Occupational Summary
Perform a variety of technical and skilled duties involved in maintaining Duke University landscape and grounds in accordance with established schedules and instructions.
Work Performed
Coordinate and participate in the proper care of Duke University landscape and grounds to include trimming, edging, weeding, pruning of trees and shrubs, application of herbicides, pesticides and fungicides, and application of seeds, bulbs, plants, mulch and fertilizers as directed; operate weed eaters, power edgers, power mowers, backpack sprayers, hoes, shovels, hand tools and related landscape equipment as required.
Instruct and direct grounds crew in proper methods and techniques including, but not limited to, herbicide, pesticide, and fertilizer applications, pruning, trimming, planting, and mowing patterns.
Calculate proper amounts of herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and topsoil for landscape applications; walk off areas, take measurements, compute percentages, and determine proper ratios, mixtures and quantities of materials required for landscape work.
Attend herbicide, turf management, irrigation maintenance and/or pest control classes as directed to stay abreast and knowledgeable in landscape techniques. Layout and construct special landscape projects from designs, blueprints and plans to include planters, planting beds and landscape timbers; ensure work is installed according to project specifications; repair broken posts or fences as directed. May install, maintain and repair electrical and hydraulic irrigation systems, to include laying PVC pipe, repair of plumbing, replacing defective sprinkle heads, and solving basic system problems.
May construct, level, mark off and manicure sports fields according to plans, designs and specifications; ensure ground crew follows proper procedures to meet specified requirements.
Monitor work of lower-rated employees and assist supervisor in the implementation and regulation of the crew's work assignments; ensure crew has adequate supplies and equipment to carry out assigned tasks.
Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training:
Minimum :
N/A
Preferred:
A high school degree combined with at least one year of post-secondary education in a closely related field (e.g., agronomy, horticulture, turf management).
Experience:
Minimum:
Valid North Carolina Driver's license. North Carolina Pesticide Applicator license or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire date. Two or more years of experience in maintaining grounds and landscape to acquire specialized knowledge of irrigation systems, turf maintenance including sports fields, horticulture and/or landscape design.
Preferred:
Three to five years of experience. Bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience.
Skills:
Minimum:
Operate and perform routine maintenance on grounds small engine equipment. Mix and apply chemicals associated with the landscape industry. Ability to identify common turf and landscape pest. Ability to know how to lift 50 pounds or more. Ability to work in a diverse environment. Ability to follow detailed instructions.
Preferred:
Knowledge of turf painting equipment, field layouts and logo painting. Ability to back lap and adjust a reel mower to insure proper mowing heights.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
N/A
Experience
Work generally requires two years of experience in maintaining grounds OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE and landscape to acquire specialized knowledge of irrigation systems, turf management, sports fields, horticulture and/or landscape design. A high school degree combined with one year of post-secondary education in a closely related field (e.g., agriculture, horticulture, turf management) may be substituted for the above requirements.Work requires a North Carolina Driver's license.
Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.