Date Opened: Monday, April 20, 2026 12:00 AM

Close Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026 12:00 AM

Department: General Services Department

Salary: $24.00 - $23.00 Commensurate with Experience

Welcome to the City of Charlotte

Charlotte is America’s Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents.

Our guiding principles include:

• Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce

• Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development

• Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services

• Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems

• Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions

SUMMARY

The Landscape Crew Member – E2E position is designed for recent high school graduates seeking to launch a career in landscape maintenance, arboriculture, and urban forestry through the City of Charlotte’s Education 2 Employment program. This entry-level position provides hands-on training and mentorship in professional landscape operations, tree care, and public service while developing essential workplace skills and technical competencies in a municipal government setting. Salary is $23.50/hour.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform tree training and pruning from the ground using hand saws, pole saws, and related tools.

• Assist in young tree maintenance, including structural pruning and removal of dead or damaged limbs.

• Safely operate and maintain pruning equipment, hand tools, and other arboriculture equipment.

• Ensure safe and clean work zones; provide traffic control when required per NCDOT and WATCH Handbook guidelines.

• Maintain tools and equipment in good working condition; report repairs or replacements as needed.

• Support the arborist education and outreach team by participating in public demonstrations, school events, and community programs related to tree care and environmental stewardship.

• Interact courteously and professionally with residents, community partners, and other City staff while representing the Arborist Group in the field.

• Work cooperatively with team members to complete assignments safely and efficiently. 

• Work outdoors year-around in varying and sometimes adverse weather conditions.

• Participate in on-the-job training sessions and professional development opportunities provided through the E2E program with the City of Charlotte’s Office of Workforce Development.

• Other duties as assigned.

 Transferable Skills Developed

This E2E position provides recent high school graduates with valuable transferable skills applicable to multiple career pathways:

Technical Skills:

• Equipment operation and maintenance

• Safety protocol implementation and OSHA compliance

• Hand and power tool proficiency

• Basic arboriculture and horticulture practices

• Traffic control and site management

Professional Skills:

• Time management and punctuality

• Following detailed instructions and standard operating procedures

• Quality control and attention to detail

• Problem-solving in field conditions

• Documentation and reporting

Interpersonal Skills:

• Teamwork and collaboration in diverse work environments

• Professional communication with supervisors, coworkers, and the public

• Customer service and community engagement

• Conflict resolution and adaptability

• Leadership development through mentorship opportunities

Career Readiness:

• Understanding municipal government operations

• Workplace professionalism and ethics

• Physical fitness and stamina for outdoor labor

• Environmental stewardship and sustainability awareness

• Foundation for careers in landscape management, urban forestry, parks and recreation, environmental services, or skilled trades

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic understanding of arboriculture tools, pruning techniques, and safety practices (training will be provided).

• Ability to perform physical work, including lifting up to 50 pounds, bending, climbing, and standing for extended periods.

• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and adhere to established safety standards. 

• Willingness to learn and develop technical skills in landscape maintenance and tree care.

• Reliable transportation to report to assigned work locations.

• Positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Minimum Qualifications – E2E Program Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age by July 13, 2026.

• Must graduate from a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) high school as part of the Class of 2026.

• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License (or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire) with a good driving record.

• Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

• Ability to work full-time schedule (40 hours per week).

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in pursuing a career in arboriculture, horticulture, landscape management, or urban forestry.

• Previous experience with pruning, landscaping, lawn care, or outdoor maintenance work (summer jobs, internships, volunteer work, etc.)

• Participation in high school programs related to agriculture, environmental science, or vocational trades.

• Basic knowledge of plant identification and care.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, snow, and humidity.

• Requires prolonged standing, walking on uneven terrain, bending, stooping, kneeling, and climbing.

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 75 pounds with assistance.

• Exposure to loud noise, dust, pollen, and chemicals used in landscape maintenance.

• Must wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) that will be provided and includes safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, and steel-toed boots.

• Work schedule is typically Monday through Friday during daylight hours; occasional weekend or evening work may be required.

• Will participate in emergency storm response work as needed to support the City’s emergency operations.

Benefits

The City of Charlotte offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, wellbeing, and long-term success of its employees.  Full-time employees are eligible for:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Retirement savings through the City’s 401(k) plan

• Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

• Life insurance and disability coverage

• Employee assistance programs and wellness resources

Education Assistance:

The City of Charlotte provides education assistance to support continued learning and career advancement, including:

• Tuition reimbursement for post-secondary credentials at any accredited college or university, subject to program guidelines and annual limits

• Tuition prepayment in partnership with Central Piedmont Community College for eligible programs aligned with City career paths, subject to program guidelines and annual limits.

Employees are encouraged to use these benefits to pursue degrees, certificates, continuing education, and other credentials that enhance their skills and support advancement within the organization.

Additional E2E Program Information

Employment Status: This is a full-time, permanent position within the City of Charlotte’s General Services Department, Landscape & Design Division, with continued employment contingent upon successful performance and compliance during the six-month probationary period.

Training and Development: Participants in the Education 2 Employment (E2E) will receive structured workplace readiness training, including Working Smart, Financial Literacy, OSHA-10, Defensive Driving, and Health & Wellness, in addition to position specific training.  They will also receive mentorship and training from experienced landscape professionals to support success and long-term career growth.

To Apply

Interested candidates must meet all minimum qualifications and submit a complete application through the City of Charlotte’s career portal.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will close on April 18, 2026.

 

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We value diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Contact Information:

City of Charlotte – Office of Workforce Development

Education 2 Employment Program

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior.

Our culture is to serve the community honorably.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.

BENEFITS

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.