Grounds Worker - #003353 & #221863

Western Carolina University; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus and involves the application of fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides, plus pruning and turf maintenance. Normal hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with additional times as needed.

The successful candidate will operate landscaping equipment, maintain plantings, and work in a team. Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Good physical condition capable of performing manual labor.
• General knowledge of grounds maintenance including application of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides.
• Skilled in operation of large grounds maintenance equipment.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written work assignments.
• Ability to work in a team setting.
• Experience in planting, cultivation and care of shrubs, trees, plants and turf of this region.
• A valid NC driver’s license is required for employment.
• Must obtain a Class B commercial driver’s license within 6 months of employment to retain position.
• Must obtain NC Pesticide Applicators License within 2 year probationary period to maintain employment.

Responsibilities

• The application of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides.
• Tree and shrub pruning.
• Maintenance of flowering plants, shrubs and trees.
• Mowing large turf areas.
• Operation of tools, equipment and other machinery used in landscaping, grounds maintenance and snow removal.
• Normal working hours are: Monday-Friday 6:30a.m.-3:00 p.m. and other times as required.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Tools

Large grounds maintenance equipment

NC Driver's license

NC Pesticide Applicators License

Class B CDL (within 6 months)

Job description

Grounds Worker - #003353 & #221863

All new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR).

If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.

Posting Details

Posting Number: SHRA1712P

Quick Link for Internal Postings: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/35330

Classification Title: Building Environmental Technician

Competency Level: Advanced

Working Title: Grounds Worker - #003353 & #221863

Department: Facilities Management

About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:

• 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
• 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service. WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus.

The primary responsibilities of this position are: The application of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides; tree and shrub pruning; maintenance of flowering plants, shrubs and trees; mowing large turf areas; and the operation of tools, equipment and other machinery used in landscaping, grounds maintenance and snow removal. Normal working hours are: Monday-Friday 6:30a.m.-3:00 p.m. and other times as required.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

The successful candidate should be in good physical condition capable of performing manual labor tasks. General knowledge of grounds maintenance work including application of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides. Skilled in the operation of large grounds maintenance equipment. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written work assignments. Ability to perform work in a team setting. Experience in planting, cultivation and care of shrubs, trees, plants and turf of this region. A valid NC drivers license is required for employment. Must be able to obtain a class B commercial drivers license within 6 months of employment to retain position and a NC Pesticide Applicators License within 2 year probationary period to maintain employment.

Minimum Qualifications

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an 'equivalent combination of education and experience.' If that language appears below, then you may qualify through either years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both.

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.

Anticipated Hiring Range

$39,258

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours per Week

40

Number of Months per Year

12

Salary Band Range

$33,540 - $47,847

Salary Grade

For administrative purposes during the implementation of Career Banding this advanced level position is considered a Salary Grade 56. If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requ

Posting Text

Open Date: 09/03/2026

Close Date: 09/17/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
2. Resume
3. List of references

Optional Documents

1. DD-214
2. NGB 23A (RPAS)
3. DD256 or NGB22

Supplemental Questions

1. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • HigherEdJobs.com
   • Inside Higher Ed
   • HERC - Higher Education Recruitment Consortium
   • Website - Jobs.wcu.edu
   • Indeed.com
   • Personal Referral
   • Agency Referral
   • Other
2. * Do you require sponsorship?
   • Yes
   • No