Landscape Technician 2

About Rubicon

An $18M non-profit Rubicon, provides direct services at eight locations in Alameda and Contra Costa counties and operates a growing commercial landscape social enterprise program that is a leader in sustainable practices. Rubicon transforms East Bay communities by equipping people to break the cycle of poverty. Recognized as a national leader in workforce development, Rubicon provides individualized one-on-one career advising, job search support, financial education, wellness and legal services, to very low-income people who face significant barriers to achieving economic mobility. Rubicon is a 2022 Great Place to Work, on a journey towards becoming a high-road employer and an anti-racist organization. We are committed to systems change and advocacy through efforts like expanding and deepening Employee Resource Groups; the launch of an internal Racial Justice Task Force; and implementation of talent and culture supports that acknowledge and facilitate healing from the direct and indirect effects of racial trauma. Rubicon actively recruits staff members with a diversity of culture, thought, and lived experiences who are not only highly skilled, but who consistently demonstrate a commitment to our vision of an East Bay without poverty and are passionate about this work.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Perform mowing, edging, trimming, pruning, blowing, weed management, litter removal, and seasonal landscape maintenance.
• Monitor plant health and identify irrigation issues, pests, diseases, and safety hazards.
• Perform detailed pruning and specialty maintenance requiring advanced technical skills.
• Independently prioritize assigned work while maintaining high quality standards.
• Maintain clean, professional, and safe job sites.
• Safely operate commercial landscape equipment including mowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, backpack blowers, chainsaws (when qualified), compact equipment, and other landscape tools.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and perform routine preventative maintenance.
• Identify equipment requiring repair and report maintenance needs promptly.
• Follow company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and all client-specific safety procedures.
• Properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Load, unload, secure, and transport equipment and materials safely.
• Demonstrate safe work practices and reinforce safety expectations among crew members.
• Work independently while contributing to overall crew productivity.
• Communicate effectively with Crew Leads regarding project progress, material needs, and field issues.
• Assist in coaching and mentoring Landscape Technician I employees through demonstration and positive reinforcement.
• Maintain professional relationships with customers, vendors, coworkers, and the public.
• Support Rubicon's mission by treating coworkers, participants, and customers with dignity and respect.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Two+ years of commercial landscape installation, enhancement, irrigation, or maintenance experience required.
• Demonstrated proficiency operating commercial landscape equipment safely and efficiently.
• Ability to perform assigned work independently with limited supervision.
• 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.
• Conversational proficiency in both English and Spanish required.
• Working knowledge of commercial landscape installation, enhancement, and maintenance practices.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, project specifications, and basic landscape plans.
• Proficiency operating commercial landscape equipment safely and efficiently.
• Ability to install, troubleshoot, and repair common irrigation system components.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to identify and resolve routine field issues independently.
• Ability to mentor and support less experienced employees.
• Commitment to safety, quality workmanship, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to effectively use technology for timekeeping, communication, project tracking, and other job-related tasks.
• 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.

Compensation

$28-$32 per hour

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.
• Competitive hourly pay, including federal prevailing wage for some assignments.
• Company uniform with free laundering and mending.
• Advancement opportunities.