Grounds Worker

This position will report to the Grounds Department of Facilities Management. Responsibilities include pruning, weeding, pest control, planting of trees, shrubs, and perennials, mulching, fertilizing, and all aspects of maintaining lawns, trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials, mowing, weed-eating, snow removal, trash and litter removal, and sidewalk/road/parking lot maintenance.

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Some positions may require special licenses or certification.

High School Graduation or GED is preferred. A valid Driver's license is strongly desired.

A clear understanding of horticultural principles and techniques needed to properly maintain a diverse landscape of trees, shrubs, ground-covers and herbaceous perennials is required. Also the preferred candidate will be knowledgeable in the use of organic products and methods including fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Knowledge of the cultivation, pruning, spraying, and trimming requirements of shrubs and trees is preferred.

In addition, the ideal candidate will have an equal amount of experience and a proven proficiency in safe operation of all equipment used for grounds management, including commercial riding mowers, blowers, sprayers, pruning tools, garden tools, spreaders, large snow removal equipment, etc.

Experience in landscape construction, from transplanting large trees and shrubs to proper installation of retaining walls and pavers is preferred. An understanding of written and oral directions to make applications of pesticides/herbicides and fertilizers is required.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years progressive experience in both horticultural knowledge and the use of grounds maintenance equipment.

The ideal candidate will be able to perform duties requiring moderate to heavy amounts of physical labor and exertion in all types of weather, may be asked to assist in the set-up of events, furniture moving, etc., as needed.

Ability to work as a member of a team and independently is required. The ability to communicate well with the public is an important factor of this position.

Typical hours are Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with occasional required overtime as needed to meet the needs of the department and University.

The employee in this position is identified as critical personnel in accordance with UNC Asheville policy.

Applications must be submitted online no later than 11:59 p.m. ( EST) on the closing date for each specific position. Please note that any documents submitted to Human Resources or the hiring departments become property of UNC Asheville and will not be returned. Official verification from each college/university you have attended are required upon employment, and will be requested directly from the college/university by Human Resources or from the National Student Clearinghouse. Any expense will be the responsibility of the employee. Educational degrees must be from an appropriately accredited institution. If no applicants apply who meet the required competency and training and experience requirements, management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations. It is the policy of UNC Asheville to conduct pre-employment background investigations on all candidates selected for employment. If hired, the candidate will be required to submit proof of eligibility to work in the United States. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice.