Groundskeeper I (Limited Duration)

Tri-Valley Career Center; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Livermore is seeking a Groundskeeper I for a 12-month limited duration role. This entry-level position handles general grounds maintenance, operates equipment, and supports irrigation work in outdoor environments.

The job requires hard work, independent effort, and good judgment in day-to-day tasks. The ideal candidate will have one year of relevant experience, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a valid CA driver’s license; additional certifications are desirable.

Qualifications

• One year of full-time paid experience in general grounds maintenance.
• Education equivalent to graduation from high school.
• Valid California Class C Driver’s License and driving record per City requirements; a Commercial Class B license is desirable.
• Pesticide Regulation’s Applicator Certificate and ISA Arboriculture Certificate desirable.
• Willingness to overtime; work outdoors in varied conditions; read labels and manuals.

Responsibilities

• Plant, cultivate, water, spray, and propagate plants, shrubs, trees, hedges, ground cover, and flowers.
• Trim and prune hedges, trees, shrubs, and stake trees.
• Aid in keeping the grounds of public buildings clean, orderly, and free from pests.
• Maintain hand and power tools and equipment.
• Operate mowing equipment and other related equipment; drive trucks and vehicles as needed.

Skills

Planting & propagation

Hedge & tree pruning

Lawn & grounds maintenance

Irrigation system maintenance

Equipment operation

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

California Class C Driver’s License

Commercial Class B license desirable

Pesticide Applicator Certificate desirable

ISA Arboriculture Certificate desirable

Job description

The City of Livermore is currently accepting applications to fill a Limited Duration Groundskeeper I position. This position has been funded for 12 months. A Groundskeeper I performs a variety of semi-skilled general grounds maintenance work; operates equipment pertaining to tasks; and performs other duties as assigned. This is an entry level classification in the Groundskeeper series. The incumbent performs hard physical labor, works independently as needed, and uses good judgment in making decisions.

Typical Duties Of a Groundskeeper I Includes

• Plant, cultivate, water, spray, and propagate plants, shrubs, trees, hedges, ground cover, and flowers
• Trim and prune hedges, trees, shrubs, and stake trees
• Aid in keeping the grounds of public buildings clean, orderly, and free from pests
• Maintain hand and power tools and equipment
• Assist in the repair, maintenance, and installation of irrigation systems
• Operate mowing equipment, and other related equipment
• Drive trucks including small street-sweepers and other essential vehicles

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and characteristics:

• Knowledge of approved methods of planting, propagating, pruning, and maintaining of hedges, trees, shrubs, lawns, and flowers
• Knowledge of common plant diseases, insects,, and pests; and approved methods and materials used for eradication and control
• Safely perform all tasks using proper protocols and techniques
• High energy, a solid work ethic, and follows through on commitments made
• Ability to work independently and also as a member of a team to accomplish department goals
• A commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

Qualifications For Groundskeeper i

Experience: One year of full-time paid experience in general grounds maintenance work.

Education: Equivalent to graduation from high school.

License: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record as determined by the City. Possession of a Commercial Class B driver’s license is desirable.

Certification: Possession of a Department of Pesticide Regulation’s Applicator Certificate and International Society of Arboriculture Certificate are desirable.

Other Requirements: Willingness and ability to work scheduled and emergency overtime; be available on call as required; wear a uniform and appropriate safety equipment; work outdoors under adverse conditions such as at night, at heights of 70 - 80 feet in the air, in confined and awkward spaces, on slopes, in heavy traffic, and in all weather conditions; and attend workshops and classes during work and non work hours as required.

Special Requirements: Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to read fine print on labels and in manuals, maps, diagrams and blueprints; drive vehicles; work with chemicals and pesticides used in the course of work; converse on the telephone, 2-way radio, and in person over the noise of machinery and traffic; detect subtle noises such as in machinery and running water; work on and around ladders and aerial lift trucks; crawl, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, stretch, and climb; safely manipulate tools and equipment; strength to safely lift and maneuver equipment and related supplies such as fertilizer bags, cement bags, tree grates, wire spools, and jackhammers weighing up to 90 pounds; and stand for long periods of time.