Grounds Technician 00281

CNU's Center For American Studies; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Christopher Newport University seeks a Grounds Technician to maintain campus irrigation and landscape systems. You will repair and install irrigation, lead projects, and apply fertilizers and pesticides as needed to sustain healthy turf and plant material across the grounds.

The role requires a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and VDACS certification within 6 months. A driving role with heavy outdoor work and occasional lead responsibilities is expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• VDACS Registered Technician or ability to become VDACS Registered Technician within 6 months of hire.
• A college degree in a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Repairing, adjusting, and installing irrigation systems to ensure correct operation on campus.
• Lead special projects as directed to support department needs in landscape and grounds maintenance.
• Perform applications related to fertilizers and pesticides to trees, shrubs, and ornamental beds on campus.

Skills

Irrigation repair

Landscape maintenance

Pesticide application

Equipment operation

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Valid driver's license

VDACS Registered Technician within 6 months

College degree in related field

Job description

Posting Details

Position Information

Working Title Grounds Technician 00281 Role Title Trades Technician III Position Number 00281 FLSA Non Exempt Appointment Type Full Time Type of Posting General Public Is Sensitive Position? No If Sensitive Position, please paste statement Designated Personnel Yes Responsible Employee

This position is designated as a “responsible employee” who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.

This position is a “designated position” meaning this position could potentially be required to work (depending on the event) during an emergency closing.

Statement of Economic Interest No If Statement of Economic Interest, please paste statement

Is this a restricted position subject to availability of funding? Yes If Restricted Position, please paste statement

This is a restricted position subject to availability of funding.

Departmental Objective

Effectively implement the University president’s vision for a world class campus that attracts, inspires, and bonds people to CNU. We will continuously monitor and maintain existing and future turf areas on campus to provide high quality full-service turf maintenance on all designated areas. We will ensure that these primary duties will emphasize and enhance aesthetic appearance, value promote environmental responsibility, and be economically feasible.

Purpose of the Position

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 Related To Position

• 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

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
• VDACS Registered Technician or ability to become VDACS Registered Technician within 6 months of hire

Experience

• Experience in irrigation repair/maintenance and installation
• Experience in grounds maintenance services, to include: 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 Education

• A VDACS Certified Applicator in the 3A or 3B category
• Certified Fertilizer Applicator
• A college degree in a related field

Additional Experience

• Experience as a Senior or Lead Groundskeeper/ Foreman
• Experience as a Technician at a university or resort

Salary Information

Salary starting at $34,277 to $42,268, Commensurate with Education and Experience

CNU Information

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/.

Role Code 79033 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.

Telework Eligibility

Is this position telework eligible? No Telework Eligibility Disclaimer

Physical/Cognitive Requirements

Light Lifting (less than 20 lbs.) Essential Moderate Lifting (20-50 lbs.) Essential Heavy Lifting (more than 50 lbs.) Essential Pushing/Pulling Essential Standing Essential Sitting Essential Bending Essential Walking Essential Climbing Essential Reaching Essential Repetitive Motion Essential List other physical requirements

Emotional Demands

Fast Pace Essential Average Pace Essential Multiple Priorities Marginal Intense Customer Interaction Marginal Multiple Stimuli Marginal Frequency Changes Essential

Mental/Sensory Demands

Memory Marginal Reasoning Marginal Hearing Marginal Reading Essential Analyzing Marginal Logic Marginal Verbal Communication Essential Written Communication Essential List other mental/sensory requirements

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number PS1239P Number of Vacancies 1 Posting Date 07/01/2026 Closing Date 09/29/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants

EEO/Diversity Statement

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.

Reasonable Accommodation Request

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling [phone].

Background Check

Applicant finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check. After accepting employment, individuals are required to complete a USCIS Form I-9 (employment eligibility verification) and present documentation from the USCIS List of Acceptable Documents that establishes both their identity and employment authorization to work in the United States. The provided documents will be verified through the Department of Homeland Security E-Verify website.