Housing Gardening Specialist

Job no: 558260 | Work type: Staff | Location: Sacramento | Categories: Unit 5 - CSUEU - Operations and Support Services, Custodial/Facilities, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location) | Priority Application Date: 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 : Exempt (not 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. 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. 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 interpersonal 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. 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. Advertised: May 21, 2026 (7:45 AM) Pacific Daylight Time Applications close: Open Until Filled #J-18808-Ljbffr California State University, Sacramento