Grounds Maintenance Worker

New Hanover County is looking for a Grounds Maintenance Worker to join the Parks and Gardens Department. This position maintains grounds of County-owned property using various hand tools and power equipment.  

The Parks & Gardens Department's mission is to maintain and operate parks and facilities that enrich the lives of the community and promote an overall healthier lifestyle. The department manages and maintains over 2,900 acres including parks & athletic facilities, historic Airlie Gardens, and County-owned non-park facilities such as the county libraries, the Cape Fear Museum, NHC Jail and Fire Stations.

Responsibilities for this role include:

• Secures and patrols park grounds to maintain patron safety.
• Maintains grounds by planting sod and grass seed, mowing, weed eating, edging sidewalks, and applying appropriate fertilizers.
• Maintains trees, shrubs, and flower beds, plants, prunes, trims, removes weeds, and applies appropriate herbicides.
• Disposes of trash and picks up debris on parks grounds and playing fields.
• Cleans and restocks supplies for the public restrooms in parks. This includes cleaning the sinks, toilets, urinals, doors, walls and mopping of floors. 
• Performs construction and repair work in certain areas, operates heavy equipment such as backhoes and tractors, builds and repairs irrigation systems, and installs equipment when necessary.
• Performs routine maintenance and repair work on tools and equipment, and monitors fluid levels and cleans equipment.
• Assists with special events, transports, and installs special equipment and signage, and directs traffic during events.
• Operates and maintains the cleanliness of assigned work truck. 
• Performs work with regular and predictable attendance consistently meeting the scheduling needs as required by the county.
• Performs work during emergency/disaster situations.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, OR ABILITIES
Demonstrates strong time management abilities to efficiently complete tasks within established deadlines. Possesses effective communication and interpersonal skills to interact professionally and respectfully with coworkers, supervisors, and the public, ensuring clear exchange of information and understanding of work instructions.

Knowledge of basic grounds maintenance techniques, and techniques for safe operation of heavy equipment. Skilled in driving a vehicle; operating heavy equipment; using hand and power tools; spreading grass seed; removing weeds; transporting and installing landscape materials; mowing and maintaining grass; applying fertilizers and herbicides. 

New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values of professionalism, innovation, equity, integrity, stewardship and accountability guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. Supported by the work of our Office of Diversity and Equity, New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change on the everyday lives of the citizens they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.    

 
 
Work schedule:
Monday through Friday, 6:00 am - 2:30 pm - Park assignment is subject to change. Work hours may include dayshift, nightshift, weekends, holidays, and special events. Must be flexible to work special events on an as needed basis, which may occur on weekends, evenings, and holiday. All County employees are required to work during emergency situations. 

Employment Type:
Full-time, non-exempt 

Salary Information:
The minimum hiring salary for this position is $17.00/hr., $35,360/year, plus a competitive benefits package. Salary will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, budget, and market considerations.
 
New Hanover County offers:

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Flex time and telework availability, depending on your position;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work; 
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options; 
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives; 
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Please check out our careers page at www.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.Required Education and Experience:

• Education through the 8th grade and one (1) year of progressively responsible work experience demonstrating the ability to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. 
• Experience in landscaping and ground maintenance/repair that includes the operation of mowers, power and equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Standing for most hours in an outdoor work environment with exposure to varying temperature and/or weather conditions.  
• Frequent heavy lifting of heavy trash bags and bins.

What will make your application stand out: 

• Pesticide applicators license (preferred)
• Proficiency in using various hand tools and power equipment to mow, mulch, place sod, fertilize, spray, rake, trim, and remove debris

• Valid Driver's License (from any state) and good driving record required at time of application. 
• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License required by first date of employment with good driving record.
• NC Commercial Driver's License preferred
• Pesticide Applicator's License preferred (Zone 3)

Applicant Information:
After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal. 

In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2(b), if this position requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the county must require the applicant to undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI for all offers of employment made after October 1, 2025. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. Additional information on how to complete this required check will be provided to the selected candidate after an offer of employment is accepted.