Groundsworker

POSITION CODE: 7812

DEPARTMENT/ADMINISTRATION: Facilities Management

POSITION: Staff, Non-Exempt (12 months), Full-time (40 Hours) 

SALARY RANGE: $16.90-$20.00

HIRING RANGE: Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification,

commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.

INTRODUCTORY PERIOD: Twelve (12) Months 

AVAILABLE: Immediately

POSTING DATE: February 10th, 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open Until Filled, Apply Immediately.

Definition of Classification:

The Groundsworker is responsible for the care and maintenance of the campus lawns and landscape throughout 160 acres of improved grounds. Performs planting, pruning, mowing, trimming, watering, fertilizing, and weeding. Operates small power-operated pavement sweepers, power mowers, small riding mowers, and other gardening power equipment.

Reporting to the Grounds Manager, ensure an aesthetically pleasing, safe, and clean University environment. May drive pick-ups and other automotive equipment in performance of assigned duties and may provide lead work direction to staff.

This position requires flexibility to work evening and/or weekend hours, as required. After-hours emergency response may be required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs a wide variety of tasks in the care and maintenance of campus lawns and landscape including campus turf areas by mowing, line trimming, and edging.
• Prepares areas, lays sod, and sow’s seed; aerates and irrigates turf to enhance turf growth.

• Picks up litter and garbage to enhance campus appearance.
• Cleans up clogged catch basins and ground drains, gutters, and curbs
• Maintains trees, shrubs, and hedges by planting, pruning, trimming, watering, spraying, and weeding.
• Cleans ground cover and shrub plantings.
• Performs minor irrigation repairs.
• Pulls weeds by hand, rakes, leaves, and picks up trash from planter beds.
• Cleans debris from walkways and drives using hand broom or machine blower.
• May repair asphalt driveways and dig trenches using mechanized trenching machine.
• May perform minor non-technical repairs to irrigation system, tools, and equipment; cleans Grounds Shop and equipment.
• Safely operates a variety of equipment used in grounds maintenance such as ride on mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, dump trucks, lifts, and trenchers; operates a variety of power and hand tools such as line trimmers, edgers, blowers, hedge trimmers, and chain saws.
• Reports unsafe conditions observed or encountered while completing assigned work.
• Maintains department confidence and safeguards operations by keeping information confidential; adheres to all safety and University policies and procedures.
• Works occasional required overtime based on the need of the university.
• Contributes to department goals and objectives by accomplishing related duties as needed.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

 Qualification Guidelines

Any combination equivalent to, but not limited to, the following:

Experience/Training/Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas, general grounds maintenance work or related work.
• A valid California Class C CA drivers’ license with a good driving record is required. Note: Out-of-state licenses are valid until appointment. A valid California Class “C” driver’s license must be obtained within ten (10) days of appointment (in accordance with CA Vehicle Code 12505c).

 Note: A physical examination demonstrating physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge and Skills:           

• Knowledge of commercial lawn and landscaping maintenance techniques, methods, material, and equipment.
• Ability to safely operate a variety of lawn and landscaping maintenance equipment and tools.
• Safety rules, regulations, and procedure for grounds maintenance.

• Ability to operate and maintain all lawn and landscape maintenance equipment and report any issues.

• Ability to clearly communicate information both verbally and in