HBS Horticultural Specialist

Position: HBS Horticultural Specialist - #000935
Location: Cullowhee

HBS Horticultural Specialist - #000935

The primary location of this position is in Highlands, NC. The HBS Horticultural Specialist is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the gardens and grounds of the 23-acre Highlands Biological Station, including the native plant Highlands Botanical Gardens (Historic Woodlands, Lakeside Bog, thematic demonstration gardens, and landscaped areas around buildings). Maintenance focuses on safety, plant health, and sustainability. Routine activities include non-native invasive plant management, Hemlock tree management, weed control, pruning, mowing, and leaf removal scheduling.

The Horticultural Specialist assists in monitoring and upkeep of walkways, trails, boardwalks, and driveways, addresses safety hazards, and provides oversight and care of tools and equipment. The role helps coordinate projects with HBS leadership and the Gardens & Grounds Committee, recruits and supervises summer Botanical Garden Assistants, coordinates volunteers, conducts public garden tours, and reports to the HBS Facilities Manager. The Horticultural Specialist is a member of the Gardens & Grounds Planning and Advisory Committee.

A North Carolina Pesticide Applicator’s License is required within 6 months of employment. Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

• Excellent horticultural / landscape maintenance, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; maintain positive relationships with colleagues, advisory committee members, volunteers, students, interns, faculty, researchers, and the public.
• Ability to operate tools, vehicles, and equipment required for grounds maintenance; valid driver’s license required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency and demonstrated competencies to perform the work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• May require North Carolina Pesticide License and/or North Carolina Commercial Driver’s License.
• NC Pesticide License required within 6 months of employment.

Anticipated Hiring Range

$40,500 - $44,000

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Hours / Weeks / Months

• Number of Hours per Week: 40
• Number of Months per Year: 12

Salary / Classification

• Salary Band Range: $33,540 - $58,335
• Salary Grade:
  Advanced position (Career Banding) applicable for administrative purposes

Posting Information

Open Date: 01/06/2026

Close Date: 01/20/2026

Open Until Filled:
No

Special Instructions to Applicants

To be considered, you must apply online. In order to complete the application process, please attach a cover letter, resume, and listing of references (include their complete contact information). Applicants who wish to claim veteran’s preference must upload a copy of their DD-214. Please complete all areas of the application. Incomplete applications may not be given consideration in the review process.

If no applicants apply who meet the required knowledge, skills, abilities/competencies and training and experience requirements, management may consider other applicants. All new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12-month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR).

Background / E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. For details, please visit the E-Verify website. Proper documentation of identity and employability is required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification & EOE

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status.

University

Safety

The University Safety information is available in the annual safety report. Requests for hard-copy versions can be directed to the Office of University Police or related offices as applicable.

Applicant Documents

• Required Documents
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Resume
• List of references
• Optional Documents
• DD-214
• NGB 23A (RPAS)
• DD256 or NGB
  22

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

How did you hear about this employment opportunity?

• Inside Higher Ed
• HERC - Higher Education Recruitment Consortium
• Website - Jobs.wcu.edu
• Personal Referral
• Agency Referral
• Other

Do you require sponsorship?

• Yes
• No

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