Groundsworker

Job Details

Position code: 7812 – Department:
Facilities Management – Staff, Non-Exempt (12 months), Full-time (40 Hours)

Salary Range: $16.90-$20.00. Hiring Range:
Anticipated near or at the minimum of the classification, commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.

Introductory Period: 12 months – Available immediately – Posting Date:
February 10th, 2026 – Final date to receive applications:
Open until filled.

The Grounds worker is responsible for the care and maintenance of campus lawns and landscape across 160 acres, including planting, pruning, mowing, trimming, watering, fertilizing, and weeding. The role operates power equipment and may provide lead work direction to staff. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and after‑hours emergency response may be required.

• Perform tasks in caring and maintaining campus lawns and landscapes, including mowing, line trimming, and edging.
• Prepare areas, lay sod, sow seed; aerate and irrigate turf to enhance growth.
• Pick up litter and garbage to improve campus appearance.
• Clean clogged catch basins, ground drains, gutters, and curbs.
• Maintain trees, shrubs, and hedges by planting, pruning, trimming, watering, spraying, and weeding.
• Clean ground cover and shrub plantings.
• Perform minor irrigation repairs.
• Pull weeds by hand, rake, leaf, and pick up trash from planter beds.
• Clean debris from walkways and drives via hand broom or machine blower.
• Repair asphalt driveways and dig trenches using mechanized trenching machines.
• Perform minor non‑technical repairs to irrigation systems, tools, and equipment; clean Grounds Shop and equipment.
• Safely operate a variety of equipment including ride‑on mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, dump trucks, lifts, and trenchers; use line trimmers, edgers, blowers, hedge trimmers, and chain saws.
• Report unsafe conditions.
• Maintain confidentiality of information and adhere to all safety and university policies.
• Work occasional required overtime as needed.
• Contribute to department goals and objectives by accomplishing related duties.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Experience, Training, Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience in landscaped area maintenance or related work.
• Valid California Class C driver’s license with a good driving record. Out‑of‑state licenses are valid until appointment; must obtain Class C within ten days of appointment.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of commercial lawn and landscaping maintenance techniques, equipment, and materials.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain grounds maintenance equipment and tools.
• Understanding of safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic math, organizational, and detail orientation.
• Teamwork and independent work ability with minimal supervision in fast‑paced environment.
• Basic PC skills.
• Aptitude to learn evolving technology.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations; ability to interpret and apply them.
• Ability to foster positive relationships with diverse populations.

The role requires standard shop and field setting, outdoor environment with exposure to weather, chemicals, and noise. Flexibility to work evenings or weekends and after‑hours emergency response. Tasks include standing for long periods, operating hand tools, walking, carrying up to 25 lbs daily and up to 50 lbs occasionally, operating ladders, stairs, scaffolding, and handling equipment. Environmental controls are minimal.

Submit a resume/CV and cover letter. Assistive accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities. Contact (909) 748‑8040 to request accommodation or alternative application process.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. The university is a protected veteran and disability employer.

• Background check required (includes criminal records). Conditional offer may be rescinded if disqualifying information is found.
• Driver's license check required; DMV program confirms possession of a valid license and driving record.
• Physical exam required; some positions may require lifting in excess of 50 lbs. Psychological exam required only for safety officers.