UTS- Temporary Tree Care Specialist at NC State University

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 27,552,000 - 33,062,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

LEAD courses

Attend sports events for free

Childcare discounts

Wellness programs

Job summary

NC State University is seeking a Temporary Tree Care Specialist to join the Tree Operations team in Raleigh, NC. You will support tree care activities, watering and establishment, and assist with planting and canopy restoration across campus.

Ideal candidates may have a high school diploma and experience in arboriculture or related fields. Varying weather and outdoor work conditions are expected with safety as a priority.

Qualifications

• Education/Experience: High school diploma required; related arboriculture or horticulture background preferred.
• Experience in tree care, landscaping or urban forestry is preferred but not required; training available.
• Technical skills include use of a smartphone/tablet for GIS data collection and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Assist Tree Operations with mulching, pruning, and light maintenance of campus trees.
• Water, monitor, and care for newly planted and established trees; help with site care.
• Support tree planting, reforestation, and canopy restoration projects across campus.
• Identify and remove invasive vegetation; support ground operations and cleanup.
• Operate university vehicles/equipment and follow safety procedures.

Skills

Tree care & maintenance

Tree establishment & watering

Tree planting & reforestation

Invasive plant management

Tree operations support

GIS mapping & data entry

Soil & site care

Safety & Equipment

Education

High school diploma

Tools

GIS data collection

Job description

Posting Number

PG196232TM

Position Number

48KB33

Position Type

Temporary

Essential Job Duties

Join the NC State Landscape Maintenance and Operations team to support the care, maintenance, and continued development of the university’s campus forest. This position will assist the Tree Operations team with a wide variety of tree care activities, including young tree establishment, watering, tree planting, invasive plant management, light tree maintenance, and general arboricultural support.

The position is intended to provide hands-on support across Tree Operations, with work varying seasonally and based on campus needs. Employees will work alongside tree care staff on projects throughout campus and gain practical experience in urban forestry, arboriculture, and campus tree management.

Is Time Limited

Yes

Appointment Length

12 months

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being.

What we offer:

• Health Insurance for Temporary Employees
• Enhance your career with LEAD courses
• Attend non-revenue generating sporting events for free.

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare discounts, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Job City & State

Raleigh, NC

Classification Title

Temporary-Skilled Trades

Working Title

UTS- Temporary Tree Care Specialist at NC State University

Work Schedule

40 hours a week Monday-Friday

Other Work/Responsibilities

• Other duties as needed.

Minimum Experience/Education

Qualifications

Education/Experience: High school diploma required. Coursework, training, or professional experience in arboriculture, horticulture, forestry, landscaping, natural resources, or a related field is preferred.

Tree Care Experience: Previous experience with tree care, landscaping, invasive plant management, tree planting, or similar outdoor work is preferred but not required. Training can be provided for candidates with a strong interest in arboriculture and urban forestry.

Technical Skills: Ability to use a smartphone or tablet for GIS data collection, navigation, work documentation, and communication.

Physical Requirements: Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions, walk and work across different terrain, repeatedly bend and lift, and safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Driving: Must possess a valid NC Driver’s License.

Work Environment: Must be comfortable working outdoors around active tree care operations, vehicles, equipment, wooded areas, and varying terrain while following established safety procedures.

Department Required Skills

Tree Care & Maintenance

Assist with routine tree-care activities including mulching, young tree pruning, sucker and sprout removal, minor clearance pruning, removal of small deadwood, and other light tree maintenance as directed by Tree Operations staff.

Tree Establishment & Watering

Water and monitor newly planted and reforested trees. Maintain mulch rings, manage competing vegetation, inspect soil moisture, and identify signs of drought stress, pests, disease, or other establishment concerns.

Tree Planting & Reforestation

Assist with tree planting projects throughout campus, including site preparation, planting, mulching, staking when necessary, watering, and follow‑up establishment care. Support reforestation and campus canopy restoration projects.

Invasive Plant Management

Assist with the identification, removal, and management of invasive woody and herbaceous vegetation in natural areas and around campus trees. Work may include hand removal, cutting, brush clearing, and follow‑up site maintenance.

Tree Operations Support

Assist Tree Operations staff with job‑site setup, debris management, brush handling, chipping support, ground operations, and cleanup associated with tree care projects. Work will primarily involve ground‑based support and light maintenance activities.

GIS Mapping & Data Entry

Use mobile GIS tools to locate trees, document completed work, update tree information, and assist with maintaining the university’s tree inventory and work records.

Soil & Site Care

Assist with root‑zone and soil‑care activities including mulching, weed management, soil amendments, compost application, and other practices intended to improve tree health and growing conditions.

Safety & Equipment

Safely operate university vehicles and equipment appropriate to the position, including utility vehicles (UTVs), watering equipment, hand tools, pole saws, pruners, hand saws, and other approved tree care equipment. Follow all university and Tree Operations safety procedures and use required PPE.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

Tree Care & Maintenance

Assist with routine tree-care activities including mulching, young tree pruning, sucker and sprout removal, minor clearance pruning, removal of small deadwood, and other light tree maintenance as directed by Tree Operations staff.

Tree Establishment & Watering

Water and monitor newly planted and reforested trees. Maintain mulch rings, manage competing vegetation, inspect soil moisture, and identify signs of drought stress, pests, disease, or other establishment concerns.

Tree Planting & Reforestation

Assist with tree planting projects throughout campus, including site preparation, planting, mulching, staking when necessary, watering, and follow‑up establishment care. Support reforestation and campus canopy restoration projects.

Invasive Plant Management

Assist with the identification, removal, and management of invasive woody and herbaceous vegetation in natural areas and around campus trees. Work may include hand removal, cutting, brush clearing, and follow‑up site maintenance.

Tree Operations Support

Assist Tree Operations staff with job‑site setup, debris management, brush handling, chipping support, ground operations, and cleanup associated with tree care projects. Work will primarily involve ground‑based support and light maintenance activities.

GIS Mapping & Data Entry

Use mobile GIS tools to locate trees, document completed work, update tree information, and assist with maintaining the university’s tree inventory and work records.

Soil & Site Care

Assist with root‑zone and soil‑care activities including mulching, weed management, soil amendments, compost application, and other practices intended to improve tree health and growing conditions.

Safety & Equipment

Safely operate university vehicles and equipment appropriate to the position, including utility vehicles (UTVs), watering equipment, hand tools, pole saws, pruners, hand saws, and other approved tree care equipment. Follow all university and Tree Operations safety procedures and use required PPE.

Required License or Certification

yes

Valid NC Driver's License required?

Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?

No

Anticipated Hiring Range

$20.00-$24.00/hourly

Job Open Date

09/28/2026

Quick Link

https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/235497

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.