What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grounds Worker position at Western Carolina University?
The primary location of this position is on the main Cullowhee, NC campus.
The positions tasks and responsibilities includes, but are not limited to: application of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides; tree and shrub pruning; maintenance of flowering plants, shrubs and trees; mowing/weed-eating of large turf areas; operation of tools, equipment and machinery utilized in grounds maintenance, landscape material installation, general site maintenance and snow removal, all on a large scale.
Normal working hours are: Sunday through Thursday 6:30am – 3:00pm. Other work hours will occur on occasion.
Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
The positions tasks and responsibilities includes, but are not limited to: application of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides; tree and shrub pruning; maintenance of flowering plants, shrubs and trees; mowing/weed-eating of large turf areas; operation of tools, equipment and machinery utilized in grounds maintenance, landscape material installation, general site maintenance and snow removal, all on a large scale.
Normal working hours are: Sunday through Thursday 6:30am – 3:00pm. Other work hours will occur on occasion.
Must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position
The successful candidate must: Be in good physical condition capable of performing manual labor tasks in a variety of situations and conditions; have general knowledge required in grounds maintenance tasks such as proper application of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides; be skilled in the operation of grounds maintenance equipment utilized in large scale situations; have experience in planting, cultivation and care of shrubs, trees, plants and turf grasses of this region; capable of understanding and carrying out oral and written work assignments Candidate must: have a valid NC Driver’s License; have the ability to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License within 6 months of employment in order to maintain employment; must have ability to pass certification testing to obtain a NC Pesticide Applicator’s License within the 2 year probationary period in order to retain employment;
Minimum Qualifications
Some state job postings say you can qualify by an ‘equivalent combination of education and experience.’ If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both.
Some knowledge of cleaning procedures, ability to follow instructions and to perform medium to heavy physical work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Some knowledge of cleaning procedures, ability to follow instructions and to perform medium to heavy physical work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Anticipated Hiring Range
$38,115
Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours per Week
40
Number of Months per Year
12
Salary Band Range
$33,540 - $47,847
Salary Grade
Posting Text
Open Date
07/02/2026
Close Date
07/16/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must apply online in order to be considered. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of references (with complete contact information).
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran’s Preference.
If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
All new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR).
PLEASE COMPLETE ALL AREAS OF THE APPLICATION. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MAY NOT BE GIVEN CONSIDERATION IN THE REVIEW PROCESS.
Applicants must upload a DD-214 if claiming Veteran’s Preference.
If no applicants apply, who meet the required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities/Competencies and Training and Experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.
All new hires into positions subject to the State Human Resources Act (SHRA) will serve a 12 month probationary period as defined by the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR).
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
Benefits:
Retirement Plan, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Dental InsuranceSalary : $33,540 - $47,847