Senior Floriculture Specialist

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

James Madison University (JMU) Facilities Management seeks a Senior Floriculture Specialist to manage campus landscape plantings and greenhouse operations. The role supports maintenance of flower beds, beds, and seasonal plantings, and requires overtime for events and weather coverage.

The position emphasizes supervision of a small crew, safe equipment use, and timely implementation of horticultural projects, with a Monday–Friday schedule and seasonal variations.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of landscaping practices and procedures for flowers, bulbs and plants.
• Knowledge of proper watering practices for different plants and environments.
• Ability to lead a small team and coordinate landscaping tasks.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain landscape equipment and tools.

Responsibilities

• Installs, removes, maintains, and fertilizes plants and landscape features campus-wide.
• Sows, propagates, transplants, cultivates, and maintains greenhouse plants.
• Assist supervisor with scheduling, project coordination, and snow removal operations.
• Manage inventory and procurement of plants and related horticultural materials.
• Oversee herbicide/pesticide/fertilizer applications per regulations.

Skills

Landscaping

Watering practices

Leadership

Independent work

Equipment safety

Documentation

Tools

Edgers

Hoes

Shovels

Plant drills

Equipment maintenance

Job description

Working Title

Senior Floriculture Specialist

State Role Title

Trades Technician III

Position Type

Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status

Full-Time

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division

Business Services

Department

300130 - Landscape AUX

Pay Band

3

Pay Rate

Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount

$38,000 - $41,000

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

9/24/2026

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 Senior Floriculture Specialist. 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

• Installs, removes, maintains, and fertilizes plants, flowers, bulbs, and other landscape plantings throughout campus.
• Sows, propagates, transplants, cultivates, and maintains plants in the greenhouse.
• Assists the supervisor with administrative duties and with the scheduling, coordination, completion, and oversight of landscaping projects, programs, and snow removal operations, as needed.
• Assists with the inventory, tracking, procurement, and ordering of plants, flowers, bulbs, and related horticultural materials.
• Monitors the application of herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and other approved products to campus flower beds and landscaped areas to ensure applications are performed in accordance with established procedures and applicable regulations.
• Leads and coordinates the work of other employees in the performance of routine landscape maintenance, special projects, snow removal, and trash removal activities.
• Provides training and guidance to team members on the proper and safe operation and use of landscape equipment, tools, and vehicles.
• Maintains campus flower beds and landscaped areas to established standards, ensuring plantings are properly maintained and seasonal plantings are changed at the appropriate times.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
• 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, particularly those related to the installation, care, and maintenance of a variety of flowers, roses, bulbs, and other plants.
• Knowledge of proper watering practices and techniques specific to different types of plants, growing conditions, and environments.
• Some knowledge of greenhouse operations and plant propagation practices preferred.
• Ability to lead and coordinate the work of a small group of employees performing a variety of landscaping and horticultural tasks.
• Ability to work independently and effectively prioritize and complete assigned tasks.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain various types of landscape equipment and tools used in the installation, cultivation, and maintenance of plants and flower beds, including edgers, hoes, shovels, plant drills, and related equipment.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods while working in a variety of outdoor environmental and weather conditions.
• Strong organizational, recordkeeping, and documentation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with coworkers, supervisors, and customers.
• Must be at least 19 years old and possess a valid driver’s license for a minimum of 24 consecutive months.

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.