Groundskeeper

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

• Performs skilled groundskeeping work including planting, cultivating, and maintaining campus lawns, plants, and shrubs.

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

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

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

• Treats plant disease and pest problems; mixes and applies 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 checks and removes debris; ensures the appropriate areas are irrigated; regularly checks and replaces 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; transports materials, tools, and equipment; and checks cart water.

• Clears ground storm drains of debris and other blockages.

• 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 groundskeeping 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.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

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 groundskeeping 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 appropriate 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 groundskeeping equipment used to sweep, blow, and water away debris.

• Irrigation and sprinkler system adjustment and maintenance. 

• Routine maintenance required for power groundskeeping equipment and tools.

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

• Safe driving practices using an electric cart.

Ability to:

• Safely use groundskeeping 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 equipment and/or handling hazardous or toxic materials.

• Maintain and adjust irrigation and sprinkler systems.

• Maintain power groundskeeping equipment and tools.

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

• Prioritize work and complete assignments accurately and within established deadlines.

• Provide and obtain detailed information to/from others. 

• Perform and prioritize multiple tasks. 

• Provide customer service with a high level of sensitivity, tact and patience.

• Exercise reasonable judgment in performing job duties. 

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with all employees and others encountered in the course of work. 

• Demonstrate a sensitivity to, and understanding of, the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students. 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STANDARDS:

The following physical and mental standards are identified as necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.  However, reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Mobility: frequent walking, standing, climbing, and pushing, pulling, crouching, and kneeling; occasional reaching above and below shelf levels.

• Dexterity: frequent use of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to grasp, hold, and operate hand and power tools and grounds equipment.

• Lifting: frequent ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

• Visual Requirements: frequent use of vision to see close, distant, and peripheral objects; adjust focus as necessary; and perceive depth and colors.

• Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and speaking in person and on the telephone. 

• Emotional/Psychological Factors: frequent contact with others, including extensive team and supervisory contact; frequent deadlines and time-limited assignments.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed outside, on campus grounds and in a landscaping/grounds maintenance environment in varied weather conditions.