Grounds Worker

overview

department: grounds-ls maint hsng/pkng-244005

position type: permanent staff (shra)

position title: bldg & env services technician - advanced

working title: grounds worker

position number:

vacancy : p020800

full-time/part-time: full-time permanent

hours per week: 40

work schedule: monday – friday 6:00am – 2:30pm

work location: chapel hill, nc

position location: north carolina, us

posting open date: 02/16/2026

Final date to receive applications: 03/09/2026

salary/pay: hiring range $42,721 - $47,674. Pay band information: to learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the career banding rates spreadsheet.

grounds services maintains approximately 758 acres of managed campus grounds and more than 700 acres of forest land/trails. Services include landscape maintenance, irrigation, integrated pest management, landscape installation, stormwater management, forest management and trail maintenance, parking lot maintenance and arboriculture.

a sign-on bonus of $3,974 is available for the successful applicant of this position paid in 2 installments within 12 months of hire: $1,987 within 30 days of hire date & $1,987 12 months after hire date.

position is responsible for the cultivation, maintenance and promotion of plants, turf or a plant collection in an assigned program or geographical area of the university. Responsibilities include observing and diagnosing structural and horticultural problems, installing new plant material following plans and/or approved practices, maintaining beds (pruning, weeding, mulching, fertilizing, spraying), and performing a wide range of horticultural/landscape duties including equipment operation, irrigation, and landscape renovations.

The role may involve assisting in landscape design, special foliage for events, seasonal color coordination, and promoting knowledge of plants. Work requires the use of specialized tools for cultivation, maintenance and transport of plants.

this position serves as part of the snow and ice management team during the winter months.

demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. Some knowledge of cleaning procedures, ability to follow instructions and perform medium to heavy physical work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Note:

some positions may require special licenses or certification.

preference for advanced level of landscape maintenance experience, including the ability to efficiently and safely operate road and landscape equipment, plant trees/shrubs, monitor and manage watering needs, and safely apply herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides.

strong communication skills are essential. This position is designated as mandatory, requiring the employee to report to work in support of critical university operations during adverse weather or other emergency conditions.

valid nc driver’s license.

ability to withstand extreme weather conditions; perform physically demanding work; able to climb, bend, stoop, lift and walk behind or operate equipment on varied terrain; move objects weighing 50 pounds; wear safety glasses, safety shoes and hearing protection.

evening work occasionally, night work occasionally, on-call occasionally, weekend work occasionally. Valid nc driver’s license.

• eligibility for sign-on bonus: the selected candidate may be eligible for a sign-on bonus.
• requirements: applicants must apply and be selected from the candidate pool and meet the state policy requirements for sign-on bonuses.

the following policy applies: to be eligible for a sign-on bonus, an individual must not have worked in a probationary, permanent, or time-limited appointment in the last 12 months as an employee in north carolina state government, including the university system.

a newly hired permanent full-time or part-time employee (more than 20 hours per week) is eligible for a sign-on bonus, prorated for hours over 20 per week. The shra sign-on bonus is contingent upon budget and final eligibility determination as of the effective date of hire. All recipients must sign the pay back agreement form. Additional information regarding the shra sign-on policy can be found at the following url: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-policy

be a tar heel! Unc-chapel hill offers comprehensive benefits, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans, along with professional training opportunities and exclusive perks for employees.