Groundskeeper, Entry

University of Southern California; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 60,173,568 - 74,500,608; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance

Health insurance

403b retirement

Transit subsidy

Job summary

University of Southern California (USC) Facilities Planning & Management is hiring a Groundskeeper, Entry to perform entry-level landscape tasks on the USC campus. The role includes waste disposal, plant installation, and basic grounds maintenance under a progressive training program.

You will operate battery-powered tools, log work orders, and collaborate with others while upholding USC safety and ethics standards. A CA driver’s license is required with DMV record checks.

Qualifications

• 6 months of experience in groundskeeping or similar duties.
• Basic knowledge of gardening and grounds maintenance.
• Familiarity with standard safety practices and equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains battery-operated tools and other equipment (e.g., leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, lawnmowers).
• Performs a variety of entry-level landscape maintenance tasks and trash/recycling/compost service.
• Maintains campus landscape and plant material in pots and boxes, including California natives.
• Uses the maintenance system to log work orders, time, and notes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Groundskeeping experience

Gardening basics

Safety procedures

Communication skills

Handheld tools operation

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma

California Native Plant Landscaper

Tools

Battery-powered equipment maintenance

Job description

The University of Southern California (USC) department of Facilities Planning & Management (FPM) is seeking a Groundskeeper, Entry to join its team.

About USC FPM

FPM (formerly named Capital Construction & Development / Facilities Management Services) is responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining the breadth of the facilities at USC, and is also dedicated to creating a safe environment for our USC community. Woven into every service, safety is of utmost importance. As FPM, this group of innovative and talented professionals provide high quality facilities construction, operations and maintenance services at USC and serve as dedicated stewards of USC and FPM core values. FPM values employee recognition, accountability, collaboration, respect, and trust.

The Groundskeeper, Entry

Performs a variety of entry-level landscape maintenance tasks including waste disposal (e.g., trash, recycling, compost) and other responsibilities. Participates in the landscape and grounds Pay for Knowledge and Skills Program including on-the-job training. Performs all appropriately leveled tasks and demonstrates proficiency as indicated in the Skill-Based Progression, independently or as part of a team, as assigned by the supervisor. May perform higher-level Skill-Based Progression tasks. May be trained by team leads and other employees on specific skills and tasks as needed.

Job Accountabilities

• Operates and maintains battery-operated tools and other equipment (e.g., leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, lawnmowers).
• May train with other employees in specific skills and tasks as required (e.g., safely operating battery-powered equipment).
• Performs a variety of entry-level landscape maintenance tasks. Maintains condition and appearance of campus landscape, performing weed maintenance and trash/recycling/compost service.
• Participates in plant installation. Installs plant material in variously sized pots and boxes, including California native plants.
• Utilizes Facilities maintenance management system through handheld device to log in to work orders, charge time and input notes.
• Encourages a workplace culture where all employees are valued, value others and have the opportunity to contribute through their ideas, words and actions, in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum Qualifications

• 6 months of experience in groundskeeping or similar duties.
• Basic knowledge of gardening and grounds maintenance.
• Minimal familiarity with common plant species, landscape and cultivation requirements.
• Familiarity with standard safety practices and equipment and other requirements for workplace safety.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, policies and principles.
• Ability to collaborate with others and remain flexible to different tasks and responsibilities.
• Ability to operate handheld battery-powered tools and non-power tools.
• Ability to operate a computer and/or smart device for company applications.
• Defensive driving skills.
• Valid CA driver's license required with a minimum of 2 years' driving experience. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment. For more information, please visit the policy website.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma, or equivalent.
• 1+ years of experience in groundskeeping or similar duties.
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting battery-powered equipment, performing repairs such as changing edger blades and adding line trimmer strings.
• Previous experience working at a higher education institution.
• California Native Plant Landscaper.

Benefits

• USC's Commitment to You: We offer an excellent package of benefits and programs including, but not limited to:
• Tuition assistance for you and your family.
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance options.
• 403b retirement account with matching 5% contribution by USC.
• 50% subsidy off Metro, LADOT, and Metrolink passes.

Hourly range: $21.04 - $26.00.