UTS- Temporary Tree Care Specialist

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.

• Attend non‑revenue generating sporting events for free.

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.

Department Information

Job City & State

Department

System Information

Classification Title

Classification Title Temporary-Skilled Trades

Working Title

Working Title UTS
- Temporary Tree Care Specialist at NC State University

Requirements and Preferences

Work Schedule

Work Schedule 40 hours a week Monday-Friday

Other Work/Responsibilities

• Other duties as needed.

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

Key Responsibilities

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…