrient supplements and the use of equipment to perform the tasks. Considerable knowledge of the different species in the geographical area to which assigned, as well as an understanding of common diseases, nutritional issues and pests that pose a threat to the trees' health. Performs tasks using applied horticultural practices and a variety of tools and equipment.

Work Coordination: Observes and diagnoses structural and horticultural problems. Maintains a unique and unusual collection of plants, impacting the cultivation and maintenance of the plants. Ability to organize a work schedule, determine priorities. Ability to maintain required records.

Communication: Answers a variety of questions from the public and others regarding plant collection; promotes knowledge and understanding of the unique plant collection. Effectively uses verbal and nonverbal skills to express non-routine technical matters and related facts in a clear, concise, organized and persuasive manner.

Classification Title	Horticultural Specialist
Working Title	Grounds Maintenance Technician (Multiple Vacancies)
Location	Boone, NC
Job Category	8
Position Number	064541
Not Eligible for Visa Sponsorship
Department	Facilities Operations - Landscape Services - 410500
Minimum Qualifications
License/Certification Required
Essential Job Functions	This position is responsible for all aspects associated with safely and intensively maintaining the assigned landscape zone using current industry standards, and making improvements in the zone when funding allows. Activities include: removal of debris daily, weeding, edging, leaf removal, mulching, (pruning perennials, shrubs and trees), tree removal, plant installation, reading landscape plans, mowing, street sweeping, pot hole repair, assisting other zones and departments, performing special work order request, occasional paper work, communicating issues with supervisor snow removal using all means possible (shovel, ice melt, gator, snow blower, tractor, skid steer, and truck).
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
Preferred Qualifications	Prefer an AAS or higher in Horticulture or an equivalent degree from an accredited University. Possess current knowledge of proper landscape maintenance practices. Extensive knowledge of Microsoft programs, Arc GIS, and Adobe and the ability to use a computer (internet, email, Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe, Power point, etc). Be familiar with Tree Campus USA and with the management of the Urban Forest; including maintaining a tree inventory. Be a certified ISA arborist-climber, or be willing to attain the certification within 6 months of hire. Supervisory experience is also a plus.
Type of Position	Permanent Full-Time
Staff/Non-Faculty	Staff/Non-Faculty
Appointment Type	1.0
Work Schedule/Hours
Number of Hours Per Week	40
Number of Months Per Year	12
Mandatory Staff	Yes
Physical Demands of Position
Overall Competency Level	Journey
Salary Grade Equivalency
Salary Range
Anticipated Hiring Range	$33,540
Required Functional Competencies to Successfully Perform Job Duties.

Pay will be commensurate with applicant competencies, budget, equity and market considerations.

Posting Details Information

Please list a minimum of 3 professional references in the application.

Appalachian State University Benefits Information:https://hr.appstate.edu/hr-services/benefits

Finalist will be subject to a Criminal Background Check.

Must be able to operate university owned vehicles with a valid driver's license.

Posting Date	06/03/2025
Closing Date	06/15/2025
Competency Level Statement	If no applicants apply who meet the required competencies, then management may consider other applicants at a lower competency level.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Search Chair Name	Greg Miller
Search Chair Email	[e-mail]
Applicant Pool Preference	External (Post on the Web)

Departmental Information

Quick Link	https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/51275
Posting Number	201502901P