Horticulture Maintenance & Operations Technician

Overview

Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career

Please Apply By: Monday, February 9, 2026

Pay starts at $20.00/hr

At Mecklenburg County, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are with support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. We’re counting on YOUR unique voice and perspective to help Mecklenburg County become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department (MCPRD) serves a population of more than one million residents and oversees 21,000+ acres, 230+ parks, nature preserves, greenways and facilities. The department is recognized for cutting-edge programs and partnerships, and aims to be a community of pride and choice for people to live, work and recreate.

The Mecklenburg County Horticulture team manages ornamental landscapes across 210+ parks, facility areas, and greenway Trailheads. The team handles tree planting and care, natural area management, and landscape design and installation. The Horticulture Maintenance and Operations Technician typically works with a Horticulture Specialist within an assigned area. Responsibilities include horticulture maintenance and installation, equipment operation and maintenance, OSHA compliance and safety training, and record-keeping.

The preferred candidate will possess a NC Pesticide License, or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire.

By applying to this position, you are eligible to be considered for similar roles at other locations should they become available.

• Hard-working and self-starting
• Successful as a member of a team
• Seeks out new learning opportunities and professional growth
• Substantial plant knowledge and passionate about horticulture
• Has training and education in best management practices including integrated pest management (IPM), soil preparation/management, and plant selection
• Interested in exploring more sustainable practices in park horticulture and landscape management
• Associates or 4-year degree in Horticulture, Botany, or Biology preferred

• Perform setup, breakdown, and cleaning during events
• Perform routine and non-routine cleaning services to restrooms and rental facilities
• Remove limbs and debris; blows leaves off sidewalks and greenways; clears mud and water from greenway tunnels after storms, and mow and trim ball fields
• May assist in manual labor such as brick laying, pipe laying, painting, carpentry, and other construction tasks
• Layout measurements and line ball fields and assist in performing field maintenance
• Operate power mowers, chainsaws, brush cutter, edger and clippers, power washers, ATVs, litter vacuum, and other equipment used in facility maintenance, landscaping, roadside maintenance, and right of way cleaning
• Open park gates and remove trash
• Assist repair technicians in duties
• May operate light equipment such as utility vehicles, tractors, mowers and dump trucks
• May serve as a lead on a small work crew, community service workers, volunteers and/or part-timers
• May receive, sort, and package materials

Experience: Minimum of one (1) year of experience related to area of assignment

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent

Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted?: N/A

Computer Skills: General knowledge of applicable computer programs

Licenses and Certifications: Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver’s License and County Driving Privileges. Depending on area of assignment, may require Class A or Class B CDL

Knowledge:

• Light equipment used in maintenance, grounds keeping, and construction
• Occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions applicable to safe operation of this equipment
• Safe work practices and hazards associated with work
• Use of the tools, equipment, supplies, and methods used in the maintenance activities

Skills:

• Filling out daily work sheets and other required forms
• Light trucks, small tractors, mowers and similar automotive equipment

Abilities:

• Adaptability:
  Maintaining…