Landscape Operator

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TRS retirement plan

Benefits Eligible

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Landscape Operator to join the Grounds Maintenance crew on the Athens campus. This full-time position performs landscape installation and maintenance, operating equipment such as tractors, skid steers, mowers, and aerators to support campus beautification.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 2 years of related experience. Schedule is Monday–Friday 6am to 2:30pm with benefits eligibility and a TRS retirement plan.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience.
• 2 years of Landscape Installation experience
• Plant and turf knowledge including care and culture.

Responsibilities

• Landscape installation including plants, trees, sod, and irrigation.
• Landscape and turf maintenance using mowers, edgers, and blowers.
• Fertilizer/pre-emergent applications and aerification/topdressing.
• Respond to grounds emergencies and support department goals.

Skills

Equipment operation

Landscape installation

Plant & turf knowledge

Follow instructions

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15812P

Working Title: Landscape Operator

Department: FMD-Grounds-Maintenance

About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: M- F 6am - 2:30pm

Advertised Salary: 38,000

Posting Date: 09/24/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 10/26/2026

Location of Vacancy: Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title: Light Equipment Operator II

FLSA: Non-Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications: 2 years of Landscape Installation experience

Position Summary: This is a manual labor position on a landscaping crew that will involve operation of equipment used in landscaping and horticulture to include but not limited to; mini skid steer, skid steers, tractors, mowers, dump trucks, aerators, ride on fertilizer spreaders, and sod cutters. This position will assist with the installation of landscapes, sod, trees, annual color beds and irrigation on campus. This position may be needed to perform light grading to prepare areas of campus for landscapes and sod. This position reports directly to the landscaping crew supervisor and assist with projects assigned to the crew. This position will assist with fertilizer and pre-emergent applications on campus landscapes and turf. Will help with aerification and topdressing to campus turf areas. Will assist maintenance crews to help complete needed work when deemed necessary. May work in any aspect of grounds maintenance or horticulture as deemed necessary to meet departmental goals

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Experience operating equipment to include but not limited to; tractor, skid steer, mini skid steer, aerators, and dump trucks
• Experience with landscape installation to include plant installation, sod installation, tree planting, irrigation installation, annual flower installation and light grading.
• Plant and turf knowledge to include plant and turf identification, care and culture.
• Ability to operate all types of grounds maintenance equipment to include mowers, tractors, trimmers, edgers, and backpack blowers
• Understand and follow specific oral and written instructions

Physical Demands:

• Work a manual laboring job for an 8-hour shift/5 days a week.
• Lift 75 lbs frequently throughout day;
• Stand, stoop, bend, lift, squat, work with hands above the head
• Work from a standard and extended ladder.

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No

Does this position require a P-Card? No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes

Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities - 40%

• Landscape installation to include but not limited to plants, trees, flowerbeds, and sod.
• Operation of equipment associated with all aspects of landscape installation

Duties/Responsibilities - 40%

• Landscape and turf maintenance to include but not limited to:
• The operation of mowers, edgers, trimmers, and backpack blowers.
• Any other work associated with landscape and turf maintenance.

Duties/Responsibilities - 15%

• Fertilizer/pre-emergent applications, aerification, and topdressing of campus turf to include but not limited to:
• The operation of ride on spreaders, aerators, and topdressers.

Duties/Responsibilities - 5%

• Responds to grounds emergencies as they arise to maintain safety of the campus community to include periods of inclement weather.