Landscape Specialist

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Date:
Oct 15, 2026

At Duke University
, we celebrate individuality, craftsmanship, and the unique talents every team member brings to our campus community. As a Landscape Specialist
, you'll play an important role in maintaining and enhancing Duke's beautiful and historic landscapes while working alongside dedicated professionals who take pride in creating safe, welcoming, and sustainable outdoor environments.

Whether you're passionate about horticulture, turf management, irrigation systems, or landscape design, you'll find opportunities to grow your expertise and contribute to a campus environment that inspires learning, discovery, and excellence every day.

As a Landscape Specialist, you'll use your technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail to help preserve and improve Duke's grounds. You'll work independently and collaboratively to ensure our landscapes remain healthy, attractive, and functional throughout the year.

• Maintain Duke University's landscapes and grounds through trimming, edging, pruning, weeding, mulching, planting, fertilizing, and other landscape maintenance activities.
• Apply herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, fertilizer, seed, bulbs, and plant materials in accordance with established standards and safety guidelines.
• Calculate and prepare proper mixtures and application rates for landscape materials, including fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, topsoil, and other amendments.
• Monitor landscape health by identifying common plant diseases, pests, and turf issues and recommending appropriate corrective actions.
• Perform basic troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems to support healthy landscape growth.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training programs related to turf management, irrigation, herbicide application, pest control, and horticultural best practices.
• Assist with storm response, weather-related cleanup, and recovery efforts, which may require extended work hours during emergency situations.
• Remove litter, debris, and unwanted vegetation to maintain attractive and safe outdoor spaces.
• Support seasonal landscape enhancement projects and contribute to the continuous improvement of Duke's outdoor environments.
• Follow all safety procedures while operating equipment, machinery, vehicles, and specialized landscape tools.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree in Horticulture, Turf Management, Landscape Management, or related field strongly preferred.
• North Carolina Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Two years of experience in landscaping, grounds maintenance, horticulture, irrigation systems, turf management, or related field; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

• Strong knowledge of landscape maintenance practices, turf management, horticulture, and seasonal grounds care.
• Ability to identify common plant pests, diseases, and landscape health concerns.
• Knowledge of proper pruning techniques and landscape care standards.
• Ability to interpret and follow detailed oral and written instructions.
• Strong organizational, communication, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Commitment to safety when operating vehicles, machinery, equipment, and power tools.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions throughout the year.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and maneuver materials and equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Availability to support snow and ice removal operations and weather-related emergency response activities.

At Duke, you'll join a team that helps shape one of the nation's leading academic and healthcare institutions. You'll be part of a culture that values teamwork, innovation, stewardship, and professional growth while contributing directly to the beauty and sustainability of our campus environment.

We offer opportunities for continuous learning, meaningful work, and a supportive community where your contributions are recognized and valued.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.00 to USD $24.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the…