Plant, Outdoors

TBR | The College System of Tennessee

The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) is Tennessee's largest higher education system, governing 40 post-secondary educational institutions with over 200 teaching locations. The TBR system includes 13 community colleges and 27 colleges of applied technology, providing programs to students across the state, country and world.

Grounds Technician

  • Blountville, Tennessee, United States
  • Staff
  • Staff Full-Time
  • Closing on: Jun 21 2026
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Title: Grounds Technician

Employee Classification: Service/Maintenance

Institution: Northeast State Community College

Department: Plant Operations

Salary:  $14.24 - $16.54 hourly, dependent on experience and education

Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Plant Operations for Grounds & Custodial Services, the Grounds Technician maintains the grounds for Northeast State Community College campuses and assists with the maintenance of the equipment for grounds, custodial, & motor vehicle pool.

Job Duties

Grounds and Landscaping:

• Mix soils in proportions for proper plant growth and drainage.

• Determine the need to prune plants, shrubs, and trees; apply correct pruning techniques.

• Inspect plants for diseases, pests, etc., and determine treatment procedures.

• Mix and apply herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers.

• Cultivate and maintain flower beds.

• Maintain grounds, streets, and sidewalks by mowing, clearing debris, patching asphalt and concrete, installing exterior signage, and painting parking and traffic markings.

• Assist in the removal of snow in parking lots and sidewalks with the proper equipment.

• Trim, rake, edge, weed, and other related tasks on all college properties.

• Operate various equipment such as tractors, mowers, and weed eaters in the performance of duties.

• Construct new sidewalk areas.

• Repair and paint outdoor fixtures.

Equipment Maintenance:

• Assist with maintaining fleet vehicles: changing oil, rotating tires, minor repairs, and cleaning vehicles interior and exterior.

• Assist in the maintenance of custodial equipment: changing oil, replacing cords, troubleshooting, and cleaning.

• Assist in the recycling of batteries, bulbs, paint, metal and cardboard.

• Help shop areas move heavy equipment or transport equipment that has been donated to the college.

• Assist the custodial department: Checking bathrooms, cleaning windows, and special events.

• Assist all campus sites: cleaning, hauling furniture and computers, installing signs, dispensers, etc.

• Complete other assignments as directed by supervision. 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Three (3) or more years of relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Technology Skills: basic computer skills.
  • Ability to work alone or in a group to complete a task.
  • Willingness to do the job with a sense of pride.
  • Ability to work cooperatively and professionally with all College constituents.
  • Ability to work with extended periods of standing, walking, lifting, pulling, and pushing.
  • Ability to bend, twist, stoop, and squat, as well as the ability to grasp and handle.
  • Ability to operate manual and power-driven equipment used in the performance of the job safely and effectively.
  • Ability to perform manual labor in all weather conditions.
  • Ability to lift up to 75 pounds without assistance preferred
  • Ability to ride a mower for long periods of time.
  • Ability to work around loud noise, chemicals, fumes, and dust.

Additional Notes: 

  • Travel required to all campus sites as needed. 

For assistance regarding the job ad, application process, or application status, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 423-354-5183 or HRstaffing@northeaststate.edu.

Special Instructions to Applicants: To be considered for a position at Northeast State, you must create an online application. A resume and unofficial transcripts are required; a cover letter is optional. You will also be required to provide the contact information for a minimum of three (3) professional references. If you are selected for an interview your references WILL be automatically contacted. Your skills, abilities, qualifications, and years.