Lead Athletic Fields Groundsworker

Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)!

Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives.

As a member of the CSULB community, you’ll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference.

Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It’s an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer.

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Grounds and Landscape Services or his designee, assist, supervise and coordinate the activities of Grounds workers, Gardeners, Gardening Specialists and other technicians/specialists engaged in general grounds maintenance for the Athletics Fields.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead/Supervision of Groundsworkers: Work planning, supervising/training and assisting staff engaged in in planting, cultivating, trash collecting and disposal, fertilizing, watering and spraying ornamental plants, shrubs, hedges, trees, lawns and flowers.
• Grounds maintenance: Schedules irrigation controllers in the field and through the Rain master central irrigation system, works with outside contractors/vendors in coordinating work, inspecting work completed to the satisfaction of University standards.
• With the Manager of Grounds and Landscape Services or his designee, perform inspections of assigned sections. Support established guidelines and procedures and inspect completed work. Support and assure departmental goals and procedures are being met and followed.

Department

Beach Building Services

1.0 time-base, 40 hours per week.

Duration of Appointment

This is a temporary position for one year with no permanent status granted. Temporary assignments may expire prior to the ending date.

Classification

Lead Groundsworker

Compensation

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.

CSU Classification Salary Range: The CSU Classification Salary Range for this position is $3,890 (Step #1) - $5,555(Step #19) per month.

Benefits

At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program is just one way the CSU demonstrates its dedication to your success and well-being. To be eligible for full benefits at CSU, you must be appointed at least half-time (.50 FTE) and your appointment must last more than six months and one day. Eligible employees have access to this comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans to suit your needs.
• Retirement Plans: Participation in CalPERS defined benefit plan and access to voluntary savings plans like 403(b), 401(k), and 457.
• Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waivers for employees and eligible dependents.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
• Additional Perks: Access to wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and various insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

The CSU offers comprehensive benefit packages tailored to individual bargaining units. Candidates are encouraged to review the applicable CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details on the benefits available.

Additionally, the CSU Total Compensation Calculator is available to help prospective employees understand the full value of the CSU benefits package and how it complements your base salary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the 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 and approved methods and materials used in their control and eradication. Horticultural methods and materials and planting and growing requirements of plants are commonly grown in California. Extensive knowledge of plants; Advance knowledge of irrigation programming, scheduling, design and installation. Ability to draft, coordinate and supervise the work of others. Ability to provide training, interpret policies and explain methods and procedures. Ability to read and write at a level sufficient for satisfactory job performance.

Ability to perform general gardening and grounds maintenance work. Supervision experience in an institutional setting. Knowledge and ability to read blueprints and inspect quality of work. Basic computer skills, ability to send and read email, operate other programs as trained. Must be able to occasionally work a flexible schedule to meet organizational needs. Experience working in a university or large organizational service setting. Maintains a safe work environment. Communicates with the University community in a civil manner. Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community. Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures. Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."

Education and Experience

Equivalent to a high school diploma and two years of experience in planting, cultivating, and maintaining flowers and shrubs, or in general grounds maintenance work required.

Licenses

• Valid California driver’s license required.

Application Procedures

Click “” to complete the CSULB Online Employment Application.

Please fill out the application completely. It is important that all sections of the online application are completed fully and accurately. Be sure to include all relevant education and experience. Your application will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

Physical Summary

Medium work - Job involves lifting heavy weight objects (20-40 pounds) and/or 20% - 40% of the job involves standing, squatting, kneeling, or walking. May require pushing or pulling objects within the weight limits.

Additional Information

CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSULB 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 background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Due to the nature of this position, current CSULB employees are subject to a criminal record check unless they have successfully completed a criminal background check through CSULB within the past 12 months.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

Equal Employment Statement

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSULB provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status. CSULB complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

California State University Long Beach expects respectful, professional behavior from its employees in all situations. Acts of harassment or abusive conduct are prohibited. Demonstrated appropriate professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct is expected of all employees.

Accommodations

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact StaffHR-Accommodations@csulb.edu.

Out of State Employment Policy

California State University, Long Beach, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California.

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.