Landscape Technician

Position Details

Title:

Landscape Technician

Department:
Facilities Grounds NB

Job Category: AFSCME Local 888

Union: AFSCME - Local 888

Grade: 16

FLSA:
Nonexempt

Salary:
Minimum $44,620.27, Mid range $52,491.67, Maximum $60,542.26

Full Time, 40 hours per week. Shift hours: 6:30am - 3:00pm Monday - Friday.

Position Status:
Staff - 12 month appointment.

Location:

Rutgers University-New Brunswick, College Ave (RU-New Brunswick), New Brunswick, NJ.

Posting Number: 26ST0067. Posting Open Date: 01/15/2026.

The Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O) employs a workforce of approximately 2,700 staff, represented by 15 collective negotiations agreements, and is responsible for institutional strategic initiatives and operations, which encompasses an expansive range of comprehensive service and business operations across the State of New Jersey. These include planning and construction, facilities, public safety and emergency operations, environmental health and safety, transportation, housing, and auxiliary/retail operations.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Landscape Technician for the Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O). Under limited direction, leads, guides, instructs and trains grounds group leaders, grounds workers and/or other employees in diversified maintenance, landscaping and grounds duties in the preparation of campus facilities, multipurpose areas of the University and equipment. May perform any duties of the group.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Leads, guides, instructs and trains lower level employees and performs independent work in the care and maintenance of grounds to include, but not limited to, mowing, trimming, edging, trash and leaf removal, recycling, weeding, fertilizing, liming, pruning, mulching, dead-heading and watering. Identifies and treats pest infestations in the maintenance of grounds.
• Instructs, trains and oversees grounds worker employees and/or other employees in landscaping standards and processes.
• Performs installation and renovation of landscape additions including, but not limited to, trees shrubs, flowers, retaining walls, walks, patios and planters.
• Performs topsoil installation, rough and fine grading and the establishment of lawn from seed and sod. In the maintenance of specific turf grass areas, performs aeration, slice seeding, topdressing, and identification of insect, weed and disease infestations.
• Operates power equipment including, but not limited to, slice seeder, aerator, rototiller, tractors, lawn mowers, trimmers, topdressors, and spray equipment.
• As assigned, performs snow removal duties using snow shovels, snow blowers and snow vehicles/plows.
• Performs storm water maintenance.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum

Education and Experience:

High school/vocational school education or equivalent plus three years of landscape work experience, including the operation of heavy equipment and encompassing all aspects of the maintenance, care and installation of landscape or one year college-level agriculture courses plus two years of landscape experience, including the operation of heavy equipment.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid driver's license, two years driving experience and successful completion of the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.
• A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with airbrake endorsement and a NJ Pesticide Applicator License Category 3B must be obtained, at the expense of the employee, within 90 days of employment.
• Must obtain certification in a recognized landscape technician program within one year of employment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must have the ability to read, write and speak English as commensurate with job duties and lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Equipment Utilized:

• Operates power equipment including, but not limited to, slice seeder, aerator, rototiller, tractors, lawn mowers, trimmers, topdressors, and spray equipment.
• As assigned, performs snow removal duties using snow shovels, snow blowers and snow vehicles/plows.

Special

Conditions:

• Shift hours/
  
  Schedule:
  
  6:30am - 3:00pm Monday - Friday.
• Clean Driving Record.

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Notice to AFSCME Local 888 union members ONLY:
To submit an internal bid, an application must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on Monday, 01/26/2026. Although AFSCME Local 888 members have priority consideration, outside applications are accepted as well.

Regional Campus:
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
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