Gardening Specialist

Full-time position available on or after July 6, 2026 for skilled and specialized gardening and grounds maintenance work.

Responsibilities

• Perform skilled gardening work including planting, cultivating, fertilizing, watering, and spraying ornamental plants, shrubs, hedges, trees, lawns, and flowers.
• Prepare and treat soils for planting, ensuring proper composition, drainage, and suitability for vegetation.
• Maintain landscaped areas, ornamental gardens, and special planting areas within assigned campus locations.
• Plan, develop, and maintain special planting areas or ornamental gardens; select plants and flowers for these areas.
• Provide advice and assistance to others regarding proper care, pruning, and propagation of flowers and ornamental plants.
• Operate and maintain gardening tools and equipment such as power mowers, trimmers, rototillers, sprayers, and other mechanical devices.
• Maintain sprinklers, tools, and equipment in proper condition and repair.
• Provide lead work direction to students, Groundsworkers, or others in related classifications as assigned.
• Make recommendations for the planning and development of annual maintenance, fertilization, and pest control.
• Inspect, maintain, repair, and modify irrigation and sprinkler systems including lines, sprinkler heads, valves, timers, and control devices.
• Clear blockages from valves and pipes and repair broken lines, fittings, and irrigation components.
• Perform minor repairs on sprinkler control devices and maintain automatic sprinkler controls in working condition.
• Establish and maintain sprinkler system preventive maintenance programs.
• Perform minor installation and modification of irrigation and sprinkler systems as needed.
• Review landscaped areas and coordinate the installation and modification of sprinkler systems, considering vegetation, soil conditions, water evaporation, and water retention factors.
• Work closely with contractors installing sprinkler systems around new structures to assure proper irrigation coverage and functionality.
• Recommend improvements for irrigation efficiency and water conservation based on system performance and landscape needs.
• Perform horticultural spray and pest eradication work including the use of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides for the control of pests, fungi, insects, and weeds on plants, trees, shrubs, lawns, embankments, roads, parking lots, unimproved acreage, and buildings.
• Apply chemicals safely and effectively to eradicate pests and diseases, selecting appropriate times to apply treatments based on weather conditions, environmental impact, and area usage.
• Determine appropriate placement for traps and poisons and ensure proper monitoring and removal as needed.
• Safely store and handle all chemicals and supplies used in spraying programs, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Maintain records of pesticide usage, chemical applications, and safety compliance.
• Operate horticultural spray equipment such as backpack and hydraulic sprayers.
• Maintain knowledge of chemical properties, application methods, and safety standards in accordance with applicable regulations.
• May be required to obtain additional training and/or certification as part of professional development to stay current with industry standards.
• At the direction of appropriate administrator, may provide support to other areas as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Two years of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or general grounds. One year of which shall have been in either the maintenance, repair or modification of irrigation systems, specialized pest and/or spray control work, or cultivation and care of nursery plants.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of the methods, plants, tools, and equipment used in planting, cultivating, and caring for flowers, shrubs, lawns, and trees.
• General knowledge of the composition and structure of soil, pH factors of soils, compatibility and incompatibility factors between soil and plants, differences between plant mixes, and erosion control.
• Ability to identify, diagnose, and treat plant diseases and correct plant nutrient deficiencies.
• Ability to prepare freehand sketches and make recommendations for possible improvements in landscaping within the assigned area.
• Ability to read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position and follow oral and written instructions.
• Must hold the appropriate California Department of Pesticide Regulation license for pest control.
• Possession of a Qualified Applicator Certificate or Qualified Applicator License issued by the Department of Pesticide Regulation in landscape maintenance (category B).
• A valid California driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience performing skilled gardening, grounds, or landscape maintenance work in an institutional, educational, or large-scale public setting.
• Experience with automated irrigation control systems, including programming, troubleshooting, and system efficiency adjustments for large landscaped or turf areas.
• Prior experience leading or training others in landscape or grounds maintenance practices, such as directing student assistants, temporary staff, or crew members.
• Experience with integrated pest management (IPM) programs and the safe application of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Training or certification in irrigation design, landscape management, or horticulture (e.g., certification from Cal/OSHA, DPR, or a recognized professional landscape/horticulture organization).
• Experience coordinating work with contractors or vendors for irrigation system installation, repair, or landscape projects.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, install, and maintain ornamental planting areas or specialized landscape features (e.g., gardens, arboretums, or campus displays).
• Experience implementing preventive maintenance programs for irrigation systems, tools, and power gardening equipment.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pay

Anticipated starting salary will be $4,292 (step 8) – $4,554 (step 11) per month. Full salary range is $3,736 (step 1) – $5,232 (step 18) per month, depending on qualifications.

Benefits

• Extremely competitive benefits package including health, dental, and vision plans.
• Fee waiver education program.
• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
• 15 paid holidays a year.