Horticulture Maintenance & Operations Technician

Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career Please Apply By: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 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. Did you know that Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation proudly hosts many community events each year? Hummingbird Festival, The Senior Games and Festival in the Park are just a few that our employees and residents look forward to every year! Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department (MCPRD) strives to enrich the lives of our residents. We do this by providing exciting and safe recreational amenities and programs, change to improve our resident's fitness levels and decrease health care costs. This contributes to a sense of community through events and spaces for the public to socialize, thereby increasing property values and providing tourism venues. We protect open space, natural areas, and our treasured tree canopy through stewardship. We play a critical role in ensuring Mecklenburg County achieves its vision that the county "will be a community of pride and choice for people to LIVE, WORK and RECREATE." The department serves a population exceeding one million residents and serves the City of Charlotte, six towns, and the unincorporated areas of the county covering 523 square miles. In addition, the department manages over 21,000 acres and 230+ parks, nature preserves, greenways and facilities. The Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department is continually recognized for its cutting-edge programs, state-of the-art facilities and unique partnerships. Our success is rooted in our staff. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team, dedicated to building a better community, and being recognized as leaders both in our community and across the country, then Mecklenburg County has great opportunities for you. POSITION SUMMARY The Mecklenburg County Horticulture team proudly manages and cares for all ornamental landscapes within the 210+ parks, facility areas, and greenway system trailheads within the Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation park system. We are also responsible for 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 of the park system. You will perform horticulture maintenance and installation. You will also assist the Horticulture Manager and Specialists in other areas including equipment operation and maintenance, OSHA compliance and safety training, and record-keeping. This position also performs routine maintenance activities in any of the maintenance areas. 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 this similar role, in which you meet the minimum qualifications for, at the other locations should they become available. If you are looking to grow in your career, or transition laterally into a new role, don't miss this opportunity to apply! We are seeking someone who exhibits these qualities: • 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 the profession of park horticulture and landscape management • Associates or 4-year degree in Horticulture, Botany, or Biology preferred ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • 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 ballfields • May assist in manual labor as needed such as brick laying, pipe laying, painting, carpentry, and other construction tasks • Layout measurements and line ballfields 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 removes 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 ...