Grounds Worker

Grounds Worker

Salary

$18.36 - $31.22 Hourly

Location

Johnston County Parks & Open Space, NC

Job Type

Part-Time

Job Number

02583

Department

Parks and Greenways

Opening Date

04/08/2026

Closing Date

7/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Description

• This position is being reposted, all previous applicants are still being considered.*

An employee in this class performs a variety of grounds maintenance activities at multiple parks & open space facilities/sites. Work includes a variety of tasks involving semi- skilled and unskilled manual work in the maintenance and upkeep of grounds and related equipment. Work requires significant independent initiative and advanced knowledge of trade practices and skills. Position includes but is not limited to seeding grass, adding nutrients to soils, mulching, mowing grass, pruning plants, trimming, applying herbicides & pesticides, cleaning, painting, picking up trash, and other general facility grounds maintenance procedures. Employee is subject to working in outside environments, in extreme cold and hot weather, and hazards in the workplace, including exposures to loud noises, vibrations, proximity to moving mechanical parts, and exposure to chemicals, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, oils, and insects. Worker is also subject to the final OSHA standards on bloodborne pathogens. Work is assigned daily and is reviewed by observation of the quality and quantity of work completed and the timeliness of completion. Position may also include light construction, trash management, and debris removal.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Mows grass around vast areas of the Park facilities, around various public areas, and along roadsides into and around the multiple facilities
• Trims and edges around walkways, trails, fences, buildings, water channels, ditches, and many different erosion control features
• Plants trees, bushes, shrubs, flowers, grasses, and other flora
• Maintains trees, bushes, shrubs, grasses, and other plants by way of cutting, pruning, weeding, irrigating, and applying nutrients to soils
• Operates and performs daily maintenance to pickup trucks, farm tractors, tractor attachments, lawn mowers, slope mowers, hydraulic lifts, trailers, and multiple power and hand tools
• Maintains clean public areas, parking lots, and walkway areas by picking up trash and debris and disposing of it in appropriate areas and/or receptacles
• Cleans, prepares, and paints a variety of barriers, bollards, shelters, trail kiosks, directional markers, equipment, and other hardware around the facility
• Makes and maintains simple records of daily work activities; Participates in the Countys Safety Program and adheres to safety procedures and policies of the department.

Additional Duties

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions
• Must be able to perform heavy work, exerting up to 75 pounds of force occasionally, and up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds regularly
• Must possess visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough working knowledge of the principles and techniques of vegetative development and groundskeeping maintenance
• Thorough working knowledge of the use, care, and daily maintenance of assigned tools and equipment
• Considerable working knowledge of safety regulations, occupational hazards, proper use of PPE, and related safety precautions in the workplace
• Strong ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and to exercise independent initiative
• Strong ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and other County employees

Desired Education and Experience

Graduation from high school or GED including 3 years of experience in a landscape or grounds maintenance field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid North Carolina Class C drivers license and good driving record.
• Must have or be willing to obtain a pesticide applicator license
• All Parks & Open Space positions must be able to work on weekends (Saturday-Sunday)

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.

Important Pre-Employment Information:

• If the position requires a degree, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire.
• A pre-employment reference check will be conducted.
• A background check may be required and may include criminal history, motor vehicle records, sex offender registry checks, pre-employment drug screening, SBI fingerprinting, and, if applicable, a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) check.
• A conviction record does not automatically disqualify you from employment, unless otherwise required by state law. Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Johnston County provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program.

Employees are offered a diverse selection of benefits including medical (no-cost for the employee plan), dental, life, and supplemental benefit coverages. Employees can also take advantage of our on-site wellness clinic and virtual telehealth program, both at no-cost!

Additional benefits include participation in the NC Retirement System, a 401(k) match option, generous paid leave and holiday schedule, tuition reimbursement, and more! To learn more, visit www.myjcbenefits.com

• This description applies to benefits eligible positions.

01

Do you have working experience in landscaping and/or grounds maintenance?

• Yes
• No

02

Please rate your level of expertise using grounds maintenance and equipment.

• None
• Beginner
• Moderate
• Expert

03

Are you capable of performing the essential functions of the Groundsworker position?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have experience applying herbicides or pesticides?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you currently hold a pesticide applicator license?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you comfortable working outdoors in extreme heat, cold, and inclement weather?

• Yes
• No

07

Are you available to work weekends (Saturday and Sunday) as required?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you have a valid state issued drivers license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Johnston County