Garden Specialist

Job No: 559791; 07/04/2026 Gardening Specialist Salary Range: $3,907 - $6,375/Monthly (Budgeted Hiring Salary Range $3,907 - $4,044/Monthly) Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday-Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; non-exempt classification. Essential Functions Under the general supervision of the Executive Director or designee, the Gardening Specialist performs a wide variety of gardening work in an assigned area of a campus. The Gardening Specialist performs a combination of specialized work in an assigned area which encompasses sprinkler repair work, horticultural spray work, and plant propagation, gardening or nursery work that requires the same level of skills, knowledge, and abilities that are required of specialists in each of these areas. Responsibilities include horticultural spray and pest eradication work; maintenance, repair and modification of irrigation systems; planning, development and maintenance of special planting areas or ornamental gardens; regular application of chemicals for the eradication of fungi, pests, insects and weeds to plants, trees, shrubs, lawns, embankments, roads, parking lots, unimproved acreage and buildings; selecting appropriate times to apply chemicals based on weather conditions and usage frequency; determining where to place poisons and traps; safely storing chemicals and supplies used in spraying programs; repairing broken sprinkler lines, sprinkler heads, valves and related equipment; clearing blockages from valves and pipes; inspecting, servicing and maintaining automatic sprinkler control devices; performing minor repairs on all sprinkler control devices; establishing and maintaining sprinkler system preventive maintenance programs; performing minor installation and modification of sprinkler systems; reviewing landscaped areas and coordinating the installation of new sprinkler systems and modification of existing systems considering vegetation, soil conditions, and water retention factors; working closely with contractors installing sprinkler systems around new structures to assure proper irrigating capabilities; making recommendations for the planning and development of special planting areas within their assigned area; selecting plants and flowers for ornamental gardens; and providing advice and assistance to others regarding proper care of flowers and ornamental plants, pruning, and other technical skills. Performs other related duties as assigned. Required Qualifications & 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. 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, differences between plant mixes, and erosion control. Ability to identify, diagnose and treat plant disease, 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. Possession of the appropriate California Department of Pesticide Regulation license to perform pest control work. Possession of a valid driver's license. Qualified Applicators License (QAL) or Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC) required within 2 years of start date. A task may be included as part of the interview process. The incumbent must have a demonstrated interest and/or ability in working in a multicultural/multiethnic environment. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who may apply for the position. Equal Employment Opportunity California State University, Los Angeles, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon 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. In addition to meeting fully its obligations under federal and state law, California State University, Los Angeles is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can live and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual. To that end, all qualified individuals will receive equal consideration without regard to economic status, race, ethnicity, color, religion, disability, national origin or cultural background, political views, sex or sexual orientation, gender, or other personal characteristics or beliefs. Candidates must demonstrate ability and/or interest in working in a multicultural/multiethnic environment. Certain positions require fingerprinting. The University actively encourages qualified minorities, women and persons with a disability to apply. Upon request, reasonable accommodation will be provided to individuals with protected disabilities to complete the employment process and to perform essential job functions when this does not cause an undue hardship. We are an Equal Opportunity/Title IX Employer. Closing Date Review of applications will begin on July 19, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled; however, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications are received. A completed online Cal State LA employment application is required. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. #J-18808-Ljbffr