Groundskeeper I

Description/Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direction of a Parks Supervisor, this position performs a variety of semi-skilled tasks related to the care and maintenance of park grounds, trails, and facilities. This position may be required to work a full weekend schedule (Saturday and Sunday).

• Performs turf maintenance, including weeding, mowing, and trimming of shrubs and ground covering; plants shrubs and flowers; installs and rehabilitates landscape areas with sod and ground covering; applies fertilizers and sprays pesticides
• Installs irrigation systems, including sprinklers, laterals, valves, pipes, and irrigation clocks; maintains and programs irrigation clocks; repairs main line and lateral breaks; troubleshoots and repairs minor irrigation electrical equipment
• Maintains open space and trails; repairs trail fence lines
• Maintains and prepares ball diamonds and sports fields, and repairs playground areas
• Operates and maintains landscape equipment, including tractors, mowers, blowers, edgers, chain saws, and hedge trimmers
• May oversee and direct the work of part-time seasonal staff and community service workers
• Cleans and restocks park restrooms
• Prepares park facilities for special events and conducts trash and safety inspections
• Establishes positive working relationships with City staff and the public
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

- High School Diploma or GED equivalent

- One year of experience in parks, grounds maintenance, landscape installation, and/or tree maintenance

- Experience operating landscape equipment is highly desirable

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of best practices for park maintenance functions and the ability to perform functions, such as turf, shrub, and tree maintenance; playground area and irrigation repairs; and ball diamond and sports field preparation
• Knowledge of safe practices in weed abatement and pesticide application
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize daily workload, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, be flexible to changing priorities, and meet time-sensitive deadlines
• Basic computer skills and the ability to enter service requests using a mobile device
• Strong communication skills and the ability to communicate professionally and tactfully with City employees and the public
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to effectively manage and resolve customer concerns
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees
• Strong work ethic and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and make sound decisions
• Ability to perform physical labor, including bending, squatting, and lifting up to 50 pounds

Additional Information

An online completed City application form is required to apply for this position. All employment information must be provided on the application. Providing a resume is not a substitute for completing this section of the application. Applications left incomplete, or with a reference to attachments may be rejected.

The selection process will include one or more of the following: written exam, technical knowledge assessment, writing skill assessment, and/or oral interviews that may be conducted in person and/or via video conferencing.

If you require special accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify Human Resources for assistance.

All offers of regular employment with the City of Santa Clarita are made contingent upon receipt of proof of legal right to work in the United States, successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment physical, which may include a drug screen and Department of Justice fingerprinting.

Criminal offender information will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

The City uses the E-Verify program to electronically confirm work authorization of newly hired employees.

All new employees are required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program.

This program authorizes the City to receive a driver record report upon enrollment and during employment.

Only degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation will be accepted.

This position is covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement between the City of Santa Clarita and Service Employees International Union, Local 721, AFL-CIO. If selected for this position, the employee will be bound by that agreement and may be responsible for paying applicable union dues.

A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding will be provided upon hire.

Compensation includes enrollment in California Public Employees’ Retirement System as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package.

All appointments are made at step 1 of the salary range unless otherwise authorized by the City Manager.

The City of Santa Clarita offers CalPERS Retirement contributions as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.

Application Instructions

• Do you have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent? (Proof will be required prior to job offer.)
• Do you have at least one year of experience in parks, grounds maintenance, landscape installation, and/or tree maintenance? If so, please describe.
• Do you have a Class C California driver license and a safe driving record?
• Are you able to work weekends as part of a regular work schedule, if needed?
• What interests you most about this position?