Gardener

Salary : $43,819.00 - $68,013.00 Annually
Location : Main Campus, Moraga, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600034
Division: Business Affairs Division
Department: Facilities Services Department
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

About Saint Mary's College

Founded in 1863, Saint Mary's College of California is a residential institution in the Moraga Valley, 20 miles east of San Francisco, rooted in the Catholic, Lasallian, and Liberal Arts traditions. Enrolling more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the College integrates liberal and professional education within a mission shaped by the De La Salle Christian Brothers. Known for academic excellence, innovation, and responsiveness, Saint Mary's fosters shared inquiry, meaningful student engagement, and a strong commitment to diversity, leadership, and service.


Why Join Saint Mary's College?

At Saint Mary's, your work has visible impact. As a close-knit residential college, employees work collaboratively across departments-your ideas, leadership, and contributions directly shape the student experience and the future direction of the institution. Colleagues partner across divisions, decisions are grounded in mission, and innovation is encouraged. If you are seeking a workplace where purpose, community, and professional growth intersect-and where your work truly matters-Saint Mary's offers that opportunity.

Job Title

Gardener

Job Summary

Under direct supervision of the Grounds Manager, the Gardener manages the grounds maintenance, gardening, sweeping, grounds clean-up, irrigation, and related work as required. The Gardener accomplishes these duties through the maintenance of lawns, tree and shrub trimming, fertilizing, soil preparation and treatment, administering pesticides, and maintaining the tools and equipment necessary to do the work safely. This particular position has an emphasis on landscape irrigation.

Essential Responsibilities
Pruning, Trimming & Planting

• Under minimal supervision of the Grounds Lead and/or the Grounds Supervisor, prunes trees & shrubs, assesses environment for new plantings (sun/shade/irrigation/soil preparation).
• Skilled at the identification and pruning of the various types of plants to ensure proper growth and creative design to achieve the desired outcome.
• Cares for the special gardens, fountains and other landscape.
• Decorates the Chapel and Chapel Plaza for Christmas, Easter and other special occasions held in the Soda Center and around campus. Also provides plants for Commencement.
• Oversees the installation, maintenance and repair of the campus irrigation systems. Replaces valves, heads, piping, timers, etc.
• Teaches other staff members how to perform basic repairs.

Lawn & Plant Care

• Mows and edges lawns.
• Controls weeds using appropriate chemicals.
• Aerates and fertilizes lawns and flower beds.
• Controls pests through spraying pesticides, digging & trapping methods.
• Assists with minor irrigation problems, such as replacement of sprinkler heads.

Campus Clean Up (2 hours per day)

• Picks-up litter, leaves and other debris around the campus facilities & grounds.
• Empties garbage/trash receptacles.
• Cleans storm drains & building gutters, seasonally.

Maintenance and Operations of Machinery

• Conducts routine safety inspections of machinery and equipment, and ensures equipment works properly and safely.
• Regularly cleans and services equipment including, but not limited to, lawn mowers, weed eaters, blowers, hedge trimmers and chain saws.
• Operates lawn mowers, weed eaters, blowers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, tractors, wood chippers, trucks and rototillers.

Experience and Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or GED preferred.

Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of irrigation, grounds, landscape, and gardening.

Skills/Abilities:

• Working knowledge of grounds keeping equipment, materials and tools.

Licenses & Certifications:


Valid California Driver's License required. Must be able to be insured by College's provider.
Saint Mary's College of California Employee Benefits Guide
Saint Mary's College of California provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits program designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of eligible faculty and staff.

This Benefits Guide provides a general overview of available programs. It is not a contract and does not modify plan documents, insurance policies, or official College policies. In the event of any discrepancy, official plan documents and College policies govern.
Health Insurance
The College offers a range of medical plan options to allow employees to select coverage that best meets their individual and family needs. Plan offerings may include:

• PPO medical plans
• HMO medical plans
• High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP), where applicable

Specific carriers and plan designs are outlined in the annual open enrollment materials.
Eligible Dependents
Eligible dependents may include:

• A legally married spouse
• A state-registered domestic partner
• Qualifying children up to age 26

Dependent eligibility is subject to plan terms and required documentation.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Saint Mary's College offers employees the opportunity to participate in pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts, which may include:

• Health Care FSA - for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses
• Dependent Care FSA - for eligible childcare or dependent care expenses

Annual contribution limits are established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Life Insurance
The College provides employer-paid basic life insurance coverage for eligible employees. Additional voluntary life insurance options may be available, including:

• Basic Term Life
• Basic Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Optional Employee Life Insurance
• Optional Dependent Life Insurance
• Optional AD&D coverage

Coverage levels, eligibility, and enrollment details are outlined in plan materials.
Dental & Vision Insurance
Eligible employees may enroll in dental and vision coverage. In some cases, dental and vision plans may be elected independently of medical coverage, providing flexibility based on individual needs.

Plan details, network information, and coverage summaries are provided during enrollment.
Disability Benefits
Saint Mary's College provides disability coverage designed to protect income in the event of a qualifying illness or injury. Benefits may include:

• Short-Term Disability (STD)
• Long-Term Disability (LTD)

Eligibility and benefit amounts are determined according to plan documents.
Retirement Benefits
Saint Mary's College offers retirement benefits to support long-term financial planning. Eligible employees may participate in:

• A defined contribution retirement plan
• Employer contributions in accordance with College policy
• Voluntary employee pre-tax and/or Roth contributions, subject to IRS limits

Plan details, vesting schedules, and eligibility requirements are outlined in official retirement plan documents.

Employees are encouraged to review plan materials carefully and consult with financial advisors as needed to fully understand retirement options.
Additional Benefits & Campus Resources
As part of the Saint Mary's College community, faculty and staff may also enjoy:

• Tuition Assistance Programs
• Access to campus fitness and wellness programs
• Access to the College library and the Hearst Art Gallery
• Discounts at the campus bookstore and dining services
• Access to cultural events and campus activities
• Community partnerships and local discounts in the Lamorinda area

Equal Employment Opportunity
Saint Mary's College of California is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment consistent with its Lasallian values.
Important Notice
All benefits, policies, and programs described in this guide are subject to change without notice. Participation and eligibility are governed by official plan documents, College policies, and applicable federal and state laws.
Contact Information
For additional information regarding employee benefits:

Human Resources
Saint Mary's College of California
Moraga, CA 94575
Email:
01


Do you have at least five (5) years of experience performing groundskeeping, landscaping, gardening, or related outdoor maintenance work?

• Yes
• No

02


Are you able to regularly lift and carry at least 20 pounds as part of your job duties?

• Yes
• No

03


Are you able to perform physical activities such as bending, squatting, twisting, kneeling, and standing for extended periods of time?

• Yes
• No

04


Are you able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold?

• Yes
• No

05


Are you comfortable using landscaping or gardening tools and equipment?

• Yes
• No

06


Are you available to work full-time on-site, Monday through Friday (with occasional evening/weekend hours as needed) for this position?

• Yes
• No

07


Do you have legal authorization to work in the United States?

• Yes
• No

Required Question