Groundskeeper (Limited Pool)

University of California, Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 39,068; Full time

Job summary

The University of California, Merced is seeking a Grounds Maintenance Worker to perform landscaping, mowing, trimming, irrigation repairs, and related duties under supervision. This role requires safe operation of equipment and adherence to campus policies.

Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED, 3+ years of landscaping experience, and willingness to work weekends. DMV Pull Notice background checks and pre‑placement requirements apply according to university policy.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least 3 years of landscaping experience.
• Ability to identify undesirable plants and operate grounds equipment.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Willingness to work weekends and adapt to changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Perform landscaping duties including litter pickup, cultivation, trimming, fertilizing, planting, and irrigation repairs.
• Mow, edge, prune, rake, sweep, and weed assigned landscape areas.
• Monitor and maintain cleanliness and health of landscapes under supervision.
• Ensure safe operation of grounds tools and machinery; follow safety procedures.

Skills

Landscape maintenance

Equipment operation

Irrigation systems

Physical fitness

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Trenchers

Tractors

Rototillers

Power‑driven equipment

Job description

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The salary or hourly range for this position is $21.48/hr - $28.36/hr. The realized minimum pay for this position will be $25/hr; steps less than $25/hr will include an additional amount elevating to $25/hr.

Job Closing Date

Review of applications will occur as openings become available. Candidates will be selected for temporary employment in various departments as positions become available. This position is reopened every six months, so please re‑apply if you remain interested. This position will close on 12/31/2026. These union positions are represented by the bargaining unit AFSCME: Service – SX.

About The Job

Under supervision, incumbent performs a variety of grounds maintenance and repair functions including but not limited to litter pick‑up, cultivating, trimming of shrubs and small trees, fertilizing, planting and irrigation repairs. Performs prescribed maintenance procedures such as mowing, edging, pruning, raking, sweeping and weeding. Responsible for monitoring and maintaining assigned landscape areas in a clean and healthy condition. Irrigates various plant material by use of appropriate manual or automatic systems or hoses when necessary. Operates grounds power tools and machinery and must be responsible for proper use of equipment and follow proper safety procedures for his/her protection and that of others. Follow University guidelines and departmental policies and procedures. Be respectful and courteous with faculty, students, staff and public in general while performing assignments.

Qualifications

• High school or a General Education Diploma.
• 3 years minimum demonstrated experience working on landscaping.
• Ability to identify undesirable plant material and knowledge to operate commonly used grounds equipment and tools like trenchers, tractors, rototillers and other types of power‑driven equipment.
• Knowledge and ability to maintain and troubleshoot irrigation systems.
• Ability to follow through and carry out assignments; be flexible and constantly adjust to changing priorities.
• Must be physically able to consistently perform job duties as outlined in this job description.
• Position is subject to the California DMV's "Pull Notice System" and an offer of employment is contingent upon a satisfactory driving record.
• Employment contingent upon pre‑placement physical, including drug/alcohol testing, background investigation.
• Knowledge of correct chemical use and fertilizer mixtures.
• This position will be required to work weekends.

Background Check

Background check will be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Vaccination Program Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke And Tobacco Free Policy

The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify

All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts require UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/