Housing Gardening Specialist

Working Title: Housing Gardening Specialist


Classification Title: Gardening Specialist


Posting Details

Priority Application Date (Posting will remain open until filled): Sunday, June 7, 2026 @ 11:55pm PT

Hiring Preference



Eligible on-campus applicants in California State University Employees Union (CSUEU) Bargaining Units 2,5,7, and 9 will be given first consideration in the recruitment.


Position Summary


Under general supervision of the Manager, Grounds & Landscape Services, the Housing Gardening Specialist performs a combination of specialized work in an assigned area which encompasses irrigation repair and maintenance work, pest and weed control, tree maintenance, athletic turf maintenance, and maintenance of gardening power equipment. The incumbent will also make recommendations for the planning and development of special planting areas including soil amendments, irrigation, and plant selection.

FLSA : Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime compensation)

Anticipated Hiring Range : $3,736 per month (Step 1) - $5,028 per month (Step 16)


CSU Classification Salary Range : $3,736 per month (Step 1) - $5,232 per month (Step 18)


Salary step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience.


Best-in-class Benefits : Click here to learn more


CSU Total Compensation : Click here to learn more


Salary Grade/Range : 1

Recruitment Type : Regular (Probationary)

Time Base : Full-Time

Work Hours : Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM with the ability to work irregular work shifts, including weekends and holidays. Position works on-site.

Department Information


Facilities Management is the steward for the University buildings, infrastructure, grounds and landscape. We perform maintenance and renovation to facilities; plan and manage new building construction; support the Redefine the Possible initiative through our commitment to building a welcoming campus and by creating a dynamic physical environment for students, faculty, staff, and the community. Facilities Management takes pride in being the stewards of Sacramento State Campus capital assets and invites you to join the dynamic team! For more information:


Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge:
Thorough knowledge of the methods, plants, tools and equipment used in planting, cultivating and caring for flowers, shrubs, lawns and trees. General knowledge of the composition and structure of soil, Ph factors of soils, compatibility and incompatibility factors between soil and plants, difference between plant mixes, and erosion control.


Abilities:
Ability to identify, diagnose and treat plant disease, and correct plant nutrient deficiencies; prepare freehand sketches and make recommendations for possible improvements in landscaping within the assigned area; read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position; and follow oral and written instructions.


Experience:
Two years of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or general grounds, one year of which shall have been in either the maintenance, repair or modification of irrigation systems, specialized pest and/or spray control work, or cultivation and care of nursery plants.


License:
Possession of the appropriate California Department of Pesticide Regulation license to perform pest control work.
Some positions may require possession of a valid California driver's license.

Required Qualifications

Experience:

• Experience performing specialized pest and/or spray control work (e.g. weeds, fungi).

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of installation and programming automatic irrigation controllers.

• Thorough knowledge of athletic and general turf maintenance.

Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to perform standard and specialized pruning of trees, shrubs, and other plants as needed.

• Ability to perform maintenance, repair, or modification of irrigation systems.

• Ability to operate and perform maintenance on small power-operated power mowers, small riding mowers, and other gardening power equipment.

• Effective communication skills.

• Effective interpersonal skills.

• Excellent customer service skills.

• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a diverse environment.

• Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community.

• Ability to use computerized maintenance systems.

License/Certificate:

• Must have Current Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC) for pest and weed control related to landscape maintenance.

• Possession of a valid driver's license and maintenance of a good driving record.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to frequently move (lift/carry) up to 50 pounds of equipment/supplies in a safe manner.

Conditions of Employment:

• Successful completion of the background check process.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to provide lead work direction to students, Groundsworkers, or individuals in other grounds classifications.

• Ability to provide advice and assistance to others regarding proper care of flowers and ornamental plants, pruning, athletic field maintenance, and other technical skills.

• Experience establishing and maintaining preventative maintenance programs using computerized systems.

• Experience in swimming pool maintenance.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Must have Current Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC) for pest and weed control related to landscape maintenance.

• Possession of a valid driver's license and maintenance of a good driving record.

Documents Needed to Apply (1)

• Resume

Failure to upload required documentation may result in disqualification.


Applicants will respond to the following supplemental question:

• If selected, will you be able to provide a valid drivers license and maintenance of good drivers record?
• If selected, will you be able to provide a State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Qualified Applicators' Certificate Category Q?

About Sacramento State


Sacramento State is located in the heart of California's capital city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the "Farm-to-Fork Capital," is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State proudly serves as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and is recognized by the California Legislative Assembly as a Black-Serving Institution . The university enrolls around 31,000 students from the Greater Sacramento Region, throughout California, across the nation, and around the world. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission:


"As California's capital university, we transform lives by preparing students to lead, serve, and succeed. Sacramento State will be a welcoming, caring, and inclusive leader in education, innovation, and engagement." As the regional hub of higher education, Sacramento State is dedicated to learning and student success ; teaching, research, scholarship and creative activity ; justice, diversity, equity and inclusion ; resource development and sustainability ; dedicated community engagement , and wellness and safety .


As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code , Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued. Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning.


To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.


Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.


It is the policy of California State University, Sacramento to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process, visit


The University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit .


Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Notification:


Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at .


The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request by emailing the Clery Director at View email address on click.appcast.io .


Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.


Background Check Disclaimer


A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.


Out of State Employment


Sacramento State, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.


As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.


Eligibility Verification


Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (ie. H-1-B Visa).

Note to Applicants:


Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.


Learn more about working at the California State University and the impact of our mission.

Advertised: May 21 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: