What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grounds Maintenance Technician position at Yosemite Community College District?
Position Information
Job Title
Grounds Maintenance Technician - Facilities Planning, Operations, and Transportation - Central Services/Columbia College
Site:
Columbia College
Salary Range / Other
Range 25: $4,044 to $5,161 per month (2024-2025 Classified Salary Schedule)
Appointments are hired at the first step of the range. The second step is paid after the first year of satisfactory service with subsequent steps annually thereafter to a maximum sixth step.
Worksite: Columbia College; Sonora, CA
40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
Monday through Friday: 5:30am – 2:00pm
8 hours per day, 5 days per week
(May include evenings & weekends)
Appointments are hired at the first step of the range. The second step is paid after the first year of satisfactory service with subsequent steps annually thereafter to a maximum sixth step.
Worksite: Columbia College; Sonora, CA
40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
Monday through Friday: 5:30am – 2:00pm
8 hours per day, 5 days per week
(May include evenings & weekends)
Benefits
The District currently pays for a health options for the employee and dependents. Employees may elect to pay a premium for a higher health option. Vision care and dental insurance premiums for the employee and dependents is District paid. Income protection and life insurance premiums for the employee are also District paid. The estimated cost of District provided benefits (health, dental, vision, and life) is $24,408 annually.
Position Summary Information
Job Description
DEFINITION
Under direction, performs specialized grounds maintenance duties and/or may serve as a lead worker for an assigned shift and/or area; plans, leads and directs activities pertaining to grounds maintenance such as mowing, sweeping, trenching, planting, weeding, irrigating, and pruning; performs difficult and specialized duties such as maintaining undeveloped and rugged terrain, planning and preparing fire breaks, and removing snow; installs and maintains irrigation systems, including drip and other nontraditional systems necessary for uneven terrain; applies herbicides and pesticides; operates a variety of light and heavy-duty grounds maintenance equipment, including snow removal equipment; may coordinate and perform light construction projects related to the development of an outdoor area for public use; and performs related work as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is advanced level class of the Grounds Maintenance Series within the Yosemite Community College District (YCCD). Incumbents in this class perform specialized grounds maintenance, gardening and related duties in order to ensure that landscaped and naturalized areas are both attractive and functional. Duties may include standard activities such as mowing and edging large lawn areas and athletic fields, weeding planted areas, pruning trees and shrubs, maintaining sprinkler systems, and spraying herbicides and pesticides. However, incumbents also perform the most difficult grounds maintenance duties and/or may serve as lead workers for an assigned shift and/or area. Specialized duties may include the maintenance of undeveloped and rugged terrain, the planning and preparation of fire breaks, the removal of snow, and the installation of drip and other non-traditional irrigation systems. Incumbents may also coordinate and perform light construction projects related to the development of an outdoor area for public use.
This class can be distinguished from the lower-level class of Grounds Maintenance Worker because that class is the journey level where incumbents perform the full range of standard grounds maintenance duties but do not have regular lead worker responsibilities and do not perform the most difficult duties described above.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Incumbents in this class work under the direction of a manager, receiving occasional supervision while working toward a definite objective that requires use of a wide range of procedures. Incumbents plan and/or determine specific procedures or equipment required to meet assigned objectives and solve nonroutine problems, referring only unusual matters to a supervisor.
An incumbent in this class does not directly supervise other full-time employees, but may serve as a lead worker for an assigned area or shift with responsibility for assigning, directing and/or monitoring the work of subordinate full-time employees on a regular basis.
Minimum Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The knowledge and ability requirements are representative of essential duties. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Knowledge of:
- Methods, techniques, supplies, materials and equipment utilized in facilities and grounds maintenance, landscaping, and beautification, including those pertaining to fire protection, snow removal, and the maintenance of undeveloped areas.
- Principles and practices of employee supervision and leadership.
- Tools, equipment, procedures, practices and techniques required to repair and maintain a variety of grounds equipment.
- Sprinkling and irrigation systems, landscaping, common trees and shrubs, as well as symptoms of plant diseases and pest infestation.
- Common fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides.
- Principles, methods and techniques of organization and supervision.
- Safe working methods and procedures.
- Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.
- Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to:
- Lead and direct grounds maintenance personnel.
- Perform the more complex and technical grounds maintenance tasks, including those pertaining to rough terrain, fire protection, snow removal and maintaining undeveloped areas.
- Maintain and prepare needed records and reports.
- Skillfully and effectively operate a variety of grounds maintenance equipment and tools.
- Plan preventive maintenance programs and activities.
- Perform moderately heavy manual activities.
- Interpret blueprints, landscape plans, drawings, schematics and other technical publications.
- Perform cost analyses and estimate time and materials costs of projects.
- Troubleshoot and diagnose repair needs of all power equipment.
- Accurately determine mechanical repair needs and estimate the cost and time of repairs.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Education and Experience
Education and Experience:
Any combination of education, experience and/or training that would likely provide the above-required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. Typical background patterns that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities are:
-
Pattern I
- Experience: One-year equivalent to a Grounds Maintenance Technician in YCCD.
OR
-
Pattern II
- Education: Possession of a High School diploma or GED.
- Experience: Three years performing grounds maintenance duties that required the operation of large grounds equipment, tree trimming and repair, and the repair/maintenance of irrigations systems. Some experience maintaining large areas of undeveloped terrain is preferred.
Special Requirements:
- Within 60 days of employment, must obtain a Backflow Testing Certificate approved by the California Department of Health Services, and must maintain certification for continued employment.
- Within 60 days of employment, must obtain a Pesticide Applicator Certificate from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, and must maintain certification for continued employment.
