Grounds Maintenance Crew Leader

Grounds Maintenance Crew Leader

Salary

See Position Description

Location

New Hanover County, NC

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600105

Department

PARKS & GARDENS

Opening Date

05/18/2026

Closing Date

5/28/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Information

New Hanover County is looking for a Grounds Maintenance Crew Leader to join the Parks and Gardens Department. The Parks & Gardens Departments 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, public school grounds 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, but are not limited to:

• Lead & direct the grounds crew in the maintenance of various grounds maintenance, landscaping projects and improvement tasks
• Supervise staff in the absence of Grounds Maintenance Supervisor
• Coordinate activities of workers performing parks grounds maintenance
• Oversee the completion of daily tasks
• Enforce safety regulations
• Train new employees on proper techniques and procedures
• Inspect work areas to determine the type of work required and materials or equipment to be used
• Oversee all equipment issued to crew and performs preventative maintenance on all equipment.
• Other duties such as completing daily reports, interacting with public, set up for special events, cleaning up after natural disasters and supporting other departments as needed
• Perform other related work as required

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. 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.

Living in New Hanover County, NC:

New Hanover County offers an exceptional quality of life with its picturesque coastal location. Enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and a variety of recreational opportunities right at your doorstep. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, indulge in diverse dining experiences, and explore historical landmarks. The county is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a thriving arts scene. With a focus on good governance and a commitment to customer service, New Hanover County provides an ideal environment for both personal and professional growth.

• • • *

Work schedule:

Monday - Friday 6:00am - 2:30pm

• Must be available for weekend rotation, special events, and during emergency situations.

• Hours and assigned location may vary and are subject to change depending on needs of department.

• Must be available to report for emergency work assignment during emergency situations.

Employment Type:

Full-time, non-exempt

Salary Information:

The hiring range for this position starts at $20.2163 hour / $42,050.00 annually, 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.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma/GED, 1 year specialized or technical training in horticulture or a related field, and 2 years landscaping experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must posses strong horticulture, landscape and irrigation maintenance and design experience and have demonstrated knowledge of "hands-on" horticultural and gardening techniques related to long-term plant care.

What will make your application stand out:

• NC Aquatic Pesticide Applicators License is highly preferred.
• NC Department of Agriculture Turf and Ornamental Pesticide Applicators License is highly preferred.

Licenses/Certifications

• Valid NC Drivers License and good driving record required.
• North Carolina Certified Plant Professional desired at application, but must be obtained within 6 months of employment.
• NC Commercial Drivers License - preferred
• Landscape Technician License - preferred
• NC Aquatic Pesticide Applicators License is highly preferred.
• NC Department of Agriculture Turf and Ornamental Pesticide Applicators License is required within the first six months of employment.

Other Information

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.

New Hanover County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

New Hanover County offers a competitive benefits package designed to encourage and support your health, well-being and productivity to include

• Employer paid 401k deferred compensation contributions (5% for sworn law enforcement and 2.5% for all other benefits eligible positions);
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• 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, vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Employee assistance program;
• 100% employer paid long term disability;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center which includes a nurse practitioner and physical therapist;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Benefit options for eligible positions include medical, dental, elective supplemental insurance options including short-term disability, vision, flexible spending accounts, voluntary term life, cancer, accident, and critical illness policies. Employees who elect medical and dental insurance within the specified timelines provided during on-boarding, will have coverage effective on their date of hire. For more information about New Hanover County benefit options, including our benefit rates, please click here.

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.

Note: All positions listed as temporary, casual part time, volunteer, and intern are not eligible to receive benefits. Part-time position with fewer than 20 scheduled hours per week will not include benefits.

01

Do you you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a NC Aquatic pesticide applicators license?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a NC Department of Agriculture Turf and Ornamental Pesticide Applicators License?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have a valid North Carolina Drivers license?

• Yes
• No

05

Are you eligible to obtain a NC Drivers License?

• Yes
• No
• n/a - already have NC DL

06

Have you had your drivers license suspended or revoked for any reason in the last three years?

• Yes
• No

07

Have you had 2 or more driving violation tickets in the previous 12 months or 3 or more in the previous 25 months? Please note: Answering yes to this question will not automatically disqualify you from consideration for the position.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer New Hanover County

Address 230 Government Center Drive - Suite 135

Wilmington, North Carolina, 28403

Phone 910-798-7178

910-798-7178

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nhc