GROUNDSKEEPER I

University of California; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 58,348 - 71,189; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits paid by the district

Pension contribution of 26.81%

Paid time off including holidays and vacation

Job summary

A community college district in San Jose is seeking a Groundskeeper I to perform gardening and grounds maintenance. The role includes ensuring a clean landscape, mowing turf, and operating power tools. Candidates must have experience in heavy manual labor and a valid California driver's license. A commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential. This position offers a competitive salary within the stated range.

Qualifications

• Work experience performing heavy manual labor related to landscaping maintenance.
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine general gardening and grounds maintenance work.
• Ensure campus landscape is clean, safe, and litter-free.
• Mow turf-grass areas and maintain landscaping.

Skills

Safe work practices

Basic construction methods

Basic custodial skills

Education

Completion of 8th grade

Tools

Power tools

Job description

Salary Range $58,348 - $71,189 Annual Salary (Range 61: Classified Salary Schedule Fiscal Year 2025-2026). Starting placement is generally at Step 1.

Benefits Summary

In addition to the salary, this position qualifies for the choice of one of the District’s excellent Health Benefits and Welfare plans, which the premium cost is 100% paid by the District for the employee and their eligible dependents, and one health plan costing an estimated $60,000 for the District for fiscal year 2025-2026. We offer two medical plans (Anthem Blue Cross [PPO] and Kaiser Permanente [HMO]); dental (Delta Dental PPO); vision (VSP Choice); life insurance for the employee (The Hartford); life insurance for eligible dependents (The Hartford); a long‑term disability/income protection plan (The Hartford); and an employee assistance plan (Anthem EAP).

In addition, the District contributes an additional 26.81% of the employee’s salary towards an eligible employee’s pension (CalPERS).

Employees may also elect to participate in optional plans including purchasing additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible dependent(s); enrolling in a medical, transportation, and/or dependent care Flexible Spending Account(s) (with the $4 monthly administrative fee paid by the District); and setting pre‑taxed dollars aside to supplement their pension in a 403b (tax shelter annuity) and/or a 457 (deferred compensation) plan(s).

Classified employees also earn 10 to 22 days per year of vacation (based on years of service), and up to 12 sick leave days (pro‑rated for less than full‑time positions). There are currently 20 paid holidays.

Position Summary

The Groundskeeper I reports to the Vice President of Administrative Services at San Jose City College. The work schedule is 12 months per year; Monday – Friday; 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

This position is represented by the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Chapter 363.

Position Purpose

Under general supervision, performs routine general gardening and grounds maintenance work necessary to provide a clean, safe, and litter‑free campus landscape and assist in the renovation and care of landscaped areas; a wide variety of turf mowing, tree care and other landscaping maintenance equipment.

General supervision is provided after a training period by the Grounds Supervisor. Technical or functional supervision may also be provided by higher level grounds personnel.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Work alone or as a member of a grounds maintenance crew as required.
• Empty trash and garbage cans on a daily basis; insert clean plastic bags; maintain large refuse container areas in a clean and orderly condition.
• Maintain high usage areas in a clean, sanitary condition; wash garbage cans, patio and quad areas; keep other areas such as seating areas, bus stops, walks and steps, parking areas, exterior student union areas and entrances to buildings free of cigarette butts, papers, leaves and spills.
• Sweep, rake and pick‑up litter and debris from the entire campus daily; rake and sweep up leaves with power sweeper; clean up pruning’s as needed; sweep parking lots following a set schedule and after athletic events.
• Clean drains in patios and quads; clean fountains and lake surface; hand water planters and shrubs where no automatic irrigation exists.
• Pick up gasoline for grounds equipment weekly and assist Equipment and Vehicle Mechanic washing district vehicles and assist with other assignments as assigned.
• Mow turf‑grass areas, edge turf and groundcover and trim shrubs with power tools and equipment; assist in new landscaping and irrigation projects and repair, athletic field renovation and pesticide application under the trained guidance of employee with pesticide applicator certification as required.
• Assist in athletic field setups for P.E. Department and community education events and activities.
• Operate a forklift and train on all equipment used by department.
• Pick‑up and deliver supplies as assigned.
• Participate in district training as requested.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of

• Safe work practices in the use of cleaning agents;
• Basic construction and repair methods;
• Basic custodial skills.

Ability to

• Follow schedule and procedures and work cooperatively with others.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Recognize campus areas needing attention and take appropriate action.
• Perform routine work involving moderate to heavy physical labor.

Required Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Education equivalent to completion of the eighth.
• Work experience performing heavy manual labor related to landscaping maintenance.
• Demonstrated sensitivity, knowledge and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, gender, cultural, disability, and ethnic background of groups historically underrepresented, and groups who may have experienced discrimination.
• Success integrating diversity as appropriate into the major duties outlined in the job description and in the duties listed in the District’s hiring policy; or demonstrated equivalent transferable skills to do so.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession of a valid California Class C (auto and light trucks) Driver’s license.

