Landscape Worker - Operator B

Virginia AG; Harrisonburg (VA); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave

Health coverage

Retirement benefits

Well-being program

Tuition waiver

Job summary

James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA is seeking a Landscape Worker – Operator B to maintain athletic fields and campus landscapes. You will operate riding mowers, tractors, and related equipment, keeping fields attractive and safe for practices and games.

Shift is Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with overtime for events and weather. This full-time position is essential to university operations, with benefits including leave, health coverage, retirement options, and tuition waiver.

Qualifications

• Understanding of landscaping practices and procedures.
• Ability to work with attention to detail and as part of a team.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in varying conditions.
• Ability to operate landscaping equipment (trucks, tractors, snow removal) and maneuver large vehicles.
• Ability to identify turf problems and diseases.
• Basic knowledge of athletic field maintenance.
• Knowledge of handling, storage and disposal of pesticides.
• Must meet eligibility to drive within 2 years of hire (age 19+, valid license).

Responsibilities

• Operate a range of landscape equipment safely to maintain athletic fields.
• Trim and edge to keep fields attractive and safe for use.
• Perform maintenance tasks according to athletic schedules.
• Safely apply pesticides with proper storage and disposal practices.
• Work home football games as required.
• Be designated as essential to university operations during closings.

Skills

Landscaping practices

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Operate equipment

Turf problems recognition

Athletic field maintenance

Pesticide handling

Driver’s license within 2 years

Meet eligibility to drive (18+)

Tools

Landscaping equipment operation

Job description

Working Title:

Landscape Worker - Operator B

State Role Title:

Transportation Operator II

Position Type:

Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status:

Full-Time

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division:

Business Services

Department:

100258 - Landscape E&G

Pay Band:

2

Pay Rate:

Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount:

$31,579–$32,400

Is this a JMU only position?

No

Is this a grant-funded position?

No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position?

No

Beginning Review Date:

10/9/2026

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

James Madison University’s Facilities Management is accepting applications for a Landscape Worker – Operator B. Shift is Monday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., with overtime as required to cover special events and inclement weather. There is a slightly alternate schedule during the summer months.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operates safely and properly a variety of large and small equipment such as riding mowers, tractors, sweeper for turf, seeders, fertilizer spreaders, aerators, deep tine equipment, and highly complex mowing equipment to maintain attractive athletic fields.
• Keeps athletic fields beautified by trimming and edging at the appropriate times and by properly and safely operating the equipment.
• Performs a variety of athletic field maintenance tasks according to practice/game schedules.
• Uses pesticides safely as directed including proper application, storage, and or disposal to create an attractive environment while using as few chemicals as possible.
• Employee is required to work all home football games.
• The employee in this position will be considered designated, meaning the work performed is essential to university operations and the employee will be required to work during periods of authorized closings.

Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of landscaping practices and procedures.
• Ability to work with great attention to detail and to perform positively as a team player.
• Ability to do physically demanding work for extended periods of time in a variety of environmental conditions with or without an accommodation.
• Ability to operate a variety of landscaping equipment such as large trucks, tractors, and snow removal equipment and ability to effectively maneuver large, complex vehicles in close quarters and through traffic.
• Ability to recognize and identify turf problems and diseases or the ability to obtain.
• Must have basic knowledge of athletic field maintenance.
• Knowledge of proper handling, storage, and disposal of pesticides.
• Must meet eligibility requirements to drive within 2 years of hire. Eligibility requirements include:
• 19 years of age
• Valid Driver’s License, possession of a valid Driver’s License for a minimum of 24 consecutive months, and an acceptable motor vehicle report

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and an acceptable MVR. E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail]. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.