Grounds Maintenance Technician II POS# 109030004

Grounds Maintenance Technician IIThe 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.Examples of DutiesParticipates in the application of herbicides, insecticides, and other approved chemicals to turfgrass and plant collections in accordance with established safety and environmental standardsAssists 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 bedsPlants flowers and bulbs, transplants shrubs and ornamentals, and cultivates, prunes, and sprays bushes, vines, and trees to promote healthy growthParticipates in the removal of dirt, rubbish, debris, snow, leaves, and refuse from County propertiesAssists in the removal, trimming, or cutting down of trees as directedServes as crew leader for an assigned area within the County, providing daily guidance, task assignments, and oversight of work quality and safety practicesEnsures all crew members properly wear and utilize assigned safety gear in compliance with County safety regulationsPrepares and submits daily work reports detailing completed tasks, materials, supplies, chemicals, and equipment usedConducts daily meetings with crew members to communicate job expectations, assignments, and performance goalsAddresses 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 policiesOther duties as assignedMinimum QualificationsHigh 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.Management Preferences:Two (2) years performing work as a crew leader/foremanTwo (2) years operating heavy equipment (Skid Steer, Backhoe, Tractor, etc.)Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge 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 maintenanceKnowledge of all equipment and specialized tools used in landscape work and of plant maintenance procedures used in landscape installation and ground maintenanceKnowledge of plant collection, which impacts the cultivation and maintenance of the plantsAbility to observe, identify plants plant conditions, health and problemsAbility to assess condition and health of plants; ability to operate heavy equipmentAbility to follow oral and written instructionsAbility to develop good working relationships with co-workersAbility to understand, comply with, and adhere to the safety rules and regulationsConditions of EmploymentDriving 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.