Lead Groundskeeper

Requisition Number: 40076231

About the role

The mission of all Design, Facilities & Safety Services units is to design, build, operate, maintain, and renew the physical environment required to support the University's instructional, research, and public service mission and to assure UCSB is at the forefront of world-class universities. Our goals are to:

• Create one of the most attractive campuses in the world;
• Ensure the long-term preservation of the investment in facilities and equipment;
• Provide excellence in service to the campus community;
• Achieve our goals with a supportive and highly motivated staff.

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work.

Responsibilities

Assists the Superintendent of Grounds with the leadership of the unit. Responsible for general and preventative maintenance grounds activities for a specific area. Uses independent judgment with operational and personnel issues under the direction of the Associate Director and Superintendent.

Groundskeeper Related Duties (60%)

• Performs full range of tasks in assigned area, including: mows, waters, weeds, seeds, fertilizes, and performs related duties.
• Assists Irrigation Technicians with the maintenance of automatic lawn irrigation systems.
• Assists in chemical and fertilizer applications on lawns, trees, and shrubs.
• Operates power equipment.
• Promotes a quality service environment to all students, staff, and customers.
• Monitors assigned zone when outside vendors or contractors are doing work which might affect the area; reports concerns and works with contractors to mitigate issues.
• Participates in staff training and development workshops, retreats, and meetings as determined by supervisor.
• Complies with department safety program.
• Assists with the development and maintenance of a work environment conducive to meeting the organization’s mission.
• Initiates communication to improve and clarify working relationships, identify problems, and seek resolution to work-related conflicts.

Leadership and Program Coordination (40%)

• Meets, confers, and plans work with internal and external clients.
• Organizes effective responses to daily and emergency requests for work.
• Develops, coordinates, establishes, and executes a grounds maintenance schedule to maintain quality standards.
• Organizes, leads, and supervises crew to carry out assigned tasks with a high level of craftsmanship.
• Trains employees, students, and other staff members in the proper use of tools, safety rules, and work expectations.
• Interfaces with employees in crew meetings and on an individual basis.
• Investigates and seeks resolution for employee-related problems within the unit.
• Assists with the collection of paperwork and other materials requested by supervisors.
• Determines and monitors stock inventory levels for crew office and zone areas.
• Submits information for estimations of in-house Grounds projects, including labor hours and materials.
• Evaluates, tests, and uses available grounds products, including fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
• Assesses work area for changes and/or new additions of landscaped areas, irrigation systems, and safety issues.
• Ensures emergency work requests are completed immediately and routine work requests are completed in a timely manner.
• Documents and submits all necessary information for the completion of work order tickets.

Safety

• Assesses work areas for safety purposes.
• Ensures employees are working safely and providing a safe work environment for clients.
• Implements FM's safety program, ensuring compliance with directives and regulations.
• Regularly inspects the condition of the grounds areas to assure a healthful, safe, and sanitary environment.
• Identifies safety and maintenance issues, processes work orders, schedules, and inspects corrective action efforts.
• Assists Automotive Technicians in scheduling and delivery of zone tools and/or vehicles for routine maintenance and safety checks.
• Develops, promotes, and adheres to safety rules and techniques.

Requirements

• 1-3 years of proven experience operating landscape equipment that includes: ride-on mowers, tractors, backhoe, turf sweeper, aerial lift, chainsaws, and handheld landscape equipment/tools.
• 3-5 years of proven experience in a commercial landscaping organization performing work and leading crews that include landscape installation and maintenance.
• Demonstrated knowledge of plant care, safe equipment use, landscape irrigation principles, and horticultural pest control.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic and ability to contribute to a diverse team.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and communicate effectively in English.
• Must speak and read English fluently.
• Must hold a valid driver's license and have a driving record in accordance with local policies and procedures.
• Satisfactory criminal history background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM.
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment.
• As a condition of employment, the final candidate will be required to disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions determining misconduct within the last seven years.
• Compliance with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs is required.

Pay

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $26.67 to $28.86/hourly. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience, the budget for the position, and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $26.67 to $38.11/hourly.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Benefits

Full benefits eligibility. Excellent retirement and health benefits are provided.

Location

6759 Navigator Way, Goleta, CA 93117