Groundskeeper

Caltech; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech in Pasadena is looking for a landscape maintenance worker to perform grounds care under the supervision of a Landscape Technician or Grounds Lead. Duties include watering, pruning, mulching, weeding, and maintaining bed aesthetics across the campus.

The role requires knowledge of gardening techniques and plant names, plus use of hand tools and light equipment. A valid CA driver’s license is required; overtime may be necessary.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in gardening, landscape, or nursery environment.
• Knowledge of botanical or common names of plants.
• Knowledge of hand tools and methods used in landscape maintenance.
• Must possess a valid California driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety procedures and maintain a safe work environment.
• Apply gardening techniques using basic hand tools and light equipment such as hoes and pruners.
• Water, trim, prune, mulch, and cultivate plants and flower beds.
• Divide and transplant small plant material and establish new plantings.
• Identify sprinkler issues and report repairs as needed.
• Clean tools and work areas; tidy hardscape, planters, and outdoor furniture.
• Assist with campus grounds cleanup after weather events and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Gardening knowledge

Hand tools

Plant names

Job description

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of a Landscape Technician or Grounds Lead, performs a variety of landscape maintenance techniques in a campus research environment to maintain high aesthetic standards throughout the campus community. Performs work in accordance with Institute and regulatory agencies' safety standards and practices.

Essential Job Duties

• Responsible for following all safety procedures and maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
• Apply knowledge of gardening techniques, while using basic gardening hand tools and light gardening equipment such as hoes, shovels, pruners, hedge shears, and periodically use leaf blowers.
• Maintain plants by watering, trimming, pruning, cultivating flower beds, pulling weeds, and mulching areas as necessary.
• Divide and transplant small plant material and maintain new plantings of shrubs, perennials, and color beds during establishment periods.
• Identify, flag, and report sprinkler problems in area of assignment.
• Clean issued tools and report repair or replacement needs to supervisor.
• Clean assigned area by sweeping, raking, or blowing hardscape surfaces, planter areas, and patio areas.
• Wipes patio and courtyard outdoor furniture in assignment area.
• Empty trash and cigarette containers in work assignment area.
• Assist with general campus grounds clean-up after rainstorms or windstorm events.
• Must be able to work overtime when needed and perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• One year of experience in gardening, landscape, or nursery landscape environment.
• Knowledge of botanical or common names of plants.
• Knowledge of hand tools and equipment and methods and materials used in landscape maintenance.
• Must possess a valid California Driver's license or be able to obtain one before employment begins and maintain it throughout the course of employment is required. Must be eligible to drive Institute vehicles under the Institutes’ Motor Vehicle Use policy and adhere to the policy.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. on a regular basis and be able work in an outside environment.

Required Documents

• Resume

Hiring Range

$19.50 - $23.75 Per Hour

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at