Grounds & Nursery II

POSITION TITLE: Grounds & Nursery II

COMPENSATIONRANGE: 46,128. USD per year

EMPLOYMENTCLASSIFICATION: Classified

DEPARTMENT: Grounds

TARGET HIRE DATE: 4/1/2026

BENEFITS: UNC's Career Hub


** To be considered for this position, please apply directly through the State of Colorado's official job portal via the APPLY NOW link provided above (Neo Gov). Applications submitted through platforms other than NeoGOV will not be reviewed.**

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 03/18/2026.

Position Summary:

A. Duty:
Landscape Construction & Maintenance

Performs duties that include planting of grass (seed and sod), shrubs, trees, annuals, and perennials; pruning of woody and herbaceous plant materials; seasonal maintenance of naturalized and formal landscapes; monitoring irrigation operations, and campus turf care in assigned work zone. General landscape maintenance including mechanical and manual weed removal, cleanup of limbs, leaf, graffiti and trash removal, parking lot, curb and gutter maintenance.

Coordinate landscape renovation or repair projects with internal team members. Projects may include installation of edging, planting beds, rock, mulch, dry stacked walls, site furnishing installation, fencing, irrigation installation. Work collaboratively with student seasonal and University Aides organizing and guiding work efforts. Support campus events and contractors on as needed basis.

Work lead will help to coordinate larger construction activities when assigned by grounds manager. Role will include identifying resources, coordinating, and scheduling work and performing as a subject matter resource for others when needed.

B. Duty:
Turf Maintenance

Performs turf mowing activities with various commercial mowing equipment to include push, ride on and pulled mowing equipment and trimmers. Relevant turf care activities: edging, aeration, top dressing, fertilization, chemical application and monitoring of plant condition. Required to coordinate small area chemical and fertilizer application and documentation with licensed chemical applicator.

Supports irrigation needs in turf areas by monitoring zone performance, conducting basic coverage tests, and identifying underperforming or malfunctioning irrigation components. Performs minor irrigation maintenance such as adjusting heads, repairing lateral lines and valves, unclogging emitters, and replacing drip components. Assists the irrigation technician with controller programming, system installations, and large-scale repairs as needed. Makes temporary irrigation adjustments in response to campus events or weather conditions.

Contributes to water conservation efforts by identifying runoff issues or over watering and reporting concerns to supervisors or the irrigation team. Work lead will help to identify maintenance practices that negatively impact naturalized health, working with the grounds manager to strategize practices to improve operations.

C. Duty:
Tree Care Shrub Maintenance

Performs routine care and maintenance of campus trees, shrubs, and woody plant material. Tasks include structural pruning of young trees, thinning of shrubs and ornamental species, removal of dead or damaged limbs, and monitoring for signs of disease or insect infestation. Assists with planting, staking, mulching, and watering of new trees and shrubs. Operates chainsaws, pole saws, and hand tools in accordance with safety standards.

May assist arborist or supervisor with larger removals, risk assessments, or storm clean-up. Supports the university's goals for long-term canopy health, landscape safety, and sustainable plant care. Work Lead will provide guidance related to maintenance practices specific to native and naturalized plant materials, coordinating larger scale pruning and trimming activities and monitoring results.

D. Duty:
Equipment Operation & Snow/Ice Control

Operates a range of motorized and manual landscape equipment including mowers, trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, utility vehicles, snow blowers, and spreaders. Occasionally heavier equipment such as skid steers, tractors, backhoes, or aerial lifts. Responds to weather events and performs snow removal on campus walkways, ADA paths, parking lots, and access routes using manual and mechanized methods. Adjusts snow removal strategies based on storm conditions and surface types.

Follows all safety procedures and uses appropriate PPE when operating equipment or working in hazardous conditions.

E. Duty:
Irrigation Operation and Maintenance

Monitors zone watering needs, perform coverage tests and assist irrigation technician with programming/scheduling. Monitors performance and effectiveness of irrigation in assigned zone and report large scale problems to irrigation technician or manager. Trouble shoots and repairs broken heads, lateral lines, and drip systems. Assists irrigation technician with main line repairs, system installs and renovations. Suspends system operation on as needed basis for special events and…