Landscape Maintenance Worker

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Blacksburg, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a Landscape Maintenance Worker to install and maintain flower beds, apply fertilizers and pesticides, and manage bed upkeep and mulching. The role also handles routine grounds maintenance and snow removal as needed.

The position requires staying productive in all weather, following safety procedures, and supporting a positive work environment in line with university standards and the Ut Prosim motto.

Qualifications

• Experience in general grounds maintenance or landscape installation.
• Must have valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain Registered Technician License within 3 months and Certified Fertilizer Applicator License within 6 months.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds and work at heights or stairs.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work in a team.
• Must work in all weather conditions and possibly extra hours.
• This is an emergency personnel position.

Responsibilities

• Install and maintain flower beds.
• Apply fertilizers and pesticides.
• Maintain beds and mulch.
• Perform routine grounds maintenance and snow removal as needed.
• Support a healthy work environment and uphold university principles.

Skills

General grounds maintenance

Teamwork

Effective communication

Weather resilience

Tools

Commercial riding mowers

Tractors

Hand tools

Job description

Job Description

Reporting to the Landscape Care & Maintenance Supervisor, the Landscape Maintenance Worker performs flower bed installation and maintenance, fertilizer and pesticide applications, bed maintenance and mulching. Additionally, as needed, performs routine grounds maintenance and snow removal.

The incumbent also performs other duties as requested; takes initiative to support a healthy work environment; strives to fulfill the terms in the Standards of Conduct; exemplifies the Virginia Tech Principles of Community; and supports the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

Required Qualifications

• Experience such as general grounds maintenance and/or landscape installation and maintenance.
• Must have valid drivers license.
• Must be able to obtain Registered Technician License within 3 months of employment and Certified Fertilizer Applicator License within 6 months of employment.
• Ability to safely and frequently move and handle heavy objects weighing 50 pounds or more; maneuver materials up and down stairs; ability to climb and work from elevated work stations such as ladders and scaffolds; and work for long periods of time standing, walking, reaching, bending, pushing/pulling.
• Ability to communicate effectively, have good team work skills, and be able to understand, comprehend and follow directions in the workplace.
• Must be able to work in all types of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures.
• May be required to work additional hours/shifts to meet the needs of the department.
• This is a designated emergency personnel position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in grounds care in an institutional or commercial setting.
• Experience using commercial riding mowers, tractors, small power and hand tools.
• Experience performing grounds maintenance in populated areas.
• Registered Technician License.
• Experience applying pesticides and fertilizers.

Pay Band

1

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$37,000-$42,000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

September 3, 2026

Additional Information

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.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Facilities HR at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.