Grounds Worker

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill is seeking a Grounds Worker to maintain and enhance campus landscapes, turf areas, and plant collections. You will follow established grounds practices, assist in irrigation work, and contribute to seasonal color programs while operating landscaping equipment.

The role requires physical fitness for outdoor tasks, adherence to safety procedures, and a valid NC driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Medium to heavy physical work and ability to perform duties safely.
• Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Requires a valid NC Driver's License or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate, maintain, and promote plants, turf, or a plant collection on campus.
• Install new plant material following plans and grounds practices.
• Prune, weed, mulch, fertilize, spray as needed; operate related equipment.
• Assist in landscape maintenance, irrigation, and seasonal color coordination.

Skills

Physical stamina

Follow instructions

Job description

Posting Information

• Department: Grounds-Landscape Install-244004
• Career Area: Facilities and Skilled Trades
• Is this an internal only recruitment?: No
• Posting Open Date: 06/12/2026
• Application Deadline: 08/27/2026
• Position Type: Permanent Staff (SHRA)
• Position Title: Bldg & Env Services Technician - Advanced
• Salary Grade Equivalent: NC02 / GN04
• Working Title: Grounds Worker
• Position Number: 00055686
• Vacancy ID: P021103
• Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited: Full-Time Permanent
• Hours per week: 40
• Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• Work Location: CHAPEL HILL, NC
• Position Location: North Carolina, US
• Hiring Range: $42,721 - $47,847
• Pay Band Information: To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet.

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

Grounds Services maintains approximately 758 acres of managed campus grounds and more than 700 acres of forest land/trails. Services provided by Grounds include the following: Landscape Maintenance, Irrigation, Integrated Pest Management, Landscape Installation, Stormwater Management, Forest Management and Trail Maintenance, Parking Lot Maintenance and Arboriculture.

Position Summary

Position is responsible for the cultivation, maintenance and promotion of plants, turf or a plant collection in an assigned program or geographical area of the University. Position observes and diagnoses structural and horticultural problems. Work includes installation of all new plant material following plans and/or approved horticultural/grounds practices and procedures; maintaining the beds including pruning, weeding, mulching, fertilizing and spraying of plant material, which may include pesticides. Position is assigned a wide range of horticultural and landscape management duties to include assisting in cultural activities, spraying pesticides, equipment operation responsibilities, lawn and landscape renovations, landscape installations and repair of irrigation systems. Position also participates in landscape design and construction, supply and arrangement of special foliage for events, seasonal color coordination and/or promotes knowledge and understanding of the plants. Work requires the use of special tools for cultivation, maintenance and transportation of plants. Position also serves as a member of the snow and ice management team during the winter months.

Requires a valid N.C. Driver's License or the ability to obtain one prior to hire date.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. 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. NOTE: Some positions may require special licenses or certification.

Management Preferences

Advanced level of landscape maintenance experience or an equivalent combination of related technical training and experience.

Required Licenses/Certifications

Requires a valid N.C. Driver's License or the ability to obtain one prior to hire date.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Ability to withstand extreme weather conditions ranging from hot and humid to cold and windy during any time of the day or night; perform physically demanding work; climb, bend, stoop, lift, and walk behind or operate equipment on varied terrain for extended periods of time; move objects weighing up to 50 pounds; and wear safety glasses, safety shoes and hearing protection. Ability to serve as a mandatory employee and report to work in support of essential university operations during periods of adverse weather or other emergency situations that may require the university to close.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Position/Schedule Requirements

Evening work occasionally, Night work occasionally, Overtime occasionally, Valid NC Driver's License

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/320702

Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail]

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.