Position Summary
Under the direct supervision of the Grounds Supervisor, the primary responsibility of the Groundsworker is to plant, cultivate, fertilize, water; rake leaves; remove weeds; remove debris; maintain lawns; prepare and treat soils for planting; utilize and maintain tools, supplies and equipment; trim and prune trees, shrubs, and hedges; and erect tree supports. The Groundsworker may operate and perform minor maintenance on small power-operated equipment. They may also assist in sprinkler repair or nursery functions; and provide work direction to students or unskilled assistants.
Position Information
The Groundsworker position requires a skill level and knowledge commensurate with the ability to perform the job, including the above skill requirements, in a semi-independent manner under the direct supervision of the Grounds Operations Manager. • General gardening, grounds and exterior maintenance, and landscape installation. • Related duties as assigned. • Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of general gardening and grounds maintenance methods. General knowledge of proper methods of planting, cultivating, and caring for hedges, ornamental trees, shrubs, lawns, and flowers, and the use and care of gardening materials, tools, and equipment.
- Abilities: Ability to recognize the more common species of ornamental shrubs, trees and flowers grown in California; perform strenuous physical work as described in this classification; utilize mechanical aptitude and motor coordination; learn to skillfully operate small trucks and power-driven grounds equipment; read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position; and follow simple oral and written instructions.
- Experience: One year of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or in general grounds maintenance work, or in related manual labor.
- License: Some positions may require possession of a valid California driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
The Groundsworker will be responsible for the maintenance of the University’s grounds adhering to the high standards of the department and the University. As such, the Groundsworker should have basic knowledge of: • Turf and plant maintenance • Irrigation installation and maintenance • Pesticide application; Possession of a valid California State Qualified Applicator Certificate is desirable • Installation of plant material • Pruning • Equipment usage and maintenance • Landscape installation Must have a general knowledge of the methods, materials, chemicals, and equipment used in landscape construction or maintenance to perform the skill requirements listed. Candidate must be able to work in a highly visible position. Must possess strong interpersonal communication skills including English language usage and comprehension capacity. Under the direction of the Grounds Operations Manager, candidate must have strong professional skills, the ability to work independently and follow through with tasks independently. Candidate must possess a strong ability to coordinate multiple projects throughout the year. Candidate must have the ability to work well with students, faculty, staff and administrators.
Environmental/Physical/Special
Moderate to heavy physical tasks. Must be able to lift in excess of 75 pounds. Majority of work will be outdoors and in inclement weather. Position requires the ability to wear a uniform that is used by the department and to carry a department provided mobile phone/radio and answer calls during the work schedule.
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