Landscape Technician 1

About the role

Rubicon Landscape is a mission-driven division of Rubicon Programs, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming East Bay communities. As a Landscape Technician I, you'll help deliver exceptional landscape services while supporting a social enterprise that reinvests our proceeds into job training, financial education, and other life-changing services. Position Type: Full time. Location: Livermore, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Treasure Island. Language: Bilingual Spanish.

Responsibilities

Landscape Installation & Enhancement

• Install trees, shrubs, groundcover, annuals, and other plant materials according to project plans and specifications.
• Prepare planting areas through basic grading, soil amendment, excavation, and finish work.
• Install sod, seed, mulch, decorative rock, edging, and other landscape materials.
• Assist with site improvements, including basic grading, compacting, leveling, and preparation of decomposed granite pathways and seating areas.
• Basic knowledge of retaining walls, drainage, and related features.
• Assist with the removal of existing landscape materials, irrigation components, concrete, and debris as directed.
• Assist with project mobilization, site preparation, material staging, and final site cleanup.

Irrigation

• Assist with the installation, modification, and testing of irrigation systems, including trenching and installing pipe, sprinkler heads, and drip systems according to specifications.
• Identify and report irrigation deficiencies or water waste.

Landscape Maintenance

• Perform mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, blowing, weed management, and litter removal.
• Monitor plant health and report pests, diseases, irrigation issues, or safety hazards.
• Apply mulch and other landscape materials as directed.
• Maintain clean, professional, and safe job sites.

Equipment & Safety

• Safely operate hand tools and power equipment including string trimmers, hedge trimmers, backpack blowers, chainsaws (when qualified), compact equipment, and other landscape tools.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and report maintenance needs.
• Follow company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and all client-specific safety procedures.
• Properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Assist with loading, unloading, securing, and transporting equipment and materials.

Teamwork & Customer Service

• Follow directions from Crew Leads and Supervisors.
• Work cooperatively with team members to complete projects efficiently.
• Maintain professional conduct when interacting with clients, vendors, and the public.
• Support Rubicon's mission by treating coworkers, participants, and customers with dignity and respect.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• One+ year of landscape, construction, maintenance, or related outdoor labor experience preferred.
• Willingness to learn commercial landscape installation and maintenance practices.
• Ability to safely use basic landscape tools and equipment.
• This position may require driving vehicles and trailers; therefore, proof of a valid and current real ID driver's license and an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report are required.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Basic understanding of landscape installation and maintenance practices.
• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Strong work ethic and reliability.
• Basic knowledge of safe equipment operation.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while contributing to a team environment.
• Commitment to quality workmanship and continuous improvement.
• Basic technology skills, or willingness to learn, for timekeeping, communication, project tracking, and other job-related tasks.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds; occasionally up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Walk, stand, bend, kneel, squat, climb, and perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.
• Operate hand tools and power equipment safely.
• Work outdoors in varying temperatures, weather conditions, dust, noise, and uneven terrain.

Working Conditions

• Outdoor work year-round.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Regular use of power equipment and machinery.
• Travel between multiple job sites as assigned.
• Overtime, weekend, or emergency work may occasionally be required.

Pay

• Pay Range: $24.00 - $28.00
• Competitive hourly pay, including federal prevailing wage for some assignments.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision health plans. Kaiser and Sutter Health options.
• 3 weeks paid vacation and sick leave, 13 paid holidays.
• 4 days paid restorative holiday between Christmas and New Years.
• Employer sponsored retirement plan.
• A safety-focused, professional workplace.
• Year-round, full-time position.
• Company uniform with free laundering and mending.
• Advancement opportunities.