Grounds Maintenance Technician

Graduation from high school and some experience in horticultural work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Special Note
This is a generalized representation of positions in this class and is not intended to identify essential functions per ADA. Examples of work are primarily essential functions of the majority of positions, but may not be applicable to all positions.

North Carolina Pesticide License may be required and can be obtained within six (6) months of employment. Must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License or must be able to obtain one within six (6) months of employment.

This position is responsible for all aspects associated with safely and intensively maintaining the assigned landscape zone using current industry standards, and making improvements in the zone when funding allows.

Activities include:

Considerable knowledge of current horticultural practices including turf, chemical applications, and snow removal operations.

Ability to follow safety guidelines and wear PPE when necessary.

Computer knowledge and ability to use the: internet, e-mail, Microsoft Word, excel and other Microsoft office programs, and have the ability to learn in house systems such as AiM and Banner.

Good written and oral communication skills is a must for this position.

Ability to operate university owned vehicles with a valid driver's license.

6:00 am - 3:00 pm; Monday through Friday. This position is subject to call back anytime should emergencies occur. Designated as MANDATORY, this position is expected to be available for work during university emergencies, closings and adverse weather conditions.

Weekend work and hours other than normal schedule may be required to accomplish assigned duties. Position is subject to call in, call back or stay over on off schedule hours and weekends should emergencies occur. This position is expected to work, as needed, in the event of staffing shortages, sporting events and/or other events on campus that require Landscape Department services. Supervisor assignment may be adjusted based on business/operational need.

The employee must be able to perform the following for extended periods of time: climbing, bending, stooping, shoveling, walking, and standing on uneven terrain, lifting 50 pounds or more, walking with a 32+ pound sprayer strapped to ones back, standing on very steep slopes weed-eating. Working in extreme conditions; either very hot or very cold and windy weather depending on the time of year and task to be accomplished. This position requires that one is relatively physically fit.

Communication: Answers a variety of questions from the public and others regarding plant collection; promotes knowledge and understanding of the unique plant collection. Effectively uses verbal and nonverbal skills to express non-routine technical matters and related facts in a clear, concise, organized and persuasive manner.

Knowledge/Technical: Considerable knowledge of plant maintenance procedures used in landscape installation and grounds maintenance; ability to observe plants and identify plants and plant problems, assess condition and health of plants. Responds to standard problems, and assists or makes recommendations for solutions to non-standard problems. Performs a variety of routine and non-recurring tasks; determines appropriate tools, equipment and vehicles. Administers safe application of various chemicals and nutrient supplements and the use of equipment to perform the tasks. Considerable knowledge of the different species in the geographical area to which assigned, as well as an understanding of common diseases, nutritional issues and pests that pose a threat to the trees' health. Performs tasks using applied horticultural practices and a variety of tools and equipment.

Work Coordination: Observes and diagnoses structural and horticultural problems. Maintains a unique and unusual collection of plants, impacting the cultivation and maintenance of the plants. Ability to organize a work schedule, determine priorities. Ability to maintain required records.

Please list a minimum of 3 professional references in the application.

Appalachian State University Benefits Information: https://hr.appstate.edu/hr-services/benefits

Finalist will be subject to a Criminal Background Check.

Must be able to operate university owned vehicles with a valid driver's license.