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Temporary Research Specialist

Posting Details

Position Information

Posting Number PG194252TM
Position Number 11ASO3234
Position Type Temporary
Essential Job Duties
This position will be responsible for but not limited to: 
  • Participate in daily hands-on grounds maintenance related activities such as grass cutting, weed management, planting plants, watering by hand and with irrigation, and debris removal.
  • Conduct and record fertilizer, pesticide and herbicide applications under supervision.
  • Maintain, independently and under supervision, all landscaped areas and natural areas to desired standards and to ensure the safety of all guests and provide the best possible visitor experience.
  • Lawn care including cutting, trimming, fertilization, and weed/pest control as directed. Work with a wide variety of hand tools and landscape power equipment. Manage volunteer teams on various garden-related tasks.
  • Interact with the public, JCRA members, students, and other stakeholders in a professional, personable, and appropriate manner at all times.
  • Support and participate in Arboretum special events, educational programming, sales, and projects.
  • Assist with keeping equipment, buildings and gardens presentable and functional
  • Other duties as assigned. 


This job description is not designed to be comprehensive; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

The majority of work is done outside in varying climatic conditions that include high heat and humidity. The position requires sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling. The position requires the ability to stand for long periods of time and to safely traverse uneven surfaces. The position frequently lifts and/or moves up to 50 lbs. The position works with typical landscape maintenance equipment and materials. The position involves interaction with the public, volunteers, community members, partners, donors, vendors, contractors and other constituents.

Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday, 40/hrs per week, some evening and weekend hours may be required
Is Time Limited No
If Yes, Appointment Length
Department Information

Job City & State Raleigh, NC
Department Horticultural Science
System Information

Classification Title Temporary-Technical/Paraprofessional
Working Title Temporary Research Specialist

Position Information

Requirements and Preferences

Work Schedule 40/hrs per week
Other Work/Responsibilities
  • n/a
Minimum Experience/Education
  •  2 year degree in horticulture or related field or equivalent experience 
Department Required Skills
  • Ability to work independently as required or as part of a group 
  • Understanding of and experience with general landscape maintenance practices 
  • Experience with mowing equipment, powered weed trimmers, backpack blowers, and other garden maintenance equipment 
  • Experience with hand tools, such as rakes, brooms, pruners, hand saws, and shovels 
  • Positive attitude, good interpersonal skills, flexibility and commitment to collaboration 
  • Ability to work in varying weather conditions (high heat and humidity)
  • Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel crouch and crawl
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time 
  • Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs. on a routine basis 
  • Ability to interact with the public, volunteers, community members, partners, donors, vendors, contractors and other constituents 
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education
  • Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or other related field or equivalent experience
  • Capable of carrying heavy bags of soil, plant material and equipment 
  • Ability to work outside in all weather conditions, able to stand for long periods of time, and safely traverse uneven surfaces 
  • Knowledge of and enthusiasm for learning about common Southeastern landscape/garden plants
  • Capable of applying pesticides or herbicides under supervision 
  • Spanish and/or other language skills
  • Experience with basic small engine and vehicle maintenance and repair
  • Experience with large equipment such as mowers, skid-steers, loaders and tractors
Required License or Certification
  • Pesticide license or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire
  • Valid driver’s license 
Valid NC Driver's License required? Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required? No

Recruitment

Recruitment Details

Anticipated Hiring Range $20/hr
Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date 03/27/2024
Applicant Information

Quick Link https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/199402
AA/EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. How did you learn of this opportunity?
    • NCSU Website
    • Job Alert (automated email from our system)
    • NCSU Executive Search Services
    • Monster.com
    • CareerBuilder.com
    • InsideHigherEd.com
    • HigherEdJobs.com
    • Other Online Job Board
    • Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
    • Job / Career Fair
    • The Chronicle of Higher Education
    • Professional Journal
    • Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
    • Radio / Television Advertisement
    • Professional Organization
    • Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
    • Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
    • NCSU Employee Referral
    • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
    • Other
  2. If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.

    (Open Ended Question)

  3. * Do you possess a minimum of a 2 year degree in horticulture or related field or equivalent experience?
    • Yes
    • No
  4. * Are you able to work independently or as part of a team?
    • Yes
    • No
  5. * Do you possess an understanding of and experience with general landscape maintenance practices?
    • Yes
    • No
  6. * Do you have experience with mowing equipment, powered weed trimmers, backpack blowers, and other garden maintenance equipment?
    • Yes
    • No
  7. * Do you have experience with hand tools, such as rakes, brooms, pruners, hand saws, and shovels?
    • Yes
    • No
  8. * Do you possess the ability to work outdoors in high heat and humidity?
    • Yes
    • No
  9. * Are you able to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel crouch and crawl?
    • Yes
    • No
  10. * Are you able to stand for long periods of time?
    • Yes
    • No
  11. * Are you able to lift and/or move 50 lbs. on a regular basis?
    • Yes
    • No
  12. Are you someone who possess knowledge of and enthusiasm for learning about common southern landscape/garden plants?
    • Yes
    • No
  13. Are you capable of applying pesticides or herbicides under supervision?
    • Yes
    • No
  14. Do you have Spanish and/or other language skills?
    • Yes
    • No
  15. Do you have experience with basic small engine and vehicle maintenance and repair?
    • Yes
    • No
  16. Do you have experience with large equipment such as mowers, skid steers, loaders and tractors?
    • Yes
    • No
  17. * Do you have a current, valid NC pesticide applicator's license or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire?
    • Yes
    • No
  18. * Do you have a valid driver's license?
    • Yes
    • No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
Optional Documents