Departmental Objective
Effectively implement the University president’s vision for a world class campus that attracts, inspires, and bonds people to CNU. We will continuously monitor and maintain existing and future turf areas on campus to provide high quality full-service turf maintenance on all designated areas. We will ensure that these primary duties will emphasize and enhance aesthetic appearance, value promote environmental responsibility, and be economically feasible.
Purpose of the Position
As a Grounds Technician for the Grounds Department your primary responsibility will be to work independently repairing, adjusting, and installing irrigation systems to ensure correct operation on the campus landscape and grounds. You will also participate in and lead special projects as directed to facilitate department needs in all areas of landscape and grounds maintenance. As needed, you will perform applications related to fertilizers and pesticides to trees, shrubs, and ornamental beds throughout the university.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Related to Position
- Extensive knowledge in grounds and landscape maintenance.
- Extensive knowledge of turf and horticulture requirements related to irrigation, mowing, pruning, watering, planting, fertilizing, and diseases.
- Extensive knowledge with grounds maintenance tools and equipment.
- Extensive knowledge with application of various environmentally safe herbicides and pesticides for controlling weeds, disease, and insects.
- Ability to read and understand pesticide and fertilizer labels.
Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification Required
Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
- VDACS Registered Technician or ability to become VDACS Registered Technician within 6 months of hire
Experience:
- Experience in irrigation repair/maintenance and installation
- Experience in grounds maintenance services, to include: aerifying, mowing, trimming, seeding, watering, fertilizing, planting, mulching, pruning, and pest/disease control of turfgrass & horticultural areas and plant material
- Experience with safe use of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides in landscape maintenance
- Experience in proficient operation of small and large grounds maintenance equipment
- Experience at a landscape company in grounds/landscape maintenance
Additional Consideration(s)
Education:
- A VDACS Certified Applicator in the 3A or 3B category
- Certified Fertilizer Applicator
- A college degree in a related field
Experience:
- Experience as a Senior or Lead Groundskeeper/ Foreman
- Experience as a Technician at a university or resort
Salary Information
Salary starting at $34,277 to $42,268, Commensurate with Education and Experience
CNU Information
This position includes Commonwealth of Virginia and Christopher Newport University employee benefits. CNU offers a comprehensive benefits package to include retirement plans, medical, dental, vision, and a variety of other options. Available leave includes vacation, sick time, personal time, and volunteer/service leave. State employees are eligible for discounted travel, banking, legal and retail services, among others. To view more information about our benefits, please visit https://cnu.edu/hr/benefits/.
