Research Technician - JCRA

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

NC State University is seeking a Research Technician to join the Horticulture Team at the JC Raulston Arboretum. This role involves active participation in grounds maintenance, public engagement, and support for educational programs, requiring both teamwork and independent work in a beautiful, nonprofit garden environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with mowing equipment and garden maintenance.
• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Daily hands-on grounds maintenance activities.
• Conduct fertilizer and pesticide applications.
• Manage volunteer teams for various garden tasks.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Interpersonal Skills

Flexibility

Education

Experience in landscape maintenance or public horticulture

Valid North Carolina Pesticide License or ability to obtain one

Tools

Mowing Equipment

Hand Tools

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please include a Cover Letter, CV/Resume, and Contact information for three professional references.

Job Posting Information

Posting Number

Posting Number PG194637SP

Internal Recruitment

Internal Recruitment No

Working Title

Working Title Research Technician - JCRA

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with Experience ($42,972 - $46,000)

Work Schedule

Work Schedule Monday - Friday / 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (occasional nights and weekend work required)

Job Location

Department

Department Horticulture - JC Raulston Arboretum

About the Department

The JC Raulston Arboretum ( JCRA ) at NC State University is a renowned botanical garden operating as a nonprofit. Serving the community for 47 years, this beautiful 10.5-acre garden is free to visit seven days a week. The JCRA is internationally recognized as a premier teaching and research garden dedicated to public horticulture, providing a dynamic teaching and learning atmosphere. Noted for its vast collection of over 9,000 taxa, the JCRA has a legacy of leadership within the realm of landscape horticulture, plant evaluation, and plant introduction. It is dedicated to connecting people with plants and promoting new and better-adapted landscape plants.

Revenue generated from educational programs, events, and venue rentals is an important revenue stream for this not-for-profit organization. We are a small but mighty team that prides ourselves on doing a lot with a little. Coming to work every day feels new and exciting, with lots of opportunities to learn.

The JC Raulston Arboretum is seeking an active, confident, detail-orientated team member to join the Horticulture Team. Ideal candidate will have working knowledge of Southeastern landscape and garden plants as well as interest in working outside in a public horticulture environment interacting with the public, volunteers, and other horticultural professionals.

This position will be responsible for but not limited to:

• Participate in daily hands-on grounds maintenance related activities such as grass cutting, weed management, planting plants, watering by hand and with irrigation, and debris removal.
• Conduct and record fertilizer, pesticide and herbicide applications under supervision.
• Maintain, independently and under supervision, all landscaped areas and natural areas to desired standards and to ensure the safety of all guests and provide the best possible visitor experience.
• Lawn care including cutting, trimming, fertilization, and weed/pest control as directed.
• Work with a wide variety of hand tools and landscape power equipment.
• Manage volunteer teams on various garden-related tasks.
• Interact with the public, JCRA members, students, and other stakeholders in a professional, personable, and appropriate manner at all times.
• Support and participate in Arboretum special events, educational programming, sales, and projects.
• Assist with keeping equipment, buildings and gardens presentable and functional.
• Other duties as assigned

If you have a strong attention to detail, adaptability, and positive attitude ; we encourage you to apply.

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition (https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/ ) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

The majority of work is done outside in varying climatic conditions that include high heat and humidity. The position requires the ability to stand for long periods of time and to safely traverse uneven surfaces. The position frequently lifts and/or moves up to 50 lbs with or without reasonable accommodations. The position works with typical landscape maintenance equipment and materials. The position involves interaction with the public, volunteers, community members, partners, donors, vendors, contractors and other constituents.

JCRA is a non-smoking environment.

Qualifications

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Other Required Qualifications

• Experience in landscape maintenance or public horticulture, or a comparable related education & experience.
• Ability to work independently as required or as part of a group.
• Understanding of and experience with general landscape maintenance practices.
• Experience with mowing equipment, powered weed trimmers, backpack blowers, and other garden maintenance equipment.
• Experience with hand tools, such as rakes, brooms, pruners, hand saws, and shovels.
• Positive attitude, good interpersonal skills, flexibility, and commitment to collaboration.
• Capable of carrying up to 50 lbs with or without reasonable accommodations

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, able to stand for long periods of time, and safely traverse uneven surfaces.
• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for learning about common Southeastern landscape/garden plants.
• Capable of applying pesticides or herbicides under supervision.
• Spanish and/or other language skills.

Required License or Certification

The incumebent will be required to independently drive carts, trucks, riding mowers, and skid steer.

• A valid drivers license is required for travel. NC drivers license required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.
• Valid North Carolina Pesticide License or the ability to obtain one within six months of employment.

Valid NC Driver's License required

Valid NC Driver's License required Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?

Commercial Driver's License Required? No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 06/17/2025

Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.)

Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.) 06/24/2025

Notice to Applicants

Please note that the work history on your resume, must also be included in your application.

Special Instructions

Please include a Cover Letter, CV/Resume, and Contact information for three professional references.

Position Number

Position Number 00106336

Position Type

Position Type SHRA

Position Classification Band Title

Position Classification Band Title Research Technician

Position Classification Band Level

Position Classification Band Level Journey

Position Classification Salary Range

Position Classification Salary Range $ 34,320 - $ 72,734

Salary Grade Equivalency

Salary Grade Equivalency GN06

Alternate Option

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.00

Appointment

Appointment 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Mandatory - Medical Emergencies

Time Limited Position

Time Limited Position No

Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)

Department Id

Department Id 111503 - Horticulture - JC Raulston Arboretum

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail] .

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you learn of this opportunity?
  • NCSU Website
  • Job Alert (automated email from our system)
  • NCSU Executive Search Services
  • Monster.com
  • CareerBuilder.com
  • InsideHigherEd.com
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • Other Online Job Board
  • Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
  • Job / Career Fair
  • The Chronicle of Higher Education
  • Professional Journal
  • Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
  • Radio / Television Advertisement
  • Professional Organization
  • Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
  • Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
  • NCSU Employee Referral
  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
  • Other
• If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Do you have a combination of training and experience required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position?
  • Yes
  • No
• * A valid driver's license is required. This license must be maintained throughout employment. Do you have a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a North Carolina Driver's License within 60 days of hire?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a North Carolina Pesticide License or the ability to obtain one within six months of employment?
  • Yes
  • No
Required Documents
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for References
• Resume/CV
Optional Documents

NC STATE UNIVERSITY
RALEIGH, NC 27695
PHONE: [phone]