Lead Groundsworker (Lead Groundsworker), Facilities Planning and Management

Under general supervision, the lead Groundsworker provides journeyman-level grounds maintenance work and lead direction for employees engaged in general landscaping and grounds maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Assign, lead, and participate in the daily activities of grounds maintenance crews under general supervision.
• Coordinate pesticide applications and irrigation repairs with the Irrigation Lead.
• Assign duties fairly based on immediate operational needs and ensure work orders are addressed appropriately.
• Provide lead work direction and hands-on assistance with major grounds projects, including:
  • Re-sodding and turf installation
  • Sprinkler system installation and repairs
  • Campus-wide pruning
  • Major landscaping projects
  • Graduation and special event setup
• Lead and assist with additional grounds duties, including:
  • Flower bed construction
  • Drainage system maintenance
  • Athletic field resurfacing
  • Brush and tree removal
  • Trash collection
  • Concrete and asphalt work
• Conduct routine inspections of assigned work to ensure accuracy, quality, and timely completion.
• Document inspection results and provide reports to the Landscape and Fleet Manager.
• Assist the Landscape and Fleet Manager with annual employee evaluations based on attitude, initiative, and ability.
• Coordinate with the Landscape and Fleet Manager to establish priorities and campus-wide quality standards for planting, turf, shrub, and tree care.
• Demonstrate knowledge of proper planting and maintenance practices for turf, plants, and trees appropriate for the local planting zone.
• Evaluate grounds maintenance needs, establish priorities, and follow through to ensure established quality standards are met.
• Train new employees and conduct ongoing training for permanent staff.
• Direct staff on proper operating procedures, equipment use, safety practices, and work techniques.
• Conduct in-house training during inclement weather, including equipment operation and safety procedures.
• Provide operating demonstrations before employees receive hands-on training with riding equipment.
• Maintain accurate inventory records for grounds supplies, materials, equipment, and tools.
• Prepare and submit written inventory reports as requested.
• Assist the Landscape and Fleet Manager in preparing cost estimates and plans for new installations and modifications to existing systems.
• Read, interpret, and follow specifications and working drawings.
• Prepare clear, concise reports and effectively explain completed or planned installations.
• Perform other classification-related duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate initiative, dependability, and willingness in completing assigned responsibilities.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in planting, cultivating, and caring for flowers, shrubs, lawns, and trees.
• General knowledge of common plant diseases, pests, and weeds.
• General knowledge of approved methods and materials used in their control and eradication.
• General knowledge of horticultural methods and materials and planting and growing requirements of plants commonly grown in California.
• Ability to lay out, coordinate, and oversee the work of others and provide training.
• Ability to interpret policies and explain methods and procedures.
• Ability to inspect and evaluate the work of others.
• Ability to read and write at a level appropriate to the position.
• Ability to perform general gardening and grounds maintenance work.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of experience in planting, cultivating, and maintaining flowers and shrubs, or in general grounds maintenance work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum 3 years' work experience in the parking industry or security and special events management, with a minimum of 1-year supervisory experience and possession of a California Driver’s License.
• High school diploma and 5 years of related experience in the parking industry or security and special events management, with a minimum of 1-year supervisory experience and possession of a California Driver’s License.

Special Conditions

• A background check (including fingerprinting, employment records, education records, criminal records, civil records, motor vehicle records, professional licenses, and sex offender registries) must be completed satisfactorily before employment.
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License is required. Employees will be enrolled in the DMV Government Employer Pull Notice Program.
• Employment is contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical exam with the ability to lift in excess of 50 lbs.
• Applicants may be required to disclose any final administrative or judicial decision determining they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years.
• Applicants reaching the final stages must sign a release form authorizing the release of information by current and/or former employers concerning substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Pay

The salary offered will take into account internal equity and experience. Anticipated hiring range: $4,468 per month for qualified candidates. Classification hiring range: $3,890 (Step 1) - $5,555 (Step 19).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).
• Sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year.
• Eligibility to participate in the fee waiver education program.

A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Schedule

• Academic year schedule: Monday through Friday (08:00 am – 5:00 pm), some evenings/weekends.
• Summer schedule: Monday through Thursday (7:00 am - 5:30 pm), some evenings/weekends.

Work status: Full-time/Non-Exempt/Probationary.