General Utility Worker III – Grounds

Salary: $34,831.70 Annually
Location : 876 Skyland Drive -- Sylva, NC
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Job Number: 20260071
Department: Grounds
Opening Date: 05/04/2026
Closing Date: 5/29/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Position Overview
This position is responsible for the beautification of county grounds and property. Applicants must be age 18 or older.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates a variety of grounds maintenance tools and equipment including power and hand tools, drills, grinders, compressors, mowers, weed eaters, blowers, gauges, meters and impact tools.
• Operates heavy ground equipment, such as tractors.
• Mows, weed-eats, landscapes, sprays pesticides, uses fertilizers, aerates.
• Performs field maintenance, tractor work, hauling gravel and mulch, and tree work.
• Assists Emergency Management with logistics during and inclement weather or emergency situations, such as snow plowing and salting of Jackson County roads, property, parks, and buildings.
• Assists with beautification and decoration of County buildings and grounds for special events.
• Performs building maintenance as needed.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent; one (1) year directly related landscaping experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.A background in horticulture and experience in equipment maintenance is preferred.

Licenses or Certifications: Possession of a valid, State of North Carolina driver's license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.

Grade: 18

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of County and departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
• Knowledge of the geography of the County and surrounding areas.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of standard carpentry construction, maintenance, and repair procedures.
• Knowledge safe working practices.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to make timely and sound decisions.
• Ability to adhere to all established safety standards and ensure such standards are not violated.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and landscaping equipment.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with management, employees, members of the general public and other groups involved in the activities of the County as they relate to the department.

Statement of Equal Employment Opportunity

Jackson County recognizes its continued success in meeting the needs of its citizens requires the full and active participation of talented and committed individuals, regardless of their gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or political affiliation. It is the policy of the County to foster, maintain, and promote equal opportunity by use of a systematic, consistent recruitment program, and to identify and attract the most qualified applicants for employment with the County. This policy is to be achieved by announcing all position vacancies, by evaluating all applicants using the same criteria, and by applying testing methods through the NC Career Works Office. Selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
Jackson County provides a robust offering of employee benefits including: employer paid medical and dental benefits, participation in the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System, paid leave (vacation, sick, and holiday), Employee Clinic, Wellness program, and supplemental benefit offerings. A full overview of benefits is available at