GROUNDSKEEPER III

San Jose/Evergreen Community College District; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 78,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental plan

Vision plan

Life insurance

Disability insurance

EAP

Flexible Spending Accounts

Pension plan

Job summary

San Jose/Evergreen Community College District is seeking a Groundskeeper III to maintain landscapes, irrigation systems, and athletic fields. The role operates year-round, with a 6:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m. schedule, and includes extensive equipment use, tree pruning, and safety compliance.

Competitive benefits accompany the salary range. The Groundskeeper III reports to the Facilities Manager and works under general supervision to uphold campus aesthetics and functional outdoor spaces across the

Qualifications

• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• One year of experience performing semi-skilled or skilled tree care, landscape maintenance work, and/or irrigation system repair and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Maintain turf and ornamental areas using mowing equipment and hand tools.
• Repair and maintain irrigation systems and components; troubleshoot controllers and valves.
• Prune trees and shrubs; apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides as required and safe.
• Operate various landscape maintenance equipment and perform safety procedures.
• Plan, install and repair sprinkler systems; monitor water use and adjust schedules.

Skills

Reading manuals

Diagnosis of system malfunctions

Climbing trees

Operate landscape equipment

Safety practices

Education

High school completion

1 year grounds maintenance experience

Tools

Mower equipment

Irrigation systems

Job description

Salary Range $77,658 - $94,896 Annual Salary (Range 85: Classified Salary Schedule Fiscal Year 2026-2027). 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 Lincoln); life insurance for eligible dependents (The Lincoln); a long term disability/income protection plan (The Lincoln); 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); enroll in a medical, transportation, and/or dependent care Flexible Spending Account(s) (with the $4 monthly administrative fee paid by the District); and set 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

Position Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Groundskeeper III will report to the Facilities Manager at San Jose City College. The work schedule is 12 months per year; Monday – Friday; 6:00 a.m. to2:30p.m.
This position is represented by the California School Employees Association ( CSEA ), Chapter 363.

POSITION PURPOSE

Under general supervision, perform a full range of duties including skilled gardening, irrigation systems, turf and tree trimming in the maintenance and repair of landscaped areas; operating commercial trucks and a wide variety of turf mowing, tree care and other landscaping maintenance equipment.
General supervision is provided by the Grounds Supervisor. Assignments may require technical or functional direction of a project or work crew or to provide training to less experienced grounds maintenance personnel.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain ornamental and athletic field turf-grass areas by operating a wide variety of mowing equipment that includes commercial self-propelled rotary, triplex, tractor drawn gang and hand mowers as well as power lawn edgers, weed-eaters and power turf sweepers.
• Maintain automatic sprinkler irrigation systems for turf-grass, shrubbery, groundcover and tree plantings; repair ¾” to 3” automatic irrigation valves of various manufacturers; repair various manufactured commercial sprinkler heads; troubleshoot controller and electric valve problems; and monitor irrigation pond water level, maintain filtering system and assist in valve maintenance. Repair main lines up to 8” in size.
• Repair athletic fields to include brown or wet spots related to the irrigation system which may include re-seeding, requiring coordination with athletic events; prepare athletic fields by marking fields, setting up benches, chairs, barriers, and scoreboards; ensure athletic fields conform to regulations and specifications.
• Maintain ornamental areas of campuses and District Offices operating a wide variety of power equipment including chainsaws, power edgers and hedge trimmers, weed eaters, sprayers, tote vehicles, tractor and loader, forklifts, turf sweepers and aerial lifts.
• Prune trees, shrubs and vines at proper season and with knowledge of correct procedures; edge groundcovers and renovate as needed; fertilize, apply pre-emergent herbicides, insecticides and fungicides to ornamental plantings; and use wide range of hand tools in performing maintenance of ornamental areas.
• Mix, load and apply insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and fertilizers to ornamental plants and turf-grass; calibrate spray equipment ranging in size from two hundred gallon power rigs to three gallon spray cans; calibrate fertilizer spreaders; and apply materials in a safe manner, at recommended rates.
• Apply bait for squirrels, rats and mice; trap and eradicate gophers to provide safe athletic field playing surfaces; and apply chemicals to irrigation pond to control aquatic weeds.
• Perform landscape construction functions involved in renovation of old paintings and new landscape installations; operate tractor and various attachments including loader, scraper, airefier, rototiller, overseeder, flail mower and auger in accomplishing required tasks; plant and stake trees, plant shrubs, groundcover and vines; prepare planting areas by rototilling in soil amendments and fertilizers, hand or tractor grading; install drain lines, headerboards; install new irrigation systems or modify old systems; and operate trenchers, install mainlines, valves, lateral lines, sprinkler heads and control wires to irrigation controller.
• Perform a variety of tasks such as concrete work, blacktop repair, cyclone fence repair and assist Custodian and Maintenance staff as required.
• Participate in District training as directed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Plan, install, maintain and repair sprinkler and hydraulic systems; clean, adjust and repair sprinkler heads, valves, devices, controllers, pumps, and related components and equipment. Prevent cross connection of recycled and domestic water during all irrigation modifications or repairs.
• Inspect, service and repair irrigation controllers and related electrical components; troubleshoot computerized electronic systems, irrigation controllers, solenoid valves and wiring; adjust central irrigation computer and controllers for correct programming; check plant material to assure proper amounts of water; adjust computerized and manual irrigation systems according to seasons, soil conditions and water distribution rates.
• Climb trees by means of climbing rope and climbing saddle to prune trees to shape, top, fell, thin, and remove diseased and dead wood; improve structural integrity and enhance aesthetic appearance; operate a hydraulic lift truck at considerable heights and climb by means of rope and saddle to considerable heights to carry out tree care activities.
• Using climbing spurs, power chainsaws, pole saws, hand saws and hydraulic saws aloft, remove and lower limbs from trees by rigging with ropes and other tree care devices; and provide safety for the public by cordoning off work areas.
• Work alone or as a member of a crew; when trimming trees at a height of 7’ or above work as a team member.
• Estimate and record time, labor and material costs and charges; order supplies and materials.

