Landscape Turf Specialist

Description

WELCOME TO CLEMSON! Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call? One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

JOB SUMMARY:

Operates turf-grass maintenance related equipment including mowers, sprayers, loaders, tractors and tractor implements commonly used to care for turf-grass requiring advanced levels of skill and technical knowledge. Provides turf care and identifies plant disease. Provides training and mentorship to less experienced employees. Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES:

• 40% - Essential - Equipment Operation & Management: Operates tractors with various implements for turf care: York rake, pulverizer, de-thatcher, fertilizer spreader, aerator and topdresser. Operates various mowers throughout designated areas of campus. Performs preventative maintenance on assigned equipment. Performs seasonal projects such as removal of snow and ice with tractor, brooms and snowplows when present. Assists with seasonal area leaf removal and mulching.
• 35% - Essential - Turf Care: Mix and apply unrestricted herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, growth regulators and fertilizers to turf areas under the guidance of the turf manager. Identifies weed and disease problems in turf-grassed areas and reports to manager. Prepares soil and plant tissue samples for lab analysis.
• 15% - Essential - Training and Mentorship: Leads, guides, and/or trains less experienced landscapers in applicable procedures and techniques. Completes the required training and testing to maintain applicable licensing. Trains employees in safe, efficient use of landscape and heavy equipment. Conducts safety training. Monitors crew in the field for safe work practices.
• 10% - Essential - Safety: Follows established safety procedures including proper equipment calibration, PPE requirements, and equipment maintenance. Cleans equipment and vehicles. Notify supervisor of needed repairs to vehicles and equipment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education - High Diploma School or Equivalent and groundskeeping experience directly related to the area of employment. Licenses - Drivers License Class D normal < 26,000.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Certifications - Plant Pesticide Applicator; Class B Commercial Driver's License. Work Experience - 3+ years.

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB KNOWLEDGE: Firm Job Knowledge - Firm working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to use in varied situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Acts as Lead - Acts as a Lead by guiding the work of others who perform essentially the same work.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES: No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 50% - Stand for prolonged period
• 50% - Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
• 25% - Walk or move about
• 70% - Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc
• 10% - Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder)
• 25% - Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl)
• 25% - Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
• 75% - Recognize or inspect visually
• 25% - Move, transport, raise or lower
• 60% - Extends hands or arms in any direction
• 75% - Perceive, observe, clarity of vision

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• 75% - Exposure to heat or cold
• 75% - Exposure to dust/fumes
• 50% - Wet or humid
• 75% - Noise
• 75% - Vibration
• 75% - Mechanical hazards
• 25% - Chemical hazards
• 75% - Radiant energy hazards
• 50% - Burn hazards
• 5% - Exposure to bio-hazards (i.e. blood, bodily fluids)

WORK SCHEDULE:

Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 3:30pm. Standard Hours: 40

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Expected Salary Range: ($ 30,000.00 - $ 34,000.00)

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL

Normal Operations. Required to follow emergency facility closure directives, and not normally expected work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION:

Clemson, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

October 7, 2025

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

MILITARY EQUIVALENCY: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties. VETERAN PREFERENCE: South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions. State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources. To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an AA/EEO employer and does not discriminate against any person or group on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, pregnancy, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or genetic information.