Groundsworker - Main Campus

San José State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 41,816 - 42,653; Full time

Job summary

San José State University is seeking a Groundsworker to maintain campus grounds and landscape areas, including lawns, trees, shrubs, and flowers, while supporting recycling operations. The role involves operating tools and equipment, performing minor maintenance, and documenting work in campus systems.

You will also assist with irrigation inspections and contribute to athletic field maintenance. The position requires one year of relevant experience, a valid California driver's license, and OSHA

Qualifications

• One year of experience in landscaped areas or general grounds maintenance.
• Must participate in OSHA required physicals.
• Requires valid California Driver's License for operation of vehicles/equipment and in emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus grounds and landscaped areas including lawns, trees, shrubs, hedges, flowers, and groundcover.
• Operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, vehicles, and equipment; perform minor maintenance and report repairs.
• Collect and dispose of trash and recyclables; keep grounds and tools clean; respond to urgent grounds needs.

Skills

Landscape maintenance knowledge

Tool operation

Physical stamina

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Pesticide regulation certification / qualified applicator license

Tools

Hand tools & power tools

Irrigation components

Vehicles & equipment

Job description

Job Summary

Assigned primarily to the Main Campus and reporting to the Grounds, Landscape & Recycling Manager while under lead work direction provided by the Lead Groundsworker, the Groundsworker is a member of a team responsible for maintaining landscape and grounds areas of the campus as well as supporting recycling operations. This position is typically assigned to an area of campus and is responsible to maintain all areas of the grounds and landscape including lawns, groundcover, plants, hedges, shrubs, and trees. This includes work efforts associated with planting, cultivating, fertilizing, trimming, raking, mowing, weeding, and irrigating grounds areas and also keeping the campus free and clear of debris and collecting trash and recyclables. This position operates small equipment and machinery typical to a landscape, hardscape, and grounds environment and may perform duties associated with and assisting qualified personnel in irrigation system repair, spraying, tree trimming, and nursery functions.

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, cultivating, 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
• 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

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

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 (Step 5 – Step 6)

CSU Salary Range: $3,461/month - $4,752/month (Step 1 – Step 17)

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see Employee Benefits Summary.

Work Schedule

Selected candidates will be placed in one of the following shifts based on operational needs. Tuesday - Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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.