Lead Groundsworker, Facilities Planning and Management

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, the lead Groundsworker provide journeyman level grounds maintenance work and oversee employees engaged in general landscaping and grounds maintenance work.

Responsibilities

Under general supervision, this position leads and works alongside a grounds crew to complete daily landscaping tasks. Responsibilities include assigning fair and appropriate duties based on area needs, coordinating pesticide applications and irrigation repairs, and managing work orders. The lead oversees and assists with major projects such as sod installation, sprinkler systems, pruning, landscaping, and event setups like graduation. Additional duties may include flower bed construction, drainage maintenance, athletic field upkeep, tree removal, and small-scale concrete or asphalt work.

Regular inspections of completed tasks are required, with documented reports submitted to the Landscape and Fleet Manager. The lead supports annual staff evaluations based on attitude, initiative, and job performance. In collaboration with the manager, they help set campus landscaping priorities and quality standards, and ensure proper care of turf, plants, and trees.

The role includes training new and current staff, leading hands-on and safety training (especially during inclement weather), and ensuring correct use of equipment. Inventory management of tools and materials is expected, along with submitting updates as requested.

The lead also assists with cost estimates and planning for new and existing system installations, reads and follows specifications and drawings, and prepares clear and concise reports. Other related duties may be assigned. All tasks should be carried out with initiative and a commitment to quality.

Minimum Qualifications: Required Education and Experience. 

Experience: Two years of experience in planting, cultivating and maintaining flowers and shrubs, or in general grounds maintenance work.

Required Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of methods, materials, and tools and equipment used in planting, cultivating, and caring for flowers, shrubs, lawns, and trees.
• General knowledge of common plant diseases, pests, and weeds.
• General knowledge of approved methods and materials used in their control and eradication, horticultural methods and materials and planting and growing requirements of plants commonly grown in California.
• Ability to lay out, coordinate, and oversee the work of others and provide training.
• Ability to interpret policies and explain methods and procedures.
• Ability to inspect and evaluate the work of others.
• Ability to read and write at a level appropriate to the position.
• Ability to perform general gardening and grounds maintenance work.
• May require possession of a valid California driver's license.

Compensation and Benefits:

Anticipated Hiring Range: minimum $3,907 - maximum $4,410 monthly. 

Classification Salary Range: minimum $3,907 - maximum $6,598 monthly. 

The salary offered will take into account internal equity and experience among other factors.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Position Information:

Full-time/Exempt/Probationary

Academic year schedule: Monday through Friday (8:00 am – 5:00 pm), some evenings/weekends.

Summer schedule: Monday through Thursday (7:00 am - 5:30 pm), some evenings/weekends.

Schedule for this position: Monday - Friday (6:00 am - 2:30 pm). 

The application deadline is: Tuesday, June 24, 2025. 

As of January 1, 2022, the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

California State University, San Bernardino is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (i.e. H1-B Visas).

Conditions of Employment

Background Check

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment.  CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.  Failure to satisfactorily complete the backgroun