Landscape Specialist - Facilities Services - UTK

This role requires strong horticulture knowledge and hands‑on experience to lead and execute landscape renovation projects and maintain long-term landscape beds. The position is responsible for scheduling and prioritizing daily tasks and will oversee event setup and teardown activities to help protect campus turf and landscape areas.

• Manage landscape and hard‑scape project planning and job sites. 
• Read, interpret, and apply landscape plans. 
• Perform site preparation, site layout, and plant and material purchasing. 
• Execute proper horticultural practices for plant and tree installation. 
• Install and maintain seasonal flower beds. 
• Design and implement rotation plans to refresh seasonal interest in all designated color bed locations. 
• Monitor soil health and conditions; make corrective adjustments as needed. 
• Perform manual and chemical weed and pest control, deadheading, pruning, and water management. 
• Apply chemicals in landscape and hard‑scape areas, including herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and fertilizers. 
• Calibrate, clean, and sterilize spray or push units before and after applications. 
• Conduct soil sampling and add amendments to resolve soil issues. 
• Manage and monitor event setup and teardown activities. 
• Coordinate with vendors and event organizers to ensure proper setup and protection of landscape areas. 
• Serve as point of contact to resolve event‑related issues impacting Facilities Services. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned. 
• Serve as a crew lead when the foreman is absent.
• Train landscape services team members on proper horticultural maintenance practices.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED

• Experience: 4 years of combined work experience/education within the landscape industry.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

• Ability to operate skid steer loaders, tractors, trenchers and other common landscape equipment.
• Ability to operate small hand-held landscaping equipment.
• Knowledge of commonly used plants and trees for our region. 
• Knowledge of regional horticulture practices.
• Ability to read and understand landscape plans.
• Ability to calibrate and clean/sterilize chemical application equipment.
• Knowledge of chemicals commonly used within the landscape industry. 
• Knowledge of how to apply chemicals safely. 
• Must have good communication, listening, and problem solving skills.

• Other Conditions: Valid Driver’s license

Work Location

• University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN Campus
• This is an on-site position

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR05
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

About The College/Department/Division

UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute.  The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.