Landscape Technician

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 46,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

Competitive retirement benefits

Educational benefits

Life insurance coverage

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ seeks a Landscape Technician for IP&O. You will lead grounds crews, perform maintenance, and supervise mowing, pruning, and planting while ensuring campus aesthetics and safety standards.

The role requires knowledge of landscape practices, operation of heavy equipment, and the ability to work a 6:30 am–3:00 pm schedule with 40 hours weekly; CDL/ pesticide licenses may be required and union AFSCME Local 888 represented.

Qualifications

• High school or equivalent plus 3 years landscape work experience including heavy equipment operation.
• One year of college-level agriculture courses plus 2 years landscape experience including heavy equipment operation.

Responsibilities

• Leads, guides, instructs and trains lower level employees and performs independent work in grounds maintenance (mowing, trimming, edging, etc.).
• Identifies and treats pest infestations; oversees landscaping standards and processes.
• Performs installation/renovation of landscape features (trees, shrubs, flowers, walls, walks).
• Performs topsoil installation, grading, and lawn establishment from seed/sod; turf maintenance.
• Operates power equipment (slice seeder, aerator, tractors, mowers, trimmers, spray equipment).
• Performs snow removal duties (shovels, blowers, plows).
• Performs storm water maintenance.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Lawn equipment operation

Manual lifting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent + 3 years landscape experience

College courses in agriculture + 2 years landscape experience

Tools

Heavy equipment operation

Lawn mowers & trimmers

Snow removal equipment

Job description

Position Details

Recruitment/Posting Title: Landscape Technician

Job Category: AFSCME Local 888

Department: Facilities Grounds NB

Overview: The Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O) employs a workforce of approximately 2,700 staff, represented by 15 collective negotiations agreements, and is responsible for institutional strategic initiatives and operations, which encompasses an expansive range of comprehensive service and business operations across the State of New Jersey. These include planning and construction, facilities, public safety and emergency operations, environmental health and safety, transportation, housing, and auxiliary/retail operations.

Posting Summary: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Landscape Technician for the Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O). Under limited direction, leads, guides, instructs and trains grounds group leaders, groundsworkers and/or other employees in diversified maintenance, landscaping and grounds duties in the preparation of campus facilities, multipurpose areas of the University and equipment. May perform any duties of the group.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Leads, guides, instructs and trains lower level employees and performs independent work in the care and maintenance of grounds to include, but not limited to, mowing, trimming, edging, trash and leaf removal, recycling, weeding, fertilizing, liming, pruning, mulching, dead-heading and watering.
• Identifies and treats pest infestations in the maintenance of grounds. Instructs, trains and oversees groundsworker employees and/or other employees in landscaping standards and processes.
• Performs installation and renovation of landscape additions including, but not limited to, trees shrubs, flowers, retaining walls, walks, patios and planters.
• Performs topsoil installation, rough and fine grading and the establishment of lawn from seed and sod. In the maintenance of specific turf grass areas, performs aeration, slice seeding, topdressing, and identification of insect, weed and disease infestations.
• Operates power equipment including, but not limited to, slice seeder, aerator, rototiller, tractors, lawn mowers, trimmers, topdressors, and spray equipment.
• As assigned, performs snow removal duties using snow shovels, snow blowers and snow vehicles/plows.
• Performs storm water maintenance.
• Performs related duties as required.

FLSA: Nonexempt

Grade: 16

Salary Details:

• Minimum Salary: 45958.880
• Mid Range Salary: 54066.420
• Maximum Salary: 62358.530

Offer Information: The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits: Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status: Full Time

Working Hours:

• Standard Hours: 40.00
• Daily Work Shift: Day

Union Description: AFSCME - Local 888

Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit: Facilities Maintenance - New Brunswick

Terms of Appointment: Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility: PERS

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience:

• High school/vocational school education or equivalent plus three years of landscape work experience, including the operation of heavy equipment and encompassing all aspects of the maintenance, care and installation of landscape or one year college-level agriculture courses plus two years of landscape experience, including the operation of heavy equipment.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid driver's license, two years driving experience and successful completion of the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must have the ability to read, write and speak English as commensurate with job duties and lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Equipment Utilized:

• Operates power equipment including, but not limited to, slice seeder, aerator, rototiller, tractors, lawn mowers, trimmers, topdressors, and spray equipment.
• As assigned, performs snow removal duties using snow shovels, snow blowers and snow vehicles/plows.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Special Conditions:

• A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with airbrake endorsement and a NJ Pesticide Applicator License Category 3B must be obtained, at the expense of the employee, within 90 days of employment.
• This position requires drug and alcohol testing in accordance with federal law.
• Must obtain certification in a recognized landscape technician program within one year of employment.
• Shift hours/Schedule: Monday to Friday 6:30 am - 3:00pm
• Safe Driving Record

Posting Details

Posting Number: 26ST2018

Posting Open Date: 10/22/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants: Notice to AFSCME Local 888 union members ONLY: To submit an internal bid, an application must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 10/30/2026. Although AFSCME Local 888 members have priority consideration, outside applications are accepted as well.

Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus: Cook (RU-New Brunswick)

City: New Brunswick

State: NJ

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement