LANDSCAPE SPECIALIST

Duke Careers; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University invites applications for a Landscape Specialist to maintain grounds and contribute to the campus’s historic landscapes. You’ll work both independently and with a team to keep outdoor spaces healthy, attractive, and functional year-round.

This role emphasizes horticulture, turf management, irrigation, and sustainable practices in a vibrant academic setting. Anticipated pay range is USD 20.00–24.00 per hour, with comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree in Horticulture, Turf Management, Landscape Management, or related field preferred.
• NC Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain within six months.
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license.
• Two years of landscaping, grounds maintenance, horticulture, irrigation systems, turf management, or related field experience; equivalent combinations will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Maintain Duke University’s landscapes and grounds through trimming, edging, pruning, weeding, mulching, planting, fertilizing, and other landscape maintenance activities.
• Apply herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, fertilizer, seed, bulbs, and plant materials in accordance with standards and safety guidelines.
• Calculate and prepare proper mixtures and application rates for landscape materials including fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, topsoil, and other amendments.
• Monitor landscape health by identifying common plant diseases, pests, and turf issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Perform basic troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems to support healthy landscape growth.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training programs related to turf management, irrigation, herbicide application, pest control, and horticultural best practices.
• Assist with storm response, weather-related cleanup, and recovery efforts, possibly requiring extended hours during emergencies.
• Remove litter, debris, and unwanted vegetation to maintain attractive and safe outdoor spaces.
• Support seasonal landscape enhancement projects and contribute to continuous improvement of Duke’s outdoor environments.
• Follow all safety procedures while operating equipment, machinery, vehicles, and specialized landscape tools.

Skills

Landscape maintenance

Irrigation systems

Pest & disease identification

Safety procedures

Teamwork & communication

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in Horticulture / Turf Management

NC Pesticide Applicator License

Valid NC driver’s license

Job description

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Landscape Specialist

Be You.

At Duke University, we celebrate individuality, craftsmanship, and the unique talents every team member brings to our campus community. As a Landscape Specialist, you'll play an important role in maintaining and enhancing Duke's beautiful and historic landscapes while working alongside dedicated professionals who take pride in creating safe, welcoming, and sustainable outdoor environments.

Whether you're passionate about horticulture, turf management, irrigation systems, or landscape design, you'll find opportunities to grow your expertise and contribute to a campus environment that inspires learning, discovery, and excellence every day.

Be Bold.

As a Landscape Specialist, you'll use your technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail to help preserve and improve Duke's grounds. You'll work independently and collaboratively to ensure our landscapes remain healthy, attractive, and functional throughout the year.

What You'll Do:

• Maintain Duke University's landscapes and grounds through trimming, edging, pruning, weeding, mulching, planting, fertilizing, and other landscape maintenance activities.
• Apply herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, fertilizer, seed, bulbs, and plant materials in accordance with established standards and safety guidelines.
• Calculate and prepare proper mixtures and application rates for landscape materials, including fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, topsoil, and other amendments.
• Monitor landscape health by identifying common plant diseases, pests, and turf issues and recommending appropriate corrective actions.
• Perform basic troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems to support healthy landscape growth.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training programs related to turf management, irrigation, herbicide application, pest control, and horticultural best practices.
• Assist with storm response, weather-related cleanup, and recovery efforts, which may require extended work hours during emergency situations.
• Remove litter, debris, and unwanted vegetation to maintain attractive and safe outdoor spaces.
• Support seasonal landscape enhancement projects and contribute to the continuous improvement of Duke's outdoor environments.
• Follow all safety procedures while operating equipment, machinery, vehicles, and specialized landscape tools.

What You'll Bring:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree in Horticulture, Turf Management, Landscape Management, or related field strongly preferred.
• North Carolina Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Two years of experience in landscaping, grounds maintenance, horticulture, irrigation systems, turf management, or related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Skills for Success:

• Strong knowledge of landscape maintenance practices, turf management, horticulture, and seasonal grounds care.
• Ability to identify common plant pests, diseases, and landscape health concerns.
• Knowledge of proper pruning techniques and landscape care standards.
• Ability to interpret and follow detailed oral and written instructions.
• Strong organizational, communication, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Commitment to safety when operating vehicles, machinery, equipment, and power tools.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions throughout the year.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and maneuver materials and equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Availability to support snow and ice removal operations and weather-related emergency response activities.

Choose Duke.

At Duke, you'll join a team that helps shape one of the nation's leading academic and healthcare institutions. You'll be part of a culture that values teamwork, innovation, stewardship, and professional growth while contributing directly to the beauty and sustainability of our campus environment.

We offer opportunities for continuous learning, meaningful work, and a supportive community where your contributions are recognized and valued.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.00 to USD $24.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas - exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).

Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Read more about Duke's commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.