Gardener

San José State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 45,198 - 51,916; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

San José State University is looking for a Gardener responsible for maintaining campus landscapes, athletic fields, and grounds. This role involves skilled horticultural maintenance, irrigation repair, and pest management to ensure an attractive university environment.

The ideal candidate will have two years of experience in nursery or ornamental plant care and must hold a valid California Driver's License. The position offers a monthly salary range from $4,050 to $4,652.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in cultivating and caring for nursery or ornamental plants.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
• Must participate in all OSHA-required physicals and examinations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus landscapes and athletic sports turf.
• Prepare and maintain athletic fields for competition.
• Inspect and repair irrigation systems.

Skills

Horticulture knowledge

Plant identification

Sports turf management

Irrigation systems

Ability to use grounds maintenance equipment

Effective communication

Job description

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)

Job Summary

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 cultivating and caring for nursery or ornamental plants including planting of seeds and cuttings, watering, fertilizing, transplanting, and pruning.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License for the operation of any vehicle or equipment required for the 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.

Work Schedule

Tuesday - Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Background Check

Background checks, including criminal records, employment and education verification, and (as required) vehicle and credit checks, are required for employment.

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. 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.

Education Code 89521 Requirements

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last seven years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.