Gardener Groundskeeper

Job Summary The Gardener Groundskeeper follows oral and written instructions in the performance of landscape maintenance functions for assigned campus areas. This includes horticultural work, hardscape cleaning, trash and recycling collection, safety checks, vegetation control, erosion control, pest management, and drainage maintenance. The incumbent performs a variety of grounds tasks supporting the stewardship of campus lands including the maintenance, restoration, and repairs in developed landscapes, transition zones, and undeveloped areas. The Gardener Groundskeeper also performs light landscape construction functions at various locations on campus as requested by the supervisor. The incumbent oversees maintenance activities performed by student assistants as needed. Appointment Information Budgeted Salary: $25.46 - $26.46/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience. Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits Schedule: Full-time, Fixed; 100%, 40 Hours per Week; Mon-Fri; Day shift Employee Classification: Career appointment Job End Date: None Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus Union Representation: SX Union Job Code Classification: 008153 (GARDENER GROUNDSKEEPER) Travel: Up to 25% of the time Job Duties 25% – Basic Maintenance & Safety Perform litter and refuse collection, clean hard surfaces, and observe, report, and eliminate safety hazards in the landscape. Utilize a variety of hand and power tools safely and perform basic cleaning and maintenance of equipment. Drive a University vehicle to transport gardening materials and tools between campus work areas. 25% – Horticultural Maintenance Prune shrubs and ground covers. Maintain planting areas by removing weeds, cultivating soils, mulching, and ensuring optimum plant health. Manually water grounds not equipped with automatic irrigation. Identify irrigation problems and apply appropriate treatments. Fertilize with organic or chemical amendments and control weeds using mechanical and chemical methods. 20% – Vegetation Control Control vegetation and meadow grass using appropriate tools and chemicals. 10% – Oversight of Student Employees Provide oversight for student maintenance assistants. Coordinate student work schedules and assignments. Train students and inspect the quality of their work. Ensure safe practices and proper PPE use. Assist with reporting of student time. 5% – Pest Management Identify landscape pests and apply integrated pest management as directed. Control vertebrate pests such as gophers, moles, and ground squirrels using traps, bait, smoke generators, or other appropriate means. 5% – Erosion Control Identify erosion problem areas and mitigate using mulch, ground cover, light grading, traffic redirection, or straw wattles. 5% – Local Storm Drain Maintenance Assess storm drain system structure and perform preventive maintenance. Inspect and clean catch basins, outfalls, trench drains, and other storm drain components regularly. Notify supervisor of issues beyond the position’s scope and document maintenance on PM log. 5% – Documentation & Communication Communicate with supervisor, coworkers, and emergency personnel via phone, email, or text as needed. Complete monthly preventive maintenance documentation and weekly Excel time sheets for billing. Enter time in online work management and payroll systems. Required Qualifications Experience and skills in using hand or power tools such as mowers, edgers, string trimmers, blowers, rakes, hoes, etc., including minor repairs and modifications. Knowledge of tree, shrub, and flower characteristics and uses. Knowledge of gardening tools and equipment. Knowledge of planting, propagation, pruning, fertilizers, soil structures, amendments, and environmental effects on plant health. Knowledge of plant water needs and conservation practices. Ability to work effectively with campus personnel, the community, and the public regarding grounds requests. Commitment to a customer‑service approach and high ethical standards. Initiativeness, organization, and the ability to handle diverse demands and changing priorities. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department and the university. Communication skills to work with diverse groups at all levels. Team‑building and cooperative atmosphere with diverse populations. Incorporation of sustainability concepts into daily work. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of landscape use and care of California native plants. Knowledge of plant diseases, landscape pests, and Integrated Pest Management. Experience with storm drain maintenance and general drainage issues. Ability to provide training and oversight of student employee maintenance assistants. Special Conditions of Employment Pass a pre‑employment criminal history background check. Pass the employment misconduct disclosure process. Possess a valid California driving license. Ability to work occasionally in confined spaces such as attics and trenches while being exposed to live electrical circuits and machinery. Ability to perform vertebrate pest control (trapping, baiting, etc.). Ability to work outdoors through all seasons in developed and undeveloped environments. Ability to ascend/descend ladders with or without accommodation. Ability to perform essential physical job functions requiring bending, stooping, and agility. Ability to move materials up to 70 lbs with or without accommodation. Ability to follow oral and written English instructions. Ability to complete required logs and records accurately and timely. Commit to complete required training within established time frames, including UC compliance training. Comply with the University of California vaccination policy. Mandated reporter under CANRA: report suspected child abuse or neglect prior to employment and sign acknowledgment. Misconduct Disclosure Requirement Accepting finalists must disclose any past misconduct within the last seven years, ongoing disciplinary proceedings, or appeals involving misconduct. Misconduct includes violations of policies or laws governing conduct at previous employment, including sexual harassment, assault, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct. Safety Statement All UCSC employees must follow safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety, and promptly report accidents or injuries. Notice of Availability In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at the provided link. Copies can be requested at the UCSC Police Department or by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy. The University undertakes affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California, Santa Cruz