Follow Your Calling, Find Your Career

Please Apply By: Wednesday, July 15, 2026

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 tasks. This includes but is not limited to pruning and trimming landscapes, pest control and managing soil health. The incumbent will also assist with plant health care and the ideal candidate would be well-versed in this area. 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 an NC Pesticide License, or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire

By applying to the Horticulture Technician position, you also may be considered for other positions outside of Horticulture, of which you may meet the minimum qualifications. A broader description of these positions are listed below in the Essential Functions, but not specific to Horticulture.

We Are Seeking Someone Who Exhibits These Qualities

Hard-working and self-starting
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 receive, sort, and package materials

Minimum Qualifications

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

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 effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures
Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships
Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided
Contributing to Team Success: Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals
Energy: Consistently maintaining high levels of activity or productivity; operating with vigor, effectiveness, and determination over extended periods of time
Managing Work: Effectively managing one’s time and resources to ensure that work is completed efficiently
Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in area of expertise

Compensation And Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, Mecklenburg County offers a generous benefits package which greatly increases your total compensation. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, long term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, medical bridge and pet insurance; dependent care, healthcare and commuter flexible spending accounts; health savings account; paid holiday, vacation and sick days; near site clinics for preventive care and illnesses; an employee discount program which provides discounts for retail, dining, shopping, travel, tickets and more; an employee assistance program including financial and legal counseling; access to Mecklenburg County fitness and aquatic facilities; paid family leave; tuition reimbursement; a 5% employer match on retirement savings plan contributions and a defined benefit plan for retirement.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Works outdoors in varying weather conditions

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS STATEMENT

To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job-related responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions. Other duties may be assigned based on business need and the supervisor’s request. Mecklenburg County reserves the right to revise the job description at any time. Designated positions may be required to assist in emergency and/or disaster situations.

Mecklenburg County

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Horticulture Maintenance & Operations Technician