Turf Health Technician I

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

NC State University is seeking a Turf Health Technician I to maintain and enhance the landscapes across its campuses in Raleigh, NC. Responsibilities include irrigation system maintenance, diagnosing issues with irrigation components, and performing horticultural practices to promote visually appealing landscapes.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or equivalent, experience in irrigation installation and repair, and a valid driver's license. Join us to contribute to a vibrant campus environment!

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.
• Valid driver's license is required.
• Experience in residential and commercial landscape irrigation installation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on irrigation systems.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot issues with irrigation systems.
• Maintain and support turf areas associated with new construction.

Skills

Irrigation system maintenance

Turf horticultural services

Landscape lighting systems

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Irrigation controllers

Snow/ice removal equipment

Job description

Position 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, providing essential irrigation system maintenance and turf horticultural services across the Main, Centennial, and Centennial Biomedical campuses.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on campus‑wide irrigation systems to ensure proper operation and efficiency.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot issues related to two‑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.

Additional Responsibilities

• 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.

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). Experience in the trade(s) areas related to the 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).
• Backflow certification with NC Rural Water Association preferred.

Required License or Certification

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

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.