Horticulture Technician 2

Job Summary
     
Employees in this role work under general supervision and report directly to the Grounds Shop Supervisor. This position helps lead and support the grounds crew by assigning daily tasks and assisting with a wide range of horticultural duties across campus.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supervising and assisting grounds staff with the care and upkeep of flower beds, turf areas, foundation plantings, and other landscaped spaces
• Helping with planning and scheduling daily maintenance activities
• Performing inspections of landscaped areas to ensure high standards are met
• Applying pesticides and fertilizers, calibrating equipment, and managing irrigation systems
• Safely operating machinery such as sprayers, aerators, and overseeders
• Using proper planting and pruning techniques in line with industry best practices
• Providing training and oversight to other employees

Some weekend and overtime work is required to support campus operations. Facilities staff may also be expected to report during emergency closures or inclement weather (such as for snow removal) to perform essential duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of woody ornamentals, annual/perennial flowers, and horticulture skills, ability to execute integrated pest management practices, and perform equipment calibration.
• Knowledge of proper chemical use, including personal protective equipment requirements, paperwork reporting, proper calibration and application, and proper cleaning and disposal of chemical-related equipment/supplies.
• Possess the ability to manage limited resources to accomplish work.
• Ability to perform math skills to properly calculate fertilizer/pesticide fertilization amounts.
• Person must possess the ability to diagnose and treat diseases related to plants under the horticultural program.
• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to climb ladders.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical work on a daily basis.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma/GED required.
• Two years’ experience in horticulture, landscape design, or grounds maintenance required.
• Individual must possess category 3 pesticide certification or be able to obtain it within 6 months. Category 3 certification must be maintained during incumbency.
• Individual must maintain a valid driver’s license during employment.

Physical Demands 

• Ability to lift up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to climb ladders
• Capable of performing strenuous physical tasks on a daily basis
• Able to work in all weather conditions

Compensation & Benefits

• Job Family – Facilities Services Buildings and Grounds Assistant 3
• Market Range – 4 (Salary Schedules)
• For information on benefits, please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.

Application Instructions

• Non-Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of five (5) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.

• Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check. 

   

ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer

University Overview

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students and highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution's mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.