Groundsworker - Main Campus

The California State University; California (MO); On-site; USD 41,816 - 42,653; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The California State University is seeking a Groundsworker to maintain landscape and grounds areas, support recycling, and operate small equipment at their San José campus.

The ideal candidate will have experience in grounds maintenance, a valid California Driver's License, and must participate in OSHA physicals. The anticipated hiring range is $3,747/month to $3,822/month, with a comprehensive benefits package worth 30-35% of base salary offered.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in grounds maintenance or related manual labor.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License.
• Must participate in all OSHA required physicals and examinations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus grounds and landscaped areas.
• Operate hand tools and power equipment.
• Collect and dispose of trash and recyclables.
• Assist with irrigation system adjustments.
• Prepare and maintain athletic fields.
• Provide guidance to assistants and volunteers.
• Document work performed using management systems.
• Participate in emergency response and training.

Skills

General gardening and grounds maintenance methods

Safe operation of hand tools and power equipment

Ability to perform strenuous physical labor

Knowledge of safe work practices

Vehicle operation in active campus settings

Prioritizing work assignments

Support sustainability principles

Education

High school diploma or equivalent education

Tools

Irrigation components

Power equipment

Job description

Job no: 553483 Work type: Staff Location: San José

Assigned primarily to the Main Campus and reporting to the Grounds, Landscape & Recycling Manager, the Groundsworker is responsible for maintaining landscape and grounds areas, supporting recycling operations, and operating small equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain campus grounds and landscaped areas, including lawns, trees, shrubs, hedges, flowers, and groundcover through planting, trimming, pruning, mowing, irrigating, fertilizing, and weed control.
• Operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, vehicles, and equipment used in grounds and landscape maintenance; perform minor equipment maintenance and report repair needs.
• Collect and properly dispose of trash and recyclables; maintain cleanliness of grounds, work areas, tools, and equipment; respond to urgent and emergency grounds‑related needs as assigned.
• Assist qualified personnel with irrigation system inspection, adjustment, and minor repairs to ensure proper coverage and efficient water use.
• Support preparation, lining, and maintenance of athletic fields to ensure safe and playable conditions.
• Provide lead work direction and guidance to unskilled assistants, including student workers and volunteers, as assigned.
• Accurately document work performed using computerized maintenance management systems, log sheets, and University timekeeping systems.
• Participate in after‑hours emergency response, scheduled overtime, departmental meetings, safety training, and performance improvement initiatives as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of general gardening and grounds maintenance methods, including proper planting, cultivation, and care of trees, shrubs, lawns, and flowers.
• Skill in the safe operation and care of hand tools, power equipment, vehicles, and irrigation components common to grounds maintenance work.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor; follow oral and written instructions; maintain records; communicate effectively; work collaboratively.
• Knowledge of safe work practices, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), lockout/tagout procedures, and hazard recognition in a grounds maintenance environment.
• Ability to operate and safely maneuver vehicles, utility carts, personnel lifts, and trailers in active campus settings with pedestrian traffic.
• Ability to maintain security of assigned equipment, tools, and keys and to follow University access and security protocols.
• Ability to prioritize and adjust work assignments based on changing operational needs, weather conditions, and urgent campus requests.
• Ability to support and apply sustainability principles in daily work practices, including water conservation, waste reduction, and environmentally responsible grounds maintenance methods collaboratively; provide instruction to unskilled assistants; and respond appropriately to emergency situations while maintaining a strong customer service orientation.

Required Qualifications

• One year of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or in general grounds maintenance work, or in related manual labor.
• Must participate in all OSHA required physicals and examinations.
• Requires the possession of a valid California Driver's License for the operation of any vehicle or equipment required for position and in any emergency situation.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Possession of a maintenance gardener pest control certification or qualified applicator license from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.
• Three years of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or in general grounds maintenance work or in related manual labor.
• Experience working within a University or large commercial setting.

Compensation

Classification: Groundsworker. Anticipated Hiring Range: $3,747/month — $3,822/month. CSU Salary Range: $3,461/month — $4,752/month.

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.