Landscape Worker - Zone

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

James Madison University is seeking a Landscape Specialist - Zone Environmentalist to maintain safe, functional, and attractive grounds. The role follows a 6:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. schedule with overtime for events and weather.

You will lead wage staff and handle a variety of landscaping tasks across campus. Requirements include knowledge of plants and turf, operation of multiple tools and equipment, and a pesticide license within a year.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of plants, shrubs, flowers, turf maintenance, and landscaping practices.
• Ability to operate multiple heavy equipment safely.
• Pesticide Registered Technician’s License within 1 year of hire.
• Able to lift up to 100 pounds and perform physically demanding work.

Responsibilities

• Mow, trim, prune trees and shrubs, edge, mulch, plant and remove greenery.
• Operate equipment like tractors, mowers, snow removal gear.
• Lead wage and summer employees; supervise staff.
• Work during home football games; essential personnel during closings.

Skills

Lawn maintenance

Plant knowledge

Equipment operation

Pesticide license

Heavy lifting

Tools

Tractors

Backpack blowers

Backhoes

Chainsaws

Fertilizer spreaders

Job description

Working Title: Landscape Worker - Zone

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: $32,400 - $34,400

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: 8/31/2026

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 Specialist - Zone Environmentalist to perform a variety of technical and skilled tasks to maintain safe, functional, and attractive grounds and landscaping. The regular schedule is Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., with an altered summer schedule and overtime as required to cover special events and inclement weather.

Duties and Responsibilities

Perform a variety of landscaping tasks such as mowing; trimming and pruning of trees and shrubs; edging; adding gravel; weed eating; sodding; grading; mulching; planting, care, and removal of trees, flowers, and shrubs; post and sign installation; trash pickup; athletic field maintenance; equipment operation; and snow and ice removal. Apply and monitor herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. Lead the work of assigned wage and summer employees. 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

Required: Working knowledge of plants, shrubs, flowers, turf maintenance, and installation, and general landscaping practices and procedures. Ability to operate tractors, trucks, backpack blowers, tractors, edgers, mowers, chainsaws, snow-blowers, backhoes (to load mulch), turf sweepers, seeders, fertilizer spreaders, aerators, deep-tine equipment, and a variety of hand tools. Ability to lift up to 100 pounds and do physically demanding work for extended periods of time in a variety of environmental conditions with or without an accommodation. A Pesticide Registered Technician’s License is required within one year of hire into the position. Must meet eligibility requirements to drive JMU vehicles within 2 years of hire. Requirements are: 19 years of age. A valid Driver’s License and an acceptable motor vehicle report. Additional Considerations: Knowledge of pesticide application is helpful.

Conditions of Employment

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check. 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.