Grounds Technician 00281

Christopher Newport University; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 34,277 - 42,268; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Commonwealth of Virginia and CNU employee benefits

Retirement plans

Medical, dental, and vision options

Job summary

Christopher Newport University is seeking a Grounds Technician III responsible for independently repairing and installing irrigation systems and overseeing landscape maintenance. This role involves performing applications related to fertilizers and pesticides, along with potential leadership on special projects.

Candidates should have significant experience in grounds and landscape maintenance, including irrigation and proficiency in grounds maintenance tools. The salary ranges from $34,277 to $42,268, dependent on education and experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in irrigation repair/maintenance and installation.
• Experience in grounds maintenance services, including aerifying, mowing, trimming.
• VDACS Certified Applicator in the 3A or 3B category.

Responsibilities

• Repairing, adjusting, and installing irrigation systems.
• Participating in and leading special projects for landscape maintenance.
• Performing applications related to fertilizers and pesticides.

Skills

Extensive knowledge in grounds and landscape maintenance

Ability to read and understand pesticide and fertilizer labels

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

VDACS Registered Technician or ability to become registered

Tools

Grounds maintenance tools and equipment

Small and large grounds maintenance equipment

Job description

Grounds Technician III

As a Grounds Technician for the Grounds Department your primary responsibility will be to work independently repairing, adjusting, and installing irrigation systems to ensure correct operation on the campus landscape and grounds. You will also participate in and lead special projects as directed to facilitate department needs in all areas of landscape and grounds maintenance. As needed, you will perform applications related to fertilizers and pesticides to trees, shrubs, and ornamental beds throughout the university.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge in grounds and landscape maintenance.
• Extensive knowledge of turf and horticulture requirements related to irrigation, mowing, pruning, watering, planting, fertilizing, and diseases.
• Extensive knowledge with grounds maintenance tools and equipment.
• Extensive knowledge with application of various environmentally safe herbicides and pesticides for controlling weeds, disease, and insects.
• Ability to read and understand pesticide and fertilizer labels.

Education and Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• VDACS Registered Technician or ability to become VDACS Registered Technician within six months of hire.
• Experience in irrigation repair/maintenance and installation.
• Experience in grounds maintenance services, including aerifying, mowing, trimming, seeding, watering, fertilizing, planting, mulching, pruning, and pest/disease control of turfgrass & horticultural areas and plant material.
• Experience with safe use of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides in landscape maintenance.
• Experience in proficient operation of small and large grounds maintenance equipment.
• Experience at a landscape company in grounds/landscape maintenance.

Additional Considerations

• VDACS Certified Applicator in the 3A or 3B category.
• Certified Fertilizer Applicator.
• A college degree in a related field.
• Experience as a Senior or Lead Groundskeeper/Foreman.
• Experience as a Technician at a university or resort.

Salary

Salary starting at $34,277 to $42,268, commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits

This position includes Commonwealth of Virginia and Christopher Newport University employee benefits. CNU offers a comprehensive benefits package to include retirement plans, medical, dental, vision, and a variety of other options. Available leave includes vacation, sick time, personal time, and volunteer/service leave. State employees are eligible for discounted travel, banking, legal and retail services, among others. To view more information about our benefits, please visit https://cnu.edu/hr/benefits/.

Conditions of Employment

• This is a classified position. New and returning classified employees are required to complete a 12‑month probationary period.
• Selected candidate must attend a 2‑day New Employee Orientation Program.

Physical Demands

• Light lifting (<20 lbs.): Essential
• Moderate lifting (20‑50 lbs.): Essential
• Heavy lifting (>50 lbs.): Essential
• Pushing/Pulling: Essential
• Standing: Essential
• Sitting: Essential
• Bending: Essential
• Walking: Essential
• Climbing: Essential
• Reaching: Essential
• Repetitive Motion: Essential
• Fast Pace: Essential
• Average Pace: Essential
• Multiple Priorities: Marginal
• Intense Customer Interaction: Marginal
• Multiple Stimuli: Marginal
• Frequency Changes: Essential
• Memory: Marginal
• Reasoning: Marginal
• Hearing: Marginal
• Reading: Essential
• Analyzing: Marginal
• Logic: Marginal
• Verbal Communication: Essential
• Written Communication: Essential

EEO/Diversity Statement

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully committed to access and opportunity. Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement.