Irrigation and Pest Management Technician (Landscaping and Grounds Coordinator I)

Tennessee Tech • Cookeville, TN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Maintains campus grounds by operating complex irrigation systems and applying pest control treatments. Ensures a safe, healthy, and visually appealing campus environment for students, faculty, and visitors.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of commercial groundskeeping experience including irrigation and pesticide experience.
• Valid state driver's license
• Have or the ability to obtain State Commercial Pesticide Applicator License 3 within 120 days.
• Two years of landscape construction experience including operation of landscape equipment.
• Previous agronomic experience.
• Knowledge of turfgrass science and plant pathology.
• Ability to read blueprints and irrigation schematic designs.
• Physical capacity to lift 50 pounds regularly.
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Two wire experience

Responsibilities

• Inspects, repairs, and maintains campus irrigation systems.
• Troubleshoots valves, pipes, sprinkler heads, and controllers.
• Programs smart watering schedules to conserve university water.
• Performs seasonal system activation and winterization blowouts.
• Identifies campus plant diseases, weeds, and insect pests.
• Mixes and applies chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.
• Calibrates commercial spray equipment and granular spreaders safely.
• Maintains detailed logs of chemical use for regulatory compliance.
• Operates tractors, mowers, trenchers, and utility vehicles safely.
• Assists with snow removal and emergency storm cleanup.
• Supports graduation and athletic event setup when needed.

Benefits

• Initial accumulation of one vacation day per month
• One sick leave day per month
• Thirteen (13) University holidays
• Medical and life insurance (shared cost with the university)
• Retirement
• Optional 401k
• Educational benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED