Grounds Technician

University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Northern (KY)

Hybrid

USD 34,000 - 37,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

University of North Carolina School of the Arts is seeking a Grounds Technician to manage the grounds and landscaping at UNCSA and surrounding properties. The role requires knowledge of turf management, horticultural practices, and operation of landscaping equipment to maintain roads, grounds, and facilities.

Normal hours are 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with potential extended hours in summer or inclement weather.

Qualifications

Some knowledge of cleaning procedures, ability to follow instructions and to perform medium to heavy physical work.
Special certification may be required for some of these positions.
High school diploma/ GED. At least 2 years of professional mowing and landscaping experience and possession of a current NC Pesticide Applicator’s License will be given preference.

Responsibilities

mowing
weed-eating
pruning
mulching
spraying pesticides and herbicides
trash collections
snow/ice removal during inclement weather
other duties as assigned

Skills

Landscape maintenance

Equipment operation

Reading manuals

Oral communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This is a Subject to the State Personnel Act (SHRA) position. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered. Failure to complete the application process as required by state regulations will result in your application being rejected for the vacancy, and you will not be considered for the position. The UNCSA participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Final candidates are subject to criminal background checks.

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on race, religion, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, or disability.

EEO Contact Information

Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: suttonar@uncsa.edu

Position Information

Classification Title

Working Title

Position Type

Position Type SHRA Non-Exempt

Position Number

Position Number 080326

Full/Part Time

Full/Part Time Full-time

School/Department Information

Facilities Management is dedicated to supporting the education mission of the School by providing a safe, beautiful, and functional campus environment that meets the varied needs of students, faculty, staff, and guests. The Department’s primary responsibilities are to maintain the buildings, grounds, and physical plant of the campus; design and build new facilities, and lead campus planning and space management efforts. Facilities Management accomplishes this work through five service units: Design and Construction, Maintenance Services, Grounds/Landscaping Services, Housekeeping Services, and Environmental Safety.

Primary Description of Work

This position will be responsible for the grounds and landscaping at UNCSA and its surrounding properties. This position involves manual work related to the upkeep of roads, grounds, buildings, and equipment on the UNCSA campus. This position requires a working knowledge of machine operations, safety practices, snow removal operations, horticultural practices, and turf management practices. The Grounds Technician performs semi-skilled work in the maintenance, care, and modification of University grounds and landscapes which includes the operation of electrically-powered and gasoline-powered grounds keeping equipment and machines, and the use of small hand and power tools or equipment in planting, cultivating and trimming grounds and landscaping. General knowledge of the landscape trade and skills in the use of the equipment and tools of the trade.

Work Schedule and hours

Normal hours: 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Hours may be subject to change to 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., during the summer months. Possible extended or additional hours during normal work schedule or weekends during inclement weather.

Description of Responsibilities and Duties

mowing
weed‑eating
pruning
mulching
spraying pesticides and herbicides
trash collections
snow/ice removal during inclement weather
other duties as assigned

Should possess good oral communication skills so that task instructions are both delivered and received in a clear manner. Performs 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. Knowledge of the horticultural practices, procedures, and techniques applicable to the landscape maintenance field. Must be able to operate commercial landscape maintenance equipment. Must be able to read and understand operator’s manuals and parts lists.

Minimum Qualifications

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.
Special certification may be required for some of these positions.

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training and experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Preferred Qualifications

High school diploma/ GED . At least 2 years of professional mowing and landscaping experience and possession of a current NC Pesticide Applicator’s License will be given preference.

Terms of Employment

Terms of Employment S1 12 month

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of and experience in professional-level industry standards for mowing, pruning, landscape installation, and grounds maintenance.
Must have a basic understanding of weed/pest control applications.
Applicant must possess landscape maintenance experience or an equivalent combination of related technical training and experience including:
Ability to operate and maintain landscape equipment.
Ability to effectively plant and maintain trees, plants, shrubs, etc.
Closely monitor the watering needs of plants during the warm season.
Ability to effectively and safely apply herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides.
Ability to effectively communicate.
Applicant must have working knowledge and experience of winter weather practices.

Special Conditions for Eligibility

Functional Competency

Functional Competency Knowledge - Technical

Competency Description

Achieves a satisfactory level of technical skill or knowledge in a specific technical area(s) and keeps up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise. May be acquired through academic, apprenticeship, on-the-job training, or a combination of these. Keep machines functioning properly and efficiently.

Competency Level Journey

Functional Competency

Functional Competency Client/Customer Service

Competency Description

Knows mission of the organization, and how own work activities impact clients and the organization. Understands and responds to the needs of a variety of clients. Knows the role of clients in the work environment. Recognizes potential problems in service, and addresses and resolves promptly and respectfully.

Competency Level Journey

Functional Competency

Functional Competency Interpersonal Skills

Competency Description

Develops and maintains effective relationships with others in order to encourage and support communication and teamwork.

Competency Level Journey

Functional Competency

Functional Competency Communication

Competency Description

Clearly and concisely conveys verbal, nonverbal (sign language, body language, gestures), or written information and ideas to individuals or groups to ensure that they understand the message. Listens and respond appropriately to messages from others. Listens to questions that need answering and selects an appropriate person or written source to consult to get a workable answer that can allow for progress in accomplishing the job.

Competency Level Journey

Posting Number

Posting Number AS614P

Open Date

Open Date 08/05/2026

Close Date

Close Date 08/25/2026

Open Until Filled No

Salary Range

Salary Range $36,828

Recruitment Range, if applicable

Recruitment Range, if applicable $33,540 - $36,828