Grounds Worker

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC.

The positions tasks and responsibilities includes, but are not limited to: application of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides; tree and shrub pruning; maintenance of flowering plants, shrubs and trees; mowing/weed eating of large turf areas; operation of tools, equipment and machinery utilized in grounds maintenance, landscape material installation, general site maintenance and snow removal, all on a large scale. Normal working hours are:
Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. with other work schedules on occasion.

Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

The successful candidate must:
Be in good physical condition capable of performing manual labor tasks in a variety of situations and conditions; have general knowledge required in grounds maintenance tasks such as proper application of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides; be skilled in the operation of grounds maintenance equipment utilized in large scale situations; have experience in planting, cultivation and care of shrubs, trees, plants and turf grasses of this region;

capable of understanding and carrying out oral and written work assignments. Candidate must: have a valid NC Driver’s License; have the ability to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License within 6 months of employment in order to maintain employment; must have ability to pass state certification testing to obtain a NC Pesticide Applicator’s License within the 1-year probationary period in order to retain employment.

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an ‘equivalent combination of education and experience.’ If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both.

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

Anticipated Hiring Range $39,258

Position Type Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours per Week 40

Number of Months per Year 12

Salary Band Range $33,540 - $47,847

Salary Grade For administrative purposes during the implementation of Career Banding this advanced level posiiton is considered a Salary Grade 56.

10/19/2026

11/02/2026

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify . Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

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. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

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, consistent…