GROUNDSKEEPER

City of Santa Monica; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Santa Monica is seeking a Groundskeeper to maintain parks and green spaces. Responsibilities include caring for lawns, shrubs, and trees, operating equipment, and ensuring the cleanliness of city grounds. Ideal candidates will have strong customer service skills and experience in gardening or groundskeeping. This role requires physical stamina and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Join a diverse team committed to enhancing the city's natural beauty.

Qualifications

• One year of recent paid experience in gardening or groundskeeping.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining lawns, flower beds, shrubs, and grass areas.
• Operating groundskeeping equipment such as lawnmowers and tractors.
• Cleaning and maintaining city grounds including ponds and sports fields.

Skills

Customer Service

Mathematics

Communication

Education

High School Graduation

Tools

Power Tools

Groundskeeping Equipment

Job description

Job Description

Maintains lawns, flower beds, shrubs, trees, and park facilities, including play equipment in park areas.

Works under the general supervision of the Parks Operations Supervisor and/or Parks Operations Crew Leader, generally planning and arranging own work. Performs some routine assignments alone. Detailed instructions are received, and work is frequently reviewed.

Responsibilities include:

1. Maintaining and caring for lawns, flower beds, shrubs, and grass areas through watering, mowing, and edging.
2. Renovating lawns and large grass areas.
3. Trimming and pruning hedges, shrubs, and trees as appropriate.
4. Excavating and cultivating soil; planting flowers, grass, ground cover, shrubs, and trees under various climate and soil conditions; potentially laying sod.
5. Raking leaves and grass trimmings from sidewalks, paths, and other areas.
6. Maintaining and adjusting irrigation systems; cleaning sprinkler heads.
7. Operating groundskeeping equipment such as lawnmowers, edgers, hedge trimmers, groomers, forklifts, trucks, and tractors.
8. Applying fertilizers to turf and other vegetation.
9. Cleaning and maintaining ponds, sports fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, and other city grounds.
10. Picking up debris, litter, and trash; emptying trash cans; removing graffiti; cleaning restrooms as assigned.
11. Handling equipment, parts, supplies, and furniture, including risers and portable stages, as assigned.
12. Performing minor repairs involving basic carpentry and cementing.
13. Maintaining logs, records, and reports.
14. Following applicable safety rules and regulations.
15. Performing other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

Knowledge of: care and maintenance of plants, trees, grass, flowers, and shrubs; basic mathematics and recordkeeping; use and application of fertilizers; maintenance of irrigation systems; safety practices in power tools operation; identification of trees, shrubs, flowers, and plants; effective customer service techniques.

Ability to: read and follow instructions; write simple reports; perform mathematical computations; take accurate measurements; operate power equipment and hand tools; lift heavy objects; walk, stand, and kneel for prolonged periods; climb ladders; establish effective working relationships; provide customer service.

Skill in: reading, writing, communicating effectively; assessing plant conditions; using power tools and equipment; working with diverse populations.

Education, Training, and Experience

High school graduation or equivalent; one year of recent paid experience in gardening or groundskeeping.

Licenses and Certificates

Valid Class C driver license.

Working Conditions

Work outdoors in seasonal weather; exposure to slippery surfaces, noise, chemicals, oils, and odors; occasional irregular hours; physical demands include walking, standing, kneeling, climbing, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Application and Selection Process

Applicants must submit a complete online application by the deadline. Testing may include a performance exam scheduled for 06/12/2025. A thorough background check will follow successful completion of prior phases.

Inclusion & Diversity

The City of Santa Monica values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and provide accommodations for persons with disabilities upon request.