Turf Health Technician I

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement programs

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

North Carolina State University is seeking a Turf Health Technician I to maintain and enhance the campus landscapes, supporting irrigation systems and turf across multiple campuses. The role involves hands-on maintenance, diagnostics, and collaborative work with grounds teams to ensure healthy, visually appealing landscapes.

Responsibilities include performing repairs, programming controllers, assisting with installations, and carrying out seasonal horticultural practices.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; licenses/certifications may be required.
• Prefer irrigation installation, maintenance, and repair experience.
• Certification in irrigation technology or backflow prevention preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on campus irrigation systems.
• Diagnose issues with 2-wire irrigation systems, pumps, and heads.
• Set up, program, and operate irrigation controllers.
• Assist with new irrigation installations and minor excavations.
• Maintain landscape lighting systems and turf areas.
• Carry out seasonal horticultural practices including aeration and composting.
• Collaborate with turf teams on special projects and safety procedures.
• Work outdoors in varying weather and lift up to 30 pounds as needed.

Skills

Irrigation installation

Irrigation repair

Pump & clock diagnosis

Low-voltage wiring knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Irrigation certification (preferred)

Backflow certification (preferred)

Job description

Job Title

Turf Health Technician I

Job Summary

The Turf Health Technician I plays a hands‑on role in maintaining and enhancing the landscapes that support NC State’s vibrant campus community. This position provides essential irrigation system maintenance and turf horticultural services across the Main, Centennial, and Centennial Biomedical campuses. Working as part of a collaborative grounds team, the technician helps ensure the health, appearance, and performance of more than 60 irrigation systems and a wide variety of turf and landscape areas.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on campus‑wide irrigation systems to ensure proper operation and efficiency.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot issues related to 2‑wire irrigation systems, pumps, leaking pipes, and irrigation heads.
• Set up, program, and operate various irrigation controllers.
• Assist with new irrigation installations, including manual excavation and operating small equipment.
• Maintain and troubleshoot low‑voltage landscape lighting systems.
• Install, maintain, and support turf areas such as lawns, prairies, meadows, playfields, and ground cover associated with new construction projects.
• Carry out seasonal horticultural practices, including aeration, top dressing, and composting.
• Apply sound horticultural standards to promote healthy, sustainable, and visually appealing campus landscapes.
• Support campus operations during inclement weather events and leaf collection activities.
• Collaborate with turf and horticulture teams on special projects and assigned initiatives.
• Safely perform physically demanding work, including lifting and transporting materials up to 30 pounds (with or without reasonable accommodations) and working outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and the campus community, and follow verbal and written instructions related to work assignments.

Other Responsibilities

• Position serves in a critical role and is essential to the operation of the University. May be required to work during adverse weather conditions and work even if the University closes. Use snow/ice removal equipment to aid in snow removal as directed by supervisors.
• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalency; or demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Some positions may require special licenses or certification(s). Optional guidelines: Experience in the trade(s) areas related to the area of assignment may be substituted on a year‑for‑year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in residential and commercial landscape irrigation installation and repair.
• Knowledge of irrigation system installation, maintenance, and repair.
• Ability to diagnose issues with pumps, clocks, valves, and low‑voltage wiring (traditional and two‑wire systems).
• Irrigation Technician Certification preferred.
• Backflow Certification with NC Rural Water Association preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver’s license required.
• North Carolina driver’s license required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Retirement Programs.
• Disability Plans.
• Life Insurance.
• Accident Plan.
• Paid Time Off and other leave programs.
• 12 holidays each year.
• Tuition and academic assistance.
• Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs.

Salary Range

$40,000 - $43,000 per year.

EEO Statement

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 (919) 515‑2135 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.