Landscape Specialist: Build Sustainable Grounds

Duke University; 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

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