UTS- Temporary Tree Care Specialist at NC State University

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.

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being.

What we offer:

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare discounts, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

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.

Qualifications
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.

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 activities.

GIS Mapping & Data Entry: Use mobile GIS tools to locate trees, document completed work, update tree information, and assist with maintaining the university's tree inventory and work records.

Soil & Site Care: Assist with root-zone and soil-care activities including mulching, weed management, soil amendments, compost application, and other practices intended to improve tree health and growing conditions.

Safety & Equipment: Safely operate university vehicles and equipment appropriate to the position, including utility vehicles (UTVs), watering equipment, hand tools, pole saws, pruners, hand saws, and other approved tree care equipment. Follow all university and Tree Operations safety procedures and use required PPE.

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 activities.

GIS Mapping & Data Entry: Use mobile GIS tools to locate trees, document completed work, update tree information, and assist with maintaining the university's tree inventory and work records.

Soil & Site Care: Assist with root-zone and soil-care activities including mulching, weed management, soil amendments, compost application, and other practices intended to improve tree health and growing conditions.

Safety & Equipment: Safely operate university vehicles and equipment appropriate to the position, including utility vehicles (UTVs), watering equipment, hand tools, pole saws, pruners, hand saws, and other approved tree care equipment. Follow all university and Tree Operations safety procedures and use required PPE.

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NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.