Groundsworker

California State University, Chico; Chico (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition fee waiver

Job summary

California State University, Chico is seeking a Groundsworker to perform general gardening work and maintain campus grounds under the supervision of the Lead Groundsworker and Custodial & Grounds Manager.

The ideal candidate has one year of grounds maintenance experience, familiarity with irrigation systems and landscape installation. This full-time, on-site role offers a CSU salary range of $41,532 to $57,024 per year, plus benefits including a tuition fee waiver.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in care of landscaped areas or general grounds maintenance work.
• Possession of a Qualified Applicators Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Perform general gardening work and maintain the grounds in assigned areas of campus.
• Support University Housing operations in maintaining landscape and grounds.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Irrigation systems

Landscape construction

Pest control experience

Qualified Applicators Certificate

Job description

Job no: 563419
Work type: Staff
Location: Chico
Categories: Unit 5 - CSUEU - Operations and Support Services, Custodial/Facilities, Probationary, Full Time

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 23-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 15,000 students, with over half identifying as first‑generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and those with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

Job/Department Summary:

Under immediate supervision of the Lead Groundsworker and occasional direction of the Manager of Custodial & Grounds, the Groundsworker performs general gardening work and maintains the grounds in assigned areas of campus.

University Housing (UH) is a complex department consisting of approximately 60 employees working various shifts and providing diverse administrative and operational services across 6 residential halls and a 25‑building apartment community.

Required Education and Experience:

One year of experience in the care of maintenance of landscaped areas or in general grounds maintenance work, or in related manual labor.

Preferences:

• Experience with horticultural spraying and pest eradication in an institutional or commercial setting.
• Experience with irrigation systems including the installation and maintenance of sprinkler heads, repairs of irrigation lines, and familiarity with “smart” irrigation controllers.
• Experience in general grounds maintenance in an institutional or commercial setting.
• Experience with landscape construction projects, including installation and planting of landscape shrubs, trees, flowers and ground covers.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the differences between native plants and ornamental plants.
• Experience maintaining sports fields.
• Possession of a Qualified Applicators Certificate.

Time Base: Full-time

Pay Plan: 12/12

Work Schedule: TBD

CSU Classification Salary Range: $41,532 (Step 1) - $57,024 (Step 17) per year.

Benefits: This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible).

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

California State University, Chico, in accordance with CSU policy, may require that the successful candidate complete a background check (including a criminal records check, sexual offender registry check, and/or fingerprinting) prior to assuming this position. Failure to satisfactorily complete or pass the background check may impact the job offer or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for posted positions identified as sensitive.

Throughout employment in this position incumbent must maintain a valid California Driver's License as well as continued completion and compliance of the CSU Defensive Driver's Training course.

The successful candidate will be required to pass a Audiometry Evaluation.

About Chico State:

Graduate and undergraduate programs boast high‑quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. The campus motto, “Today Decides Tomorrow,” is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co‑curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, they will become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century.

The campus is located in Northern California, 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and a three‑hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Chico offers year‑round natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities, and a thriving arts, music, and events scene. We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, theMechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus. We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today.

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.

Chico State is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H‑1B Visas).

CSU, Chico’s Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person at CSU, Chico Police Department or by calling 530‑898‑5555 . It is also available on the web at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report .

Advertised: Oct 30 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Nov 13 2026 Pacific Standard Time