Grounds Maintenance Technician II POS# 109030004 presso Cumberland County, NC

About the Department

The Grounds Maintenance Technician II is a Crew Leader who is responsible for maintaining the safety, appearance, and functionality of County properties through skilled landscaping and grounds maintenance work. This position performs a variety of tasks, including planting, pruning, fertilizing, mowing, and applying approved chemicals in compliance with environmental and safety standards. The technician also assists with irrigation system maintenance, erosion and drainage control, and the removal of debris, snow, and refuse to ensure well-kept and accessible public spaces.

The role requires operating and maintaining a wide range of equipment, such as commercial mowers, tractors, backhoes, and skid steers. Working both independently and as part of a crew, the technician is expected to demonstrate sound judgment, initiative, and attention to detail while maintaining County properties to the highest standards. Employees may also provide guidance to less experienced crew members and perform related duties as assigned.

Position Duties

• Participates in the application of herbicides, insecticides, and other approved chemicals to turfgrass and plant collections in accordance with established safety and environmental standards
• Assists in the planting and maintenance of flowers, shrubs, and trees, including pruning, trimming, and general upkeep of landscaped areas.
• Seeds, mows, waters, fertilizes, and provides general care and maintenance for lawns, grassed areas, and plant beds
• Plants flowers and bulbs, transplants shrubs and ornamentals, and cultivates, prunes, and sprays bushes, vines, and trees to promote healthy growth
• Participates in the removal of dirt, rubbish, debris, snow, leaves, and refuse from County properties
• Assists in the removal, trimming, or cutting down of trees as directed
• Serves as crew leader for an assigned area within the County, providing daily guidance, task assignments, and oversight of work quality and safety practices
• Ensures all crew members properly wear and utilize assigned safety gear in compliance with County safety regulations
• Prepares and submits daily work reports detailing completed tasks, materials, supplies, chemicals, and equipment used
• Conducts daily meetings with crew members to communicate job expectations, assignments, and performance goals
• Addresses performance or conduct issues with staff promptly and professionally; collaborates with the Supervisor to resolve unresolved matters.
• Promotes and ensures that all crew members maintain a high standard of conduct, professionalism, and work ethic consistent with County values and policies
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED and three (3) years of professional or commercial experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certification by the North Carolina Pesticide Board as a Licensed Pesticide Public Operator.  Certification must be obtained within twelve (12) months of hire.  

Two (2) years performing work as a crew leader/foreman

Two (2) years operating heavy equipment (Skid Steer, Backhoe, Tractor, etc.)

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of grounds keeping and horticultural practices, cultivation, pruning, spraying, and trimming requirements of shrubs and trees, and plant maintenance procedures used in landscape installation and ground maintenance
• Knowledge of all equipment and specialized tools used in landscape work and of plant maintenance procedures used in landscape installation and ground maintenance
• Knowledge of plant collection, which impacts the cultivation and maintenance of the plants
• Ability to observe, identify plants plant conditions, health and problems
• Ability to assess condition and health of plants; ability to operate heavy equipment
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to develop good working relationships with co-workers
• Ability to understand, comply with, and adhere to the safety rules and regulations

Conditions of Employment

Driving is an essential function of this position. To be considered, you must have a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. If your driver's license is from another state, you will be required to obtain and show proof of a valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire.

Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.