Horticultural Specialist

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Join NC State University’s Landscape Maintenance and Operations as a Horticultural Specialist. Lead hands-on landscape work, apply horticultural best practices, monitor plant health, and mentor LM&O staff to uphold campus standards.

This role focuses on sustainable, year-round outdoor management across campus zones. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma or GED, possible North Carolina pesticide licensing, and a valid NC driver's license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• North Carolina Pesticide License may be required and can be obtained within six months of employment.
• North Carolina Commercial Driver’s License may be required.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands-on landscape tasks including pruning, weeding, mulching, planting, watering, blowing, and debris removal.
• Monitor plant health and diagnose diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies; recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with plant maintenance service agreements, including fertilization, soil testing, pruning schedules, and routine care standards.
• Lift and transport materials weighing up to 60 pounds and perform a wide range of physically demanding tasks outdoors.

Skills

Pruning

Plant care

Horticulture

Driving

Education

High school diploma or GED

North Carolina Pesticide License

North Carolina CDL

Job description

Position Title

Horticultural Specialist

Salary Range

Anticipated Hiring Range $40,000 - $43,000

Position Classification Salary Range $ 33,540 - $ 58,335

Work Schedule

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.00

Department

Landscape Maintenance & Operations

About the Department

The NC State University Facilities Division is home to nearly 900 professionals who plan, build and maintain the spaces that foster an environment where innovation, learning, and community thrive. Through this work, we help create spaces that empower students, faculty, and staff to reach their full potential. Operating year-round, we manage more than 16.7 million gross square feet of built space and oversee 4,733 acres of campus infrastructure through a series of core departments, each composed of multiple specialized units:

• Design & Construction
• Business Operations
• Campus Operations and Maintenance
• Campus Planning and Strategic Investment

Whether responding to a maintenance request, shaping future facilities or creating spaces that inspire discovery, our team is grounded in excellence, service and stewardship.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Join NC State University’s Landscape Maintenance and Operations (LM&O) team as a Horticultural Specialist and help shape the beauty, sustainability, and long‑term health of our award‑winning campus landscapes. This position is ideal for someone who loves hands‑on work, appreciates the natural environment, and takes pride in creating vibrant, well‑maintained outdoor spaces. As a key plant‑care expert for assigned campus zones, you will apply your horticultural knowledge, problem‑solving skills, and creativity to support the university’s landscape standards, sustainability goals, and student engagement initiatives.

You will also serve as a trusted resource to LM&O staff, helping mentor team members in best practices for plant care, seasonal maintenance, and thoughtful landscape design. If you’re passionate about working outdoors, making a visible impact, and being part of a collaborative and mission‑driven team, this role offers meaningful, year‑round work in a supportive environment.

Key responsibilities and duties include but not limited to:

• Perform hands‑on landscape tasks including pruning, weeding, mulching, planting, watering, blowing, and debris removal.
• Apply horticultural best practices and integrated pest management procedures across assigned campus zones.
• Monitor plant health and diagnose issues such as diseases, pests, nutrient deficiencies, or environmental stress; recommend and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with plant maintenance service agreements, including fertilization, soil testing, pruning schedules, and routine care standards.
• Evaluate plant conditions and provide clear reports and recommendations to the supervisor.
• Serve as a horticultural resource and mentor to LM&O staff by offering training, demonstrations, and guidance on effective plant care techniques.
• Troubleshoot landscape maintenance concerns and communicate findings promptly to the supervisor.
• Maintain and care for green roof landscapes, ensuring proper plant selection, watering needs, and adherence to rooftop safety procedures.
• Monitor indoor plant installations and ensure proper watering, lighting conditions, and timely plant replacement.
• Support student‑led projects by consulting on plant selection, providing instructional guidance, and ensuring alignment with campus landscape standards.
• Support student workdays and internships by preparing tools, offering hands‑on training, and ensuring safe field practices.
• Collaborate with Landscape Field Leads and Zone Managers on planting design, seasonal planning, and landscape project implementation.
• Advise LM&O staff on sustainable landscape practices, seasonal plant selection, biodiversity, and strategies that enhance long‑term campus aesthetic and ecological health.
• Lift and transport materials weighing up to 60 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodations, and perform a wide range of physically demanding tasks in varied outdoor environments while maintaining safe handling procedures and consistent productivity.
• Understand verbal and written instructions regarding work assignments and other matter.

If you’re energized by outdoor work, passionate about horticulture, and looking for a role where your contributions will be seen and valued every day, your expertise can help shape a campus environment that inspires students, staff, and visitors year‑round.

Other Responsibilities

• Position serves in a critical role requiring the employee to potentially work during adverse weather conditions even if the University is closed to normal operations
• Aid in snow, debris removal and/or storm damage as directed by supervisors
• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Qualifications

High school or General Educational Development ( GED ) diploma and possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Necessary Special Qualifications: North Carolina Pesticide License may be required and can be obtained within six months of employment; North Carolina Commercial Driver’s License may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• A high level of applicable horticultural care and maintenance with some irrigation knowledge
• Experience in grounds maintenance and/or arboriculture

Required License or Certification

• Valid driver’s license required.
• North Carolina driver’s license required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University 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.

NC STATE UNIVERSITY

RALEIGH, NC 27695

PHONE: [phone]