District’s Diversity

• Demonstrated sensitivity, knowledge and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural, disability, and ethnic background of groups historically underrepresented, and groups who may have experienced discrimination.
• Success integrating diversity as appropriate into the major duties outlined in the job description and in the duties listed in the District’s hiring policy; or demonstrated equivalent transferable skills to do so.

Desired Qualifications

For positions that require a degree or coursework: Degree(s) must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Council on Post‑Secondary Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education. All degrees and credits earned outside of the United States must have a U.S. evaluation (course by course) of the transcripts and must be submitted with the application. Degrees earned outside of the U.S. without a U.S. credential evaluation attached, will not be considered.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

• Lift up to 60 pounds unassisted.
• Bend, stoop and perform tasks requiring physical agility and strength.
• Work out of doors under adverse weather conditions and with no known allergic reaction to grasses, pollens, dust, fertilizers, pesticides or insecticides.

About San Jose/Evergreen Community College District

The District is represented by dedicated and talented employees who are passionate about providing our student population with the best educational experience possible. The District recognizes that cultural diversity in the academic environment promotes academic excellence; fosters cultural, racial and human understanding; provides positive role models for all students, and creates an inclusive and supportive educational and work environment for its employees, students, and the community it serves.

As of Spring 2024, with enrollment of approximately 15,655 students per semester, and an extremely diverse student population (Hispanic/Latino 45.20%, Black/African‑American 3.45%, Asian/Pacific Islander 31.70%, American Indian/Native American 0.36%, White/Caucasian 12.76%) attaining educational goals reflecting 56% – Transfer to a 4‑Year College/ University, the District’s emphasis on student success makes it a recognized educational leader in the State.

The District encourages a diverse pool of applicants to serve as colleagues to an existing diverse classified staff consisting of 43.9% Latinx, 25.3% Asian/Pacific Islander, 4.2% Black/African American, 0.3% American Indian/Native American, 17.9% White/Caucasian, and as well as encouraging applications from all qualified, outstanding applicants.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

San José‑Evergreen Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, language, accent, immigration status, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, transgender, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, and physical or mental disability consistent with applicable federal and state laws.

Contact

Employment Services,
Human Resources, SJECCD
40 S. Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 270‑6414
Email: [e-mail]
Employment Website: https://sjeccd.peopleadmin.com
District Website: www.sjeccd.edu

Application Procedures

Interested applicants MUST SUBMIT ONLINE ALL of the following materials by the First Review Date/Closing Date as listed on the job announcement. Applications received after the First Review Date will only be forwarded to the hiring committee at their request.

1. A completed online San José‑Evergreen Community College District APPLICATION.
2. A COVER LETTER (Stating how you feel you meet the qualifications as outline in the job announcement).
3. A current RESUME / CURRICULUM VITAE.
4. TRANSCRIPT – (If Required) If a degree is listed as a requirement, transcripts (Not Diplomas) MUST INCLUDE confer or award date of stated degree. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted; however if the position is offered, official transcripts will be required prior to employment. If the transcripts or degrees are from outside of the United States, an official certification of equivalency to U.S. degrees by a certified U.S. credential review service (course by course of the transcripts) MUST also be submitted.

Note: Some positions may require additional documents and/or certificates, in addition to the items listed above. Please refer to the job announcement.

• Only complete application materials will be considered. No exceptions.
• Letters of Recommendation are NOT required and will not be forwarded to the hiring committee.
• Upon hire the successful candidate must provide the required documents of identity and authorization to work and attest he/she is authorized to work in the United States.
• Application materials become the property of the District and will not be returned or duplicated.
• Travel expenses to attend the interview are the responsibility of the candidate.
• Meeting the minimum qualifications does NOT assure an interview.
• The District may re‑advertise, delay, choose not to fill the position, or choose to fill more than one position.

Suggested services that provide foreign degree equivalency evaluation to U.S. degrees

• Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, Inc. – Website: http://www.acei‑global.org/
• Education Records Evaluation Services – Website: www.eres.com
• International Education Research Foundation – Website: http://www.ierf.org/
• World Education Services – Website: www.wes.org

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you submitting the following REQUIRED documents: a. Cover Letter and b. Resume with your application? (Incomplete applications will not be considered).
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you possess (at a minimum) education equivalent to completion of the 8th grade?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have work experience performing heavy manual labor related to landscaping maintenance?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you possess a valid California Driver’s License? (If you are selected for an interview, you will be required to show proof of your valid driver’s license).
  • Yes
  • No
• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • AcademicKeys.com
  • AsiansInHigherEd.com
  • BlacksInHigherEd.com
  • ChronicleVitae.com
  • Craigslist.org
  • DisabledInHigherEd.com
  • HBCUconnect.com
  • HigherEdJobs.com
  • HispanicsInHigherEd.com
  • Indeed.com
  • InsideHigherEd.com
  • LGBTinHigherEd.com
  • NativeAmericansInHigherEd.com
  • SJECCD District Email
  • SJECCD Website
  • TedJob.com
  • VeteransAndHigher.Ed.com
  • WomenAndHigherEd.com

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

• Other/Optional Documents – (We DO NOT accept letters of recommendation).
• License/Certificate(s)