Grounds Technician

Tennessee Board of Regents; Blountville (TN); On-site; USD 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeast State Community College in Blountville, TN is seeking a Grounds Technician to maintain campus grounds and assist with equipment upkeep across multiple sites. The role supports Plant Operations and custodial services, with responsibilities spanning landscaping, equipment maintenance, snow removal, and campus upkeep.

Hours are Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:00 PM. Salary ranges from $30,598 to $35,424 per year, depending on education and experience.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license is required.
• Three (3) or more years of relevant experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Grounds and landscaping duties include mowing, pruning, fertilizing, and maintaining flower beds.
• Inspect plants for diseases and pests; apply appropriate treatments.
• Operate and maintain equipment such as tractors and mowers.
• Assist in snow removal and safe maintenance of sidewalks and exterior areas.
• Support custodial and fleet operations with routine tasks and equipment checks.
• Travel to all campus sites as needed.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Job description

Title: Grounds Technician

Employee Classification:Service/Maintenance

Institution:Northeast State Community College

Department: Plant Operations

Salary: $30,598 ($15.69 per hour) - $35,424 ($18.17 per hour), dependent on education and experience

Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Please use the Total Compensation Calculator found on the Northeast State Careers Page for a breakdown of the value of the benefits offered to employees of the college.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Plant Operations for Grounds & Custodial Services, the Grounds Technician maintains the grounds for Northeast State Community College campuses and assists with the maintenance of the equipment for grounds, custodial, & motor vehicle pool.

Job Duties

Grounds and Landscaping:

• Mix soils in proportions for proper plant growth and drainage.
• Determine the need to prune plants, shrubs, and trees; apply correct pruning techniques.
• Inspect plants for diseases, pests, etc., and determine treatment procedures.
• Mix and apply herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers.
• Cultivate and maintain flower beds.
• Maintain grounds, streets, and sidewalks by mowing, clearing debris, patching asphalt and concrete, installing exterior signage, and painting parking and traffic markings.
• Assist in the removal of snow in parking lots and sidewalks with the proper equipment.
• Trim, rake, edge, weed, and other related tasks on all college properties.
• Operate various equipment such as tractors, mowers, and weed eaters in the performance of duties.
• Construct new sidewalk areas.
• Repair and paint outdoor fixtures.

Equipment Maintenance:

• Assist with maintaining fleet vehicles: changing oil, rotating tires, minor repairs, and cleaning vehicles interior and exterior.
• Assist in the maintenance of custodial equipment: changing oil, replacing cords, troubleshooting, and cleaning.
• Assist in the recycling of batteries, bulbs, paint, metal and cardboard.
• Help shop areas move heavy equipment or transport equipment that has been donated to the college.
• Assist the custodial department: Checking bathrooms, cleaning windows, and special events.
• Assist all campus sites: cleaning, hauling furniture and computers, installing signs, dispensers, etc.
• Complete other assignments as directed by supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) or more years of relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Technology Skills: basic computer skills.
• Ability to work alone or in a group to complete a task.
• Willingness to do the job with a sense of pride.
• Ability to work cooperatively and professionally with all College constituents.
• Ability to work with extended periods of standing, walking, lifting, pulling, and pushing.
• Ability to bend, twist, stoop, and squat, as well as the ability to grasp and handle.
• Ability to operate manual and power-driven equipment used in the performance of the job safely and effectively.
• Ability to perform manual labor in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds without assistance preferred
• Ability to ride a mower for long periods of time.
• Ability to work around loud noise, chemicals, fumes, and dust.

Additional Notes:

• Travel required to all campus sites as needed.
• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
• NeSCC will not offer H1B visa sponsorships for this position; applicants requiring sponsorship will not be considered.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To be considered for a position at Northeast State, you must create an online application. A resume and unofficial transcripts are required; a cover letter is optional. You will also be required to provide the contact information for a minimum of three (3) professional references. If you are selected for an interview your references WILL be automatically contacted. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years of experience will be evaluated using only what is recorded on your application. Please note that attaching a resume does not substitute for completion of the application form. Part-time work experience is calculated at 50% of full-time experience.

For assistance regarding the job ad, application process, or application status, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 423-323-0204 or [e-mail].