Gardener - Buildings & Grounds Department (2026-27)

Ref: 9294

BASIC FUNCTION: Under general supervision, perform skilled landscaping, gardening work, and grounds maintenance.

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 reflect the principal job elements accurately.)

E = Essential Functions

• Plant, cultivate, trim, prune, water, fertilize, spray, and propagate 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 and engineering employees, and outside contractors. E
Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of education, training and/or experience equivalent to: graduation from high school and two 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, lawns, 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
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
Observe all legal and District defensive driving practices

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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
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.