New

Horticultural Specialist

North Carolina State University

$ 33,540 - $ 58,335

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Jan 27, 2026

Job Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194820SP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Horticultural Specialist
Anticipated Hiring Range	$40,000 - $43,000
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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	The Horticultural Specialist plays a vital role in enhancing and sustaining the beauty, health, and variation of plant life across the university campus. This position provides technical expertise, hands-on training, and leadership in applied horticultural sciences while supporting high-quality landscape installation, maintenance, and plant care practices. Working collaboratively with campus partners, the Horticultural Specialist ensures compliance with standards and best practices, contributing to a welcoming and vibrant campus environment. This is an exciting opportunity for a knowledgeable and passionate horticulture professional who enjoys mentoring others, applying scientific principles in the field, and making a lasting impact on a dynamic university landscape. If you are motivated by teamwork, stewardship, and excellence in campus environments, we encourage you to apply and join a team dedicated to cultivating a thriving campus community. *Key Responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:* Provide Hands-On Technical Instruction in applied horticultural sciences to improve plant care, turf management, and landscape installation techniques for departmental staff. Act as a training resource based on in-depth knowledge and experience in landscape installation and maintenance practices (e.g., proper tree/shrub planting, mulching, soil amendments). Troubleshoot and resolve complex plant, turf, erosion, and stormwater issues, including monitoring and identifying diseased plants and analyzing test results to implement corrective solutions. Prepare and oversee all aspects of the landscape watering and warranty program. Physically work as a lead during landscape installations and Stormwater Control Measure (SCM) maintenance activities. Schedule and oversee project turnovers with the planner upon completion. Assist with SCM maintenance, inspections, and weed management. Coordinate with Landscape Construction Services (LCS) leadership to inspect materials upon delivery to job sites and schedule necessary equipment for installations and watering. Document all chemical applications, including those for SCMs. Serve as a potential liaison to regulatory agencies such as the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to ensure compliance with state and local regulations. Develop and maintain historical data on all projects for five years. Adhere to and promote all campus safety standards and assist with documenting weekly or mandatory safety trainings. Organize work crews and provide clear instructions regarding expectations and assigned tasks. Operate and move small equipment (mowers, trimmers, mini-skid steers, mini-excavators) to various campus locations using a truck and trailer. 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. Follows complex verbal and written instructions to complete work assignments accurately while maintaining professional, clear communication with supervisors and the general public.
Other Responsibilities	The position serves in a critical role and is essential to the operations of the university. May be required to work during adverse weather conditions and work even if the university closes. Aid in snow removal as directed by supervisors. Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/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. Necessary 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	A high level of applicable turf and irrigation and trade knowledge. Installation, erosion control, SCM device maintenance and installation, horticulture and/or arboriculture experience. Ability to verbally communicate effectively with supervisors and the general public and understand verbal and written instructions and other communications regarding work assignments and other matters. North Carolina Pesticide License with Aquatics endorsement preferred.
Required License or Certification	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	Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required?	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	01/27/2026
Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.)	02/03/2026
Notice to Applicants	Please include all relevant employment history on your application. Any employment history you mention in the supplemental questions or resume, MUST be listed in your employment history on your application.
Special Instructions

Position Details

Position Number	00107085
Position Type	SHRA
Position Classification Band Title	Agricultural/Horticultural Specialist
Position Classification Band Level	Advanced
Position Classification Salary Range	$ 33,540 - $ 58,335
Salary Grade Equivalency	NC03
Alternate Option	If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
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
Time Limited Position	No
Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)
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.