Lead Grounds & Irrigation Supervisor

University of California, Santa Cruz; California; On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Santa Cruz is seeking a Lead Groundskeeper to join the Facilities team at the Main Campus. You will supervise 8–12 student staff, perform routine grounds maintenance, and oversee irrigation systems as part of the Landscape Master Plan.

The role is full-time, 40 hours/week, with a day shift and Mon-Fri schedule. You will be responsible for maintenance tasks, irrigation design/repair, and coordinating projects with campus staff.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in grounds maintenance and landscape work.
• Proven experience installing and maintaining irrigation systems.
• Experience with basic carpentry and reading blueprints.
• Ability to supervise and train student staff in a team setting.

Responsibilities

• 30% Grounds maintenance: mowing, edging, pruning, litter removal, pest management.
• 30% Irrigation maintenance: inspect and repair irrigation systems, adjust controllers and valves.
• 20% Student staff direction and training: hire, supervise and train 8–12 students; ensure safety.
• 10% Special projects: assist with master plan grounds projects and small construction.
• 10% Other groundskeeper duties: inventory, purchases, and resident service communication.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Irrigation systems

Carpentry basics

Blueprint reading

Team leadership

Tools

Irrigation equipment

Hand tools

Job description

UC Santa Cruz is seeking a Lead Groundskeeper to join the Facilities team at the Main Campus. You will supervise 8–12 student staff, perform routine grounds maintenance, and oversee irrigation systems as part of the Landscape Master Plan.

The role is full-time, 40 hours/week, with a day shift and Mon-Fri schedule. You will be responsible for maintenance tasks, irrigation design/repair, and coordinating projects with campus staff.