Groundskeeper

About the role

Sims Tree Health Specialists, Inc. is seeking a proactive, reliable Grounds Maintenance Worker to join our family-owned tree preservation team. In this dual-focused role, you will help tend the stunning 6-acre botanical garden and research facility at the Sims Tree Learning Center (TLC) in Jurupa Valley. You will also have the unique opportunity to hit the road, acting as a crucial Field Assistant for our ISA Certified Arborists as they provide expert tree healthcare services to our clients. If you love nature, take pride in an organized workspace, and thrive in an active environment with plenty of variety, we want to meet you!

Responsibilities

A typical week in this role involves a variety of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Garden Care & Facility Maintenance
  • Landscape Upkeep: Maintain lawn areas, trails, and diverse garden beds using traditional gardening tools (shovels, rakes, hand pruners, weeders).
  • Property Presentation: Keep walkways and trails clean and safe by clearing weeds, fallen fruit, debris, and animal droppings. Spread mulch and soil to protect plants from sun exposure.
  • Water Management: Monitor and maintain garden irrigation, utilizing sprinklers and hoses to meet the watering needs of various plant species across changing seasons.
  • Animal Care: Support daily care for our on-site animals (including feeding, watering, and maintaining habitats for chickens and ponds).
  • Daily Facility Care: Take care of the small daily details that keep the property running smoothly, including routine trash removal and basic restroom upkeep.
  • Operations Support: Assist with the setup, parking, and teardown for events and classes held at the Learning Center, and occasionally assist guests with parking.
• Field Assistant ("Puller" Duties)
  • Arborist Support: Accompany our Certified Arborists/Technicians in company trucks to client properties to assist with advanced tree treatments.
  • Site & Hose Management: Safely manage up to 400 feet of treatment hose, ensuring it moves efficiently without damaging clients' property, planters, or landscapes.
  • Equipment & Safety: Assist with adjusting hose/pump pressure, monitor the area for pedestrian safety, and maintain a clean, highly organized mobile job site.

Requirements

• Proactive Ownership: We practice a decentralized style of leadership—we value "go-getters" who take complete initiative to keep shared workspaces, shop tools, and grounds organized.
• Active Stamina: Comfort working outdoors year-round in all weather conditions (harsh sun/heat, rain, wind). Ability to stand, bend, kneel, walk long distances on uneven terrain, and frequently lift 30 lbs (and occasionally up to 65 lbs).
• Safe Drivers: A valid driver's license and a clean driving record are required to operate company-provided trucks (similar to an F-250) for errands and field jobs.
• Environmental Comfort: Comfort working in a natural environment (around dust, dirt, mud, plant pollen, and friendly family dogs) and a safety-first attitude when working near traditional or organic plant treatments.
• Equipment & Mechanical Comfort: Highly comfortable operating and working around power tools, groundskeeping machinery, and farm/utility equipment. You should be ready to step in and assist with operating equipment like lawnmowers, tractors, golf carts, and utility vehicles as needed.

Benefits

• Vacation and Sick Pay
• Paid Spring & Summer Holidays
• Health/Vision/Dental Insurance
• Employee Discounts
• Paid Training

Pay

Pay Range: $18.00 – $21.00 per hour (Depending on Experience)

Schedule

• Job Type: Full-Time (40 hours/week)
• Schedule Flexibility: A flexible schedule is preferred to support seasonal demands. Standard garden shifts can be chosen to start between 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM (weekends preferred). Hours may adjust based on seasonal needs or Puller demands, including earlier start times to beat the summer heat or to match the arborist's schedule (typically Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM). Occasional schedule adjustments may be required for special events.