Grounds Worker II

Class Concept

Positions are responsible for the cultivation, maintenance and promotion of plants, turf or a plant collection in an assigned program or geographical area of an agency or university. Work includes: sowing, propagating, transplanting, fertilizing, and applying chemicals and water to the plants, turf or plant collection; installing new plant material following plans and/or approved horticultural/grounds practices and procedures; and maintaining the beds including pruning, weeding, mulching, fertilizing and spraying of plant material. Work may require knowledge of a unique and unusual collection of plants, which impact the cultivation, and maintenance of the plants. Maintains detailed records of plant species, including research on the design and maintenance of such plants. May prepare and maintain special beds, participate in landscape design and construction, supply and arrange special foliage for events, maintain indoor foliage, or promote knowledge and understanding of the plants. May serve as a crew leader. May install and maintain systems in the greenhouse or assigned geographical area. Work requires the use of special tools for cultivation, maintenance and transportation of plants. Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of plant maintenance procedures used in landscape installation and grounds maintenance.
• Ability to observe plants and identify plants and plant problems.
• Ability to assess condition and health of plants.
• Ability to lift heavy materials and to perform manual tasks.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment.
• Ability to organize a work schedule, determine priorities, manage a crew, and maintain effective work relationships.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, and to maintain required records.

Minimum Education and Experience

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and two years of progressive experience in horticultural work; or Associate's degree in agriculture and natural resources, greenhouse and grounds maintenance, horticulture technology, landscape gardening or closely related field from an appropriately accredited institution; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

May require North Carolina Commercial Driver's License.