Lead Gardener - Buildings & Grounds Department (2026-27)

Ref. PCN1179

BASIC FUNCTION: Under general supervision, oversee and perform skilled landscaping, gardening work and grounds maintenance.  Provide work direction, and guidance to garden personnel.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements).

E = Essential Functions 

Oversee planting, cultivation, trimming, pruning, watering, fertilizing, spraying, and propagation of ornamental plants, shrubs, hedges, trees, and flowers.  E

Prepare soil and seeds, fertilize, water, cut, trim and care for lawns using hand and power mowers and equipment.  E

Use appropriate treatment in keeping assigned areas free from pests and plant diseases.  E

Determine the need and replace old and diseased trees, plants and shrubs.  E

Rake leaves, hoe weeds, sweep walks, pick up papers, and perform general grounds maintenance work.  E

Operate and repair lawn sprinkler systems.  E

Operate irrigation time clocks.  E

Maintain hoses, supplies, tools and equipment in proper condition and repair.  E

Drive a District vehicle towing a self-service trailer.  E

Complete work assignments from plans, written orders, and oral instructions.  E

Work with all District employees, architecture, engineering employees, and outside contractors.  E

Provide work direction and guidance of garden personnel.  E

Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  Any combination of education, training and/or experience equivalent to: a high school diploma, and six years experience in general garden maintenance.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

Valid California Driver’s License 

Employment eligibility will include fingerprints, tuberculosis and/or other employment clearance

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:

Approved methods of planting, propagating and caring for hedges, trees, shrubs, lawn, and flowers

Appropriate gardening materials, hand tools, and power equipment in cultivating and caring for lawns and landscaping

Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures governing workscope

Safety and Health Protection on the Job (OSHA Regulations)

Safe working methods and procedures

Technical aspects of field of specialty

ABILITY TO:

Recognize common plant diseases and insect pests and apply approved methods and materials in control and eradication

Accurately estimate labor, time, and material

Interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing workscope

Communicate effectively in English orally and in writing 

Understand and follow oral and written instructions

Meet schedules and timelines

Maintain routine records

Complete work independently with minimal supervision

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships

Provide work direction and guidance to garden personnel

Observe all legal and District defensive driving practices

WORKING CONDITIONS
ENVIRONMENT:

Outdoor environment; driving a District vehicle to conduct work; seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions; working around and with machinery having moving parts; exposure to hazardous chemicals

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Consistent mental alertness and dexterity of fingers and both arms and hands to ensure safety and successful completion of essential functions; standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods of time; lifting and carrying light to moderately-heavy objects, occasionally more than 50 pounds; pushing and pulling exerting force to approximately 50 pounds, occasionally 50 pounds; handling small to large-sized materials, equipment or items; climbing up and down ladders; bending and twisting at waist and neck; crouching and crawling; kneeling and bending at the waist; reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; using hand and power tools; repetitive use of upper extremities; seeing to read, write, and to complete projects; hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:

The Oakland Unified School District does not discriminate in any program, activity, or in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, sex, or sexual orientation.

Salary : $65,922 - $76,495