Landscape Lead Worker

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Leave

Health Insurance

Retirement Benefits

Well-Being Program

Tuition Waiver

Job summary

James Madison University’s Facilities Management is accepting applications for a Landscape Lead Worker. Shift is Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with overtime as required for events and inclement weather. There is a slightly alternate schedule during the summer months.

The role leads a small crew, operates a range of landscaping equipment, and ensures safe, effective grounds care. This is a full-time, non-exempt position with comprehensive benefits for eligible staff.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of general landscaping practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of turf maintenance and installation.
• Ability to lead a small group of employees; operate tractors, trucks, backpack blowers, chainsaws, snow-blowers, and hand tools.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods in various conditions.
• Must be at least 19 years old and possess a valid driver’s license for 24 consecutive months.

Responsibilities

• Leads the work of others on landscaping tasks such as weed eating, grading, sign/post installation, mowing, snow removal, and athletic field maintenance.
• Schedules work and performs landscaping maintenance on campus to create an attractive area.
• Operates safely a variety of heavy equipment to maintain attractive grounds.
• Uses pesticides safely including proper application, storage, and disposal.
• The position is essential to university operations and may require working during closings.

Skills

Landscaping practices

Turf maintenance

Leadership

Heavy equipment operation

Physical stamina

Driver's license

Tools

Tractors

Dump trucks

Backpack blowers

Chainsaws

Lawn mowing equipment

Job description

Working Title: Landscape Lead Worker

State Role Title: Trades Technician III

Position Type:Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Business Services

Department: 100258 - Landscape E&G

Pay Band:3

Pay Rate:Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $36,000 - $39,000

Is this a JMU only position?No

Is this a grant-funded position?No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position?No

Beginning Review Date:10/7/2026

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

James Madison University’s Facilities Management is accepting applications for a Landscape Lead Worker. Shift is Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with overtime as required to cover special events and inclement weather. There is a slightly alternate schedule during the summer months.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads the work of others on all landscaping tasks such as weed eating, grading, sign/post installation, mowing, snow removal, and athletic field maintenance.
• Schedules work and perform all landscaping maintenance on campus to create an area that is attractive.
• Operates safely and properly a variety of heavy equipment such as mowers, dump trucks, and highly complex mowing equipment to maintain attractive grounds.
• Uses pesticides safely as directed including proper application, storage, and/or disposal.
• The employee in this position will be considered designated, meaning the work performed is essential to university operations and the employee will be required to work during periods of authorized closings.

Qualifications:

Required

• Working knowledge of general landscaping practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of turf maintenance and installation.
• Ability to do the following: work independently; lead a small group of employees; operate tractors, trucks, backpack blowers, chainsaws, snow-blowers, and a variety of hand tools.
• Ability to do physically demanding work for extended periods of time with or without an accommodation and in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Must be at least 19 years old and possess a valid driver’s license for a minimum of 24 consecutive months.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and an acceptable MVR.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail]. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.