New

Campus Tree Operations Manager

North Carolina State University

$60,000 - $62,000

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Dec 10, 2025

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194367EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Campus Tree Operations Manager
Anticipated Hiring Range	$60,000 - $62,000
Work Schedule	6:00 am - 2:30 pm, Monday - Friday
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	Landscape Maintenance & Operations
About the Department	The NC State University Facilities Division is home to nearly 900 professionals who plan , build and maintain the spaces that foster an environment where innovation, learning, and community thrive. Through this work, we help create spaces that empower students, faculty, and staff to reach their full potential. Operating year-round, we manage more than 16.7 million gross square feet of built space and oversee 4,733 acres of campus infrastructure through a series of core departments, each composed of multiple specialized units: Design & Construction Business Operations Campus Operations and Maintenance Campus Planning and Strategic Investment Whether responding to a maintenance request, shaping future facilities or creating spaces that inspire discovery, our team is grounded in excellence, service and stewardship. Join the pack and become part of one of the largest and most respected employers in the state, helping shape the future of our campus community. Take a look below to see what we offer!
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. What we offer: 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! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties	Join NC State University as our next Campus Tree Operations Manager and take on a key leadership role in protecting, maintaining, and enhancing the university's varied and dynamic urban forest. As a vital member of our Landscape Maintenance and Operations unit, you will oversee the full spectrum of campus tree care operations from daily maintenance and preservation efforts to long-term planning that supports the health, safety, and sustainability of our tree canopy. In this highly impactful role, you will guide a skilled crew, ensure compliance with campus standards and arboricultural best practices, and coordinate with internal and external partners to support safe, purposeful, and efficient tree management across more than 2,000 acres of campus grounds. Your work will directly contribute to the environmental, aesthetic, and educational value our urban forest provides to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The ideal candidate is a knowledgeable and solutions-oriented arboriculture professional who excels at team leadership, operational planning, and problem-solving in a fast-paced outdoor environment. If you are committed to environmental stewardship, enjoy leading people, and want to play a meaningful role in the long-term sustainability of NC State's landscape, we encourage you to apply and grow with us. *Key responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:* Lead and develop staff: Manage tree care crew; assign and schedule work; ensure standards and deadlines are met; provide coaching, on-the-job training, and required learning opportunities; maintain performance documentation; and oversee hiring, performance management, and employee relations for assigned staff. Oversee daily operations: Direct the safe and efficient execution of tree trimming, debris clearing, chipping, and disposal; coordinate crew activities; conduct job inspections and scouting; determine scopes of work; and ensure high-quality, timely service delivery. Manage campus tree maintenance programs: Monitor tree protection measures, enforce compliance with campus codes and standards, review and manage contracts for planting, pruning, removal, stump grinding, and utility pruning; collaborate closely with contractors, the Campus Arborist, Urban Forester, and inspectors. Ensure safety and emergency response readiness: Promote and enforce worksite safety protocols; assist with storm/disaster response; and maintain a safe environment for employees and the campus community. Coordinate with campus and community partners: Build cooperative relationships with internal departments such as Housing, Utilities, Planning, and Transportation; assist with volunteer planting events; and support positive engagement with campus and external stakeholders. Plan, budget, and manage resources: Oversee workload planning, scheduling, and operations; prepare cost estimates using knowledge of labor and materials; manage equipment inventory and preventive maintenance; and support project goals, timelines, and budget expectations. Respond to tree-related needs and assessments: Receive and assign work orders, evaluate trees for hazards or maintenance needs, support code enforcement, research and address tree-related issues, and occasionally assist with minor pruning or removal tasks.
Other Responsibilities	Arboricultural Execution: Perform physical duties including: Working aloft (operating aerial lifts and climbing). Ground work (operating tools and equipment). Running ropes, saws, and lowering devices. Debris Management: Loading, hauling, and disposing of debris, grinding stumps, chipping brush, and worksite cleanup. Service Support: Providing labor and professional inputs on other tree-related service requests as needed. Equipment Operation: Operate specialized tree work equipment, including but not limited to: brush chipper, stump grinder, bucket truck, grapple truck, skid steer, chainsaws, rope brake, and lowering devices.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	High School Diploma or equivalency and four years of experience in the area of assignment, of which two years are supervisory; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Some positions may require Certification or Eligibility For Certification.
Other Required Qualifications	Knowledge of arboriculture: pruning trees, tree removal, bucket truck operations, chipper operations and use of chainsaws and ability to maneuver equipment in confined spaces. Lift and transport materials weighing up to 60 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations and perform physically demanding outdoor tasks safely in various weather and terrain conditions. Ability to work well in a collaborative, service-oriented campus environment and strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with teammates, supervisors, and campus partners.
Preferred Qualifications	Experience supervising and providing guidance to staff. Knowledge of tree and plant care practices, including the safe operation of related equipment and machinery. Proficiency with computers, including the ability to navigate software programs and perform basic data entry and documentation tasks.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	North Carolina Driver's License required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained. ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certification required. Pesticide Applicator License required.
Valid NC Driver's License required	Yes
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	12/10/2025
Anticipated Close Date	Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please include your resume as an attachment.

Position Details

Position Number	00102416
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.00
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Mandatory - Fire/Explosions, Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Mandatory - Hazardous Material Incidents, Mandatory - Transportation Accidents, Mandatory - Evacuations/Natural Hazards, Mandatory - Utilities/Infrastructure Failure, Mandatory - Threats of Violence/Terrorism/Interpersonal Emergencies
Department ID	445060 - Landscape Maintenance & Operations
EEO	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 919-513-0574 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 (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. 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.