Horticulture Technician 2

ETSU•Johnson City, TN

About The Position

Employees in this role work under general supervision and report directly to the Grounds Shop Supervisor. This position helps lead and support the grounds crew by assigning daily tasks and assisting with a wide range of horticultural duties across campus. Key responsibilities include: Supervising and assisting grounds staff with the care and upkeep of flower beds, turf areas, foundation plantings, and other landscaped spaces Helping with planning and scheduling daily maintenance activities Performing inspections of landscaped areas to ensure high standards are met Applying pesticides and fertilizers, calibrating equipment, and managing irrigation systems Safely operating machinery such as sprayers, aerators, and overseeders Using proper planting and pruning techniques in line with industry best practices Providing training and oversight to other employees Some weekend and overtime work is required to support campus operations. Facilities staff may also be expected to report during emergency closures or inclement weather (such as for snow removal) to perform essential duties.

Requirements

High School diploma/GED required.
Two years’ experience in horticulture, landscape design, or grounds maintenance required.
Individual must possess category 3 pesticide certification or be able to obtain it within 6 months. Category 3 certification must be maintained during incumbency.
Individual must maintain a valid driver’s license during employment.
Knowledge of woody ornamentals, annual/perennial flowers, and horticulture skills, ability to execute integrated pest management practices, and perform equipment calibration.
Knowledge of proper chemical use, including personal protective equipment requirements, paperwork reporting, proper calibration and application, and proper cleaning and disposal of chemical-related equipment/supplies.
Possess the ability to manage limited resources to accomplish work.
Ability to perform math skills to properly calculate fertilizer/pesticide fertilization amounts.
Person must possess the ability to diagnose and treat diseases related to plants under the horticultural program.
Ability to lift up to 75 lbs.
Ability to climb ladders.
Ability to perform strenuous physical work on a daily basis.
Ability to work in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

Supervising and assisting grounds staff with the care and upkeep of flower beds, turf areas, foundation plantings, and other landscaped spaces
Helping with planning and scheduling daily maintenance activities
Performing inspections of landscaped areas to ensure high standards are met
Applying pesticides and fertilizers, calibrating equipment, and managing irrigation systems
Safely operating machinery such as sprayers, aerators, and overseeders
Using proper planting and pruning techniques in line with industry best practices
Providing training and oversight to other employees