Horticultural Specialist

Join NC State University’s Landscape Maintenance and Operations (LM&O) team as a Horticultural Specialist and help shape the beauty, sustainability, and long‑term health of our award‑winning campus landscapes. Essential Job Duties Perform hands‑on landscape tasks including pruning, weeding, mulching, planting, watering, blowing, and debris removal. Apply horticultural best practices and integrated pest management procedures across assigned campus zones. Monitor plant health and diagnose issues such as diseases, pests, nutrient deficiencies, or environmental stress; recommend and implement corrective actions. Ensure compliance with plant maintenance service agreements, including fertilization, soil testing, pruning schedules, and routine care standards. Evaluate plant conditions and provide clear reports and recommendations to the supervisor. Serve as a horticultural resource and mentor to LM&O staff by offering training, demonstrations, and guidance on effective plant care techniques. Troubleshoot landscape maintenance concerns and communicate findings promptly to the supervisor. Maintain and care for green roof landscapes, ensuring proper plant selection, watering needs, and adherence to rooftop safety procedures. Monitor indoor plant installations and ensure proper watering, lighting conditions, and timely plant replacement. Support student‑led projects by consulting on plant selection, providing instructional guidance, and ensuring alignment with campus landscape standards. Support student workdays and internships by preparing tools, offering hands‑on training, and ensuring safe field practices. Collaborate with Landscape Field Leads and Zone Managers on planting design, seasonal planning, and landscape project implementation. Advise LM&O staff on sustainable landscape practices, seasonal plant selection, biodiversity, and strategies that enhance long‑term campus aesthetic and ecological health. Lift and transport materials weighing up to 60 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodations, and perform a wide range of physically demanding tasks in varied outdoor environments while maintaining safe handling procedures and consistent productivity. Understand verbal and written instructions regarding work assignments and other matters. Other Responsibilities Position serves in a critical role requiring the employee to potentially work during adverse weather conditions even if the University is closed to normal operations. Aid in snow, debris removal and/or storm damage as directed by supervisors. Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities. Minimum Experience and Education High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Qualifications North Carolina Pesticide License may be required and can be obtained within six months of employment; North Carolina Commercial Driver's License may be required. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of regional plant varieties and the ability to diagnose common plant health issues in a campus landscape setting. Experience using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices in large, varied outdoor environments. Familiarity with sustainable landscaping approaches, especially those suited for public or university grounds. Ability to interpret basic landscape plans and support design or seasonal installation projects. Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to support staff and student workers in a collaborative university setting. Required Licenses and Certifications Valid driver's license required. North Carolina driver's license required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained. Valid NC Driver's License required. Benefits Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! EEO and Hiring Statement 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr AgHires