Example of Duties
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only)
- Plans, directs and leads a variety of grounds keeping and maintenance duties involving a wide range of campus facilities; personally performs the more complex grounds maintenance duties including those related to the maintenance of large areas of undeveloped and rugged terrain.
- May serve as a lead worker for an assigned shift and/or area; plans, coordinates and monitors the work of subordinate employees; receives and assigns day-to-day priorities; provides direction and guidance to staff and makes decisions regarding routine activities, particularly in the absence of a supervisor; monitors and schedules shift coverage; participates in the hiring of full-time, part-time and student workers.
- Monitors the work performed by subordinate staff to ensure quality control; provides training to employees and others regarding job duties and safety procedures.
- Coordinates and performs light construction projects related to the development of an outdoor area for public use; clears brush and trees; levels and paves area; constructs fences, benches, picnic tables or other items to create an attractive and useful area.
- Evaluates fire risks in undeveloped areas; plans and prepares fire breaks to minimize fire spread; digs trenches and clears vegetation.
- Operates snow removal equipment; monitors snow loads and implements mitigation efforts to minimize damage to plants and outdoor landscaping; considers snow tolerance when choosing and planting new vegetation.
- Installs and maintains sprinkler and other irrigation systems, including drip and other nontraditional irrigation systems due to uneven terrain; maintains backflow valves and other safety equipment.
- Mows large fields; edges and trims grass areas as needed; applies fertilizers and herbicides; refurbishes damaged areas.
- Smoothes and levels athletic fields and running tracks.
- Sweeps or blows off large areas of asphalt and concrete; picks up trash and litter.
- Weeds and maintains planter beds and borders; fills, levels, fertilizes and otherwise prepares areas for planting; spreads bark and/or other surface treatments.
- Plants a variety of items including annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees.
- Trims and prunes trees and shrubs using hand tools and specialized high lift equipment as needed; coordinates difficult tree and other plant removal as needed.
- Establishes and maintains sprinkler and irrigation schedules; monitors landscaping for irrigation issues and troubleshoots/resolves problems.
- Digs trenches for irrigation systems, gas lines, electrical lines and other purposes; back fills trenches after lines are laid.
- Assists in preparing areas for concrete pours; sets forms and places reinforcement materials; finishes concrete to a smooth or broom finish.
- Applies herbicide and pesticide sprays for weed and insect control.
- Operates a variety of power grounds keeping equipment including large gang mowers, tractors, backhoe equipment and sweepers.
- Operates small manual and power tools; performs preventive and basic maintenance, making minor repairs and adjustments as needed.
- Maintains basic records; monitors supply and equipment inventories; coordinates purchases with vendors and other sources.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Licenses and Certificates
Licenses and Certificates:
- A valid license to drive in California is required.
Physical and Mental Standards
Physical and Mental Standards:
- Mobility: full range of motion in upper and lower extremities; ability to ascend and descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, and ramps; walk or stand for extended periods.
- Dexterity: manual dexterity to operate equipment and use hand tools, and handle and work with various materials and objects.
- Lifting: frequently lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 50 pounds; occasionally life objects up to 75 pounds.
- Visual Requirements: close vision sufficient to perform gardening tasks and read labels and documents; ability to adjust focus frequently.
- Hearing/Talking: ability to hear normal speech, speak and hear on the telephone, and speak in person.
- Emotional/Psychological Factors: frequent contact with others including some public contact.
- Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work is generally performed in an outdoor field environment. Duties may require exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, and inclement weather conditions.
Additional Applicant Information
Applications are accepted online only at:
https://www.yosemite.edu/recruitment/employmentopportunities/
Select Job Openings, Select Search Jobs, Select Job Title, Create an account and Apply to this job.
Classified:
This is a classified bargaining unit position.
SELECTION PROCEDURES
Only online application packets will be accepted including:
https://www.yosemite.edu/recruitment/employmentopportunities/
Select Job Openings, Select Search Jobs, Select Job Title, Create an account and Apply to this job.
Classified:
This is a classified bargaining unit position.
SELECTION PROCEDURES
Only online application packets will be accepted including:
- YCCD Administrative online application, including contact information for at least three professional references .
- Resume
- Personal letter of interest
Applications will be reviewed by a screening committee which will select candidates to be interviewed.
Those applicants selected for personal interview will be notified by email or phone. In accordance with Board policy official offers of employment will be made only by the Chancellor or Vice Chancellor/Human Resources, YCCD. Final appointment is subject to confirmation by the Board of Trustees.
Federal law requires the District employ only US citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. Written verification of employment eligibility is required.
BACKGROUND CHECK: A background investigation of new employees is required, including reference checks and a state criminal history report. Employment will not begin until the history check has been cleared by Human Resources. The cost for the criminal history report will be the responsibility of the successful candidate.
The District may hire more than one applicant from this applicant pool.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
The Yosemite Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
It is the policy of Yosemite Community College District (Modesto Junior College and Columbia College) not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or disability in its educational programs and its employment practices. YCCD BP 3410 Nondiscrimination can be found at: https://www.yosemite.edu/trustees/board_policy/3410 Nondiscrimination.pdf
Title IX Sexual Harassment regulations define Title IX Sexual Harassment to include four terms “as defined in” the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking.
In accordance with 34 C.F.R. §§ 100.6(d), 104.8, and 106.9; and 28 C.F.R. § 35.106, the following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504/Title II policies:
District Title IX/Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Yosemite Community College District
2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto, CA 95358
Posting Detail Information
Open Date
04/17/2026
Close Date
05/11/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Salary : $24,408