Groundskeeper

Pepperdine University; California (MO); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Pepperdine University seeks a dedicated landscape maintenance worker to assist in maintaining the beauty of its grounds. Responsibilities include planting, mowing, groundskeeping, and operating various tools and equipment. Qualified candidates will possess a high school diploma, relevant experience, and strong problem-solving skills. This full-time position offers competitive pay and a robust benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year paid landscape or related experience.
• Competency using tools and operating equipment.
• Valid California Driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, and lawns.
• Safely operate powered equipment for landscape maintenance.
• Clear litter and trash, maintaining a clean campus environment.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Some college or technical school (preferred)

Completion of an approved apprentice program (preferred)

Job description

Under general supervision of the Supervisor, Custodial Services for the Department of Facilities Services (DFS), and in collaboration with your colleagues, assist in maintaining University by completing assigned landscape maintenance in coordination with upcoming or unforeseen events. Maintenance includes planting shrubs, flowers and trees, mowing, trimming small trees, hedges and shrubs, removing dead or unwanted trees, hand watering gardens and lawns, groundskeeping activities such as litter, trash removal, outdoor furniture cleaning and power washing or outdoor surface cleaning during the hours of 2:00 pm - 11:00 pm.

Duties

• Complete assigned landscape duties of maintaining ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, and lawns in optimal conditions. Plant and maintain landscape vegetation, including trees through activities such as mulching, fertilizing, weeding, watering, mowing, pruning and pulling weeds.
• Maintain the University grounds by clearing litter and trash removal, perform tasks such as blowing, power washing and mopping outdoor surfaces. Clean site fixtures including, but not limited to: trash can tops, campus signs, bus stop benches, tables, handrails, etc.
• Safely and effectively operate powered equipment, such as walk behind power mowers, edgers, weed eaters, leaf blowers, power trimmers, sod cutters, and pruning saws. This includes the inspection of equipment each time prior to commencing work using that equipment, including checking fluid levels, confirming guards and shields are in place, etc.
• Mix and apply fertilizers and other chemicals, according to instructions or documented best practices. This work includes filling out chemical use reports and the storage area log. Notify the Supervisor, Custodial Services, when diseases or pests are observed affecting landscape plant materials.
• Walk the area of assignment at the beginning of each shift and remove all litter from campus grounds when it is first observed. This includes but is not limited to, removing any litter from campus areas while traveling to and from the area assigned, cleaning and emptying trash receptacles, removing trash from landscape plants or planting beds, etc.
• Prepare and properly maintain all required records, including, but not limited to: work activity reports, work orders, supplies or materials purchased or used, chemical use reports, water loss/use reports, etc.
• Communicate with the supervisor any irrigation problems observed. This includes, but is not limited to leaks, broken or misaligned sprinklers, "too wet" or "too dry" spots. Report all water leaks of any kind to your supervisor.
• Maintain the inventory of tools, equipment and supplies issued, to ensure that all are available and in usable condition when needed. Inform Supervisor, Landscape and Irrigation Services when supplies are needed or equipment needs servicing.
• When requested, or when appropriate, assist team members in performing assigned duties and work as necessary to meet deadlines and maintain schedules. Accept changes in work assignments demonstrating a commitment to flexibility and teamwork.
• Immediately report any accidents or injuries to the supervisor. Report any unsafe conditions observed or encountered while completing assigned work. Ensure that all work is completed in a safe manner at all times, in compliance with adopted standards. This includes, but is not limited to, the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) and the following of safe work practices. Comply, at all times, with all applicable regulatory agency standards, requirements, laws and regulations, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of one (1) year paid landscape or related experience.
• Broad technical knowledge of practices, principles, and techniques for landscape.
• Competency using tools and operating equipment of the trade.
• Analytical and problem solving skills to successfully resolve issues.
• English written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must consistently project a professional demeanor and positive attitude, and be able to effectively and professionally communicate.
• Must be able to lift up to 80 pounds, and lift and carry up to 50 pounds for 100 feet.
• Must hold a valid California Driver's license, maintain an acceptable DMV driving record, and remain insurable by University insurance carrier at all times while employed.
• Must be able to bring a current DMV driving record printout on the first day of employment.
• Willingness and ability to periodically work overtime hours, respond to emergency calls after hours/weekends, and work rotating weekend shifts.
• Must be flexible to accept assignments in various Campus locations, as well as changes in assignments.
• Basic computer skills and competency with Microsoft Office.
• Analytical and problem solving skills to successfully resolve issues.

Preferred:

• Some college or technical school.
• Completion of an approved apprentice program or equivalent.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

This is a Regular, Nonexempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $21.63 - $22.50 per hour

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitivebenefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.