Gardener

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Defensive Driver Training Program

Job summary

San Jose State University is seeking a Gardener who will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing campus landscapes and athletic fields. The successful candidate will work independently under general supervision, performing skilled horticultural maintenance, pest management, and operation of specialized grounds equipment.

This position requires a valid California Driver's License and involves tasks such as turf maintenance, irrigation repair, and ensuring that campus grounds meet established standards. A comprehensive benefits package is available.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years experience in horticulture or landscape maintenance.
• Ability to manage sports turf and irrigation systems effectively.
• Good communication skills to interact with campus constituents.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus landscapes and athletic fields.
• Operate grounds equipment and perform routine maintenance.
• Inspect and repair irrigation systems and related equipment.

Skills

Horticulture knowledge

Sports turf management

Irrigation systems

Communication skills

Equipment maintenance

Education

Two years in plant care and maintenance

Valid California Driver's License

Job description

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 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 Jose 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.

Work Schedule

Selected candidates will be placed in one of the following shifts based on operational needs.

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

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose 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 Jose 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 Jose 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.