Groundskeeper - Substitute

Under general supervision, performs skilled groundskeeping work in planting, cultivating, and maintaining campus lawns, plants, and shrubs; prepares garden beds for planting and surfaces for laying sod; plants and maintains trees, grass, flowers, hedges, and shrubs using groundskeeping equipment; treats plant disease and pest problems; maintains and adjusts sprinkler systems; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervision

Works under the direct supervision of the department supervisor and receives work direction from the Lead Groundskeeper.

Does not directly or indirectly supervise other employees but may provide work direction to temporary employees.

Work Schedule

This is a temporary substitute position on an as needed basis. Schedule will vary as needed for coverage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

The following duties and responsibilities are typical of those in this class ification.

• P erforms skilled g roundskeeping work in cluding planting, cultivating, and maintaining campus lawns, plants, and shrubs .

• Prepares garden beds for planting and surfaces and soils for laying sod ; rototill s and shovel s soil in order to maintain landscaped areas.

• Plants and maintains trees, grass, flowers, hedges, and shrubs using g roundskeep ing equipment ; (e.g. , mowers, stakes, edgers, sprayers, fertilizers, tractors, and blowers ) ; maintain s right of way for roads, sidewalks, and utilities to improve the appearance, health and value of the c ampus grounds.

• Clears leaves, brush , clippings, litter , and other debris from sidewalks, campus grounds , and parking areas using appropriate g roundskeep ing equipment (e.g., rakes, power blowers, and water hoses).

• Treats plant disease and pest problems ; mix es and appl ies insecticides, herbicides, and pesticides as needed ; sprays areas infested with weeds, pests, and insects in accordance with the label instructions.

• Maintains and adjusts sprinkler systems ; regularly check s and remov es debris ; ensur es the appropriate areas are irrigated ; regularly check s and replac es sprinkler system batteries; makes system adjustments as necessary.

• Disposes of green waste by bagging clippings and other green materials and transporting to dumpsters using an electric cart .

• Operates electric carts ; transport s materials, tools, and equipment; and checks cart water.

• Clears ground storm drains of debris and other blockage s .

• Responds to emergency situations related to irrigation issues as well as downed trees or limbs (i.e., locating leaks and shutting off valves and trimming branches and limbs for easier disposal) .

• Adjusts and performs minor maintenance on power g roundskeep ing equipment and tools ( i.e . , replacing blades and worn belts and adding oil) as necessary to maintain proper functioning; notifies department management if more involved maintenance is required .

• May provide work direction to temporary employees .

• P erforms other related duties as assigned.

The education, training , and experience qualifications are considered likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities to perform the above essential duties.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent.

One (1) year of experience performing gardening, nursery, or grounds keeping maintenance work.

Licenses/Certifications/Other Requirements:

The incumbent may periodically be required to travel to various locations. If the operation of a vehicle is required , the employee must have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid California driver’s license.

Knowledge of:

• Landscaping and maintenance of garden beds, including methods, procedures , and equipment used.

• Methods, materials, and equipment used in planting and maintaining plant life grown in Southern California .

• Pests, weeds, and insects common to Southern California and the a ppropriate uses of pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides to treat plant disease and pest problems.

• Protection and safety requirements applicable to working with power equipment and hazardous or toxic material .

• Techniques to safely operate power equipment and handle, mix, and apply hazardous or toxic material.

• The appropriate use and maintenance of g roundskeep ing equipment used to sweep, blow, and water away debris .

• Irrigation and sprinkler system adjustment and maintenance.

• Routine maintenance required for power g roundskeep ing equipment and tools.

• Safe work methods and safety regulations applicable to the area s of assignment.

• Safe driving practices using an electric cart.

Ability to :

• Safely use g roundskeeping equipment to landscape and maintain campus grounds, fields, and gardens.

• Drive an electric cart to transport materials, tools , and equipment.

• Identify different types of pests, insects, and weeds to determine the most effective pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides to use.

• Mix and apply pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides in accordance with the printed instructions to treat plant disease and pest problems.

• Adhere to safety requirements when working with power…