KNOWLEDGE , SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, tools, safety practices and equipment used in grounds maintenance.
• Common plant, tree and turf pests and diseases and methods for their control and eradication.
• Principles and practices used in irrigation system operation and maintenance.
• Irrigation system design and irrigation control systems and equipment.
• Methods and materials used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of automatic sprinkler systems.
• Sizes and specifications of pipes and fittings for proper volume and pressure.
• Tree species, their growth habits and appropriate pruning practices for the different tree species.
• General and specific tree care safety practices in relation to climbing and operating tree care equipment, including safety related to electrical hazard.
• Applicable pesticides and the laws and regulations regarding their application and use.
• Health and safety regulations; procedures used in aerial rescue.
• Proper and effective use of landscape maintenance tools, equipment and materials.
• Applicable safety codes, ordinances and regulations.

Skills and Ability to:

• Read and understand technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and blueprints.
• Analyze and diagnose system malfunctions.
• Climb trees by the use of climbing rope and climbing saddle.
• Work at considerable heights above the ground in performing tree care operations.
• Operate and maintain a variety of equipment and tools.
• Observe safety requirements and safe work practices and methods as required.
• Perform routine work involving moderate to heavy physical labor.
• Work in an environment where there is high exposure to dust, pollens, and other allergens.
• Ability to withstand extensive standing, walking, stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, and climbing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Work independently and under minimal supervision

Required Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
2. One year of experience performing semi-skilled or skilled tree care, landscape maintenance work, and/or irrigation system repair and maintenance given the specific requirement of the assignment.

Licenses and Certificates:

1. Possession of or ability to obtain a California Class C Driver’s license within nine months of initial employment and maintain the up-to-date license during the course of employment.
2. Possession of or ability to obtain California Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate (Category B, Landscape Maintenance) within nine months of initial employment and maintain the certificate during the course of employment.

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:

1. Lift up to 60 pounds unassisted.
2. Bend, stoop and perform tasks requiring physical agility and strength.
3. Work out of doors under adverse weather conditions and with no known allergic reaction to grasses, pollens, dust, fertilizers pesticides or insecticides; operate the full range of landscape maintenance equipment utilized by the district.

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; foster cultural, racial and human understanding; provide positive roles 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 Fall 2025, with enrollment of approximately 15,661 students per semester, and an extremely diverse student population (Hispanic/Latino 48.9%, Black/African-American 3.4%, Asian/Pacific Islander 31.8%, American Indian/Native American 0.3%, White/Caucasian 9.1%, Multi-race 3.6% and Unknown 3.0%) 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 43.4% Latinx, 27.2% Asian/Pacific Islander, 3.0% Black/African American, 0.3% American Indian/Native American, 19.5% White/Caucasian, 5.6% Unknown 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: [phone]
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.

OTHER APPLICANT INFORMATION :
1. Only complete application materials will be considered. No exceptions.
2. Letters of Recommendation are NOT required and will not be forwarded to the hiring committee.
3. 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.
4. Application materials become the property of the District and will not be returned or duplicated.
5. Travel expenses to attend the interview are the responsibility of the candidate.
6. Meeting the minimum qualifications does NOT assure an interview.
7. 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 the minimum) a High School Diploma or GED as outlined in the job announcement?
  • yes
  • No
• * Do you possess (at a minimum) one year of experience performing semi-skilled or skilled tree care, landscape maintenance work, and/or irrigation system repair and maintenance given the specific requirement of the assignment?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you possess, or are you able to obtain, a Commercial Class B California Driver’s License within nine months of initial employment and maintain the up-to-date license during the course of employment?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you possess or have the ability to obtain California Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate (Category B, Landscape Maintenance) within nine months of initial employment and maintain the certificate during the course of employment?
  • 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

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• Other/Optional Documents - ( We DO NOT accept letters of recommendation).