Gardener

The California State University; California (MO); On-site; USD 45,198 - 51,916; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Competitive salary range

Job summary

The California State University in San José is seeking a Gardener responsible for maintaining and enhancing campus landscapes and athletic fields. This role requires performing skilled horticultural duties, including irrigation repair and pest management while ensuring campus grounds meet established standards.

Applicants should have at least two years of relevant experience and possess a valid California Driver's License. The position offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in maintaining nursery or ornamental plants.
• Knowledge of safe work practices for equipment maintenance.
• Ability to inspect and repair irrigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Maintain athletic fields and campus landscapes.
• Develop nursery operations and propagate plants.
• Respond to urgent maintenance needs.

Skills

Horticulture

Irrigation systems

Plant identification

Landscape maintenance practices

Sports turf management

Communication

Record maintenance

Education

Two years of experience in horticulture

Valid California Driver's License

Job description

Apply now Job no: 559242
Work type: Staff
Location: San José
Categories: Unit 5 - CSUEU - Operations and Support Services, Custodial/Facilities, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

The Gardener is responsible for maintaining and enhancing campus landscapes, athletic fields, and grounds to support a safe, attractive, and functional university environment. Working independently under general supervision, this position performs skilled horticultural and sports turf maintenance, irrigation repair, pest management, and operation of specialized grounds equipment. The role ensures campus grounds and athletic facilities are maintained to established standards while supporting sustainability, operational efficiency, and the university's mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain campus landscapes, ornamental gardens, trees, shrubs, and athletic sports turf.
• Prepare, line, and maintain athletic fields to meet intercollegiate competition standards.
• Install, cultivate, prune, fertilize, irrigate, and care for plants, trees, shrubs, and turf.
• Inspect, repair, modify, and maintain irrigation systems and related equipment.
• Apply herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, and soil amendments using approved practices.
• Operate and perform routine maintenance on grounds equipment, vehicles, and specialized turf maintenance machinery.
• Maintain nursery operations, propagate plants, and recommend appropriate plant materials and landscape improvements.
• Document work activities, maintain inventory and equipment records, and utilize computerized maintenance management systems.
• Respond to urgent maintenance needs, report repair issues, and maintain safe, clean work areas.
• Participate in training, follow safety procedures, and use required personal protective equipment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of horticulture, plant identification, propagation, pruning, and landscape maintenance practices.
• Knowledge of sports turf management, athletic field preparation, irrigation systems, and soil management.
• Ability to identify and address plant diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Skill in operating, maintaining, and safely using grounds maintenance equipment and vehicles.
• Ability to install, repair, and modify irrigation systems and related components.
• Ability to communicate professionally and work effectively with campus constituents.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and use computerized maintenance management systems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, prioritize work, and respond effectively to changing operational needs.
• Knowledge of safe work practices, equipment maintenance, and applicable environmental and safety regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Two years of experience in performing work in the cultivation and care of nursery or ornamental plants including planting of seeds and cuttings, watering, fertilizing, transplanting, and pruning.
• Requires the possession of a valid California Driver's License for the operation of any vehicle or equipment required for position and in any emergency situation.
• Must participate in all OSHA required physicals and examinations.

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations. Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• QAL/QAC Certificate for pest control in Landscape
• Two years in the general maintenance of landscaped areas, one year of which shall have been in the maintenance of sports turf, equipment operation, and irrigation installation and repair.

Compensation

Classification: Gardener
Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,050/month - $4,652/month (Step 7 – Step 14)
CSU Salary Range: $/month - $5,035/month (Step 1 – Step 18)
San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Background Check

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.