Lead Groundskeeper

University of California - Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of California - Santa Barbara seeks a Lead Groundskeeper to manage daily activities and assist with grounds maintenance. You will lead a team, oversee project work, and ensure safety standards are met.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in grounds maintenance and effective communication skills to work well with a diverse team. A valid driver’s license and satisfactory background check are required.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in grounds maintenance and installation required.
• Knowledge of plant care, safe equipment use, and horticultural pest control.
• Ability to perform minor repairs on small equipment.

Responsibilities

• Direct and monitor groundskeepers' daily assignments.
• Organize and conduct meetings for successful project implementation.
• Perform regular grounds maintenance as needed.

Skills

5+ years experience in grounds maintenance

Knowledge of plant care

Safe equipment use

Landscape irrigation principles

Minor repairs on equipment

Knowledge of irrigation systems

Experience with tractors and lawn mowers

Teamwork skills

Effective communication skills

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Tractors

Lawn mowers

Chainsaws

Job description

Job ID: 87012
Location: UCSB Campus
Type: Full Time

Brief Summary of Job Duties

Lead Groundskeeper directs daily activities and project work of the groundskeepers, completes tasks related to project work assigned, and assists with all facets of grounds maintenance and repairs when needed. Operates all equipment utilized by the Grounds staff and performs all grounds related tasks such as irrigation installation and repair, hardscape installation and repair, daily grounds maintenance, and administrative tasks needed to complete projects effectively and in a timely manner. Communicates daily with the Superintendent and acts on their behalf when absent; provides feedback for staff evaluations. Interacts effectively as a team member, follows safety standards and policies, and abides by all Housing and University standards and policies. May work shifts other than Monday through Friday in order to meet operations needs and must complete other duties as assigned.

Job Functions and Percentages of Time

• 70% Leadership: Directs and monitors groundskeepers daily assignments and project work, giving guidance and assistance as needed. Directs and assists groundskeepers with all projects and related tasks, including irrigation, landscape, drainage, masonry, fencing, etc. Visits each staff in their area to assess workload, progress and needs; secures supplies and equipment; provides input to the superintendent for evaluation purposes; ensures safety standards and policies are followed.
• 25% Administrative Duties: Directs, monitors and assists with work assignments for projects. Organizes, schedules and conducts meetings for successful project initiation, implementation and completion. Secures pricing, completes purchasing paperwork and delivers equipment needed for projects.
• 5% Groundskeeping: Performs regular grounds maintenance in the absence of groundskeepers and/or equipment operator as needed. Acts on behalf of the Senior-Leads Groundskeepers, and/or Superintendent in their absence.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in grounds maintenance and installation.
• Minimum 3 years demonstrated knowledge of plant care, safe equipment use, landscape irrigation principles, and horticultural pest control.
• Minimum 3 years ability to perform minor repairs on small equipment.
• Minimum 3 years knowledge of irrigation and drip systems.
• Minimum 3 years experience with tractors, lawn mowers, edgers, power sweepers, roto-tillers and chainsaws.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse student body and staff; strong teamwork skills.
• Effective communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1–3 years experience in an institution and/or residential setting such as a university residence hall, hotel, resort, or school.
• High School Diploma.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record. Enrollment in the California Employer Pull Notice Program is required.
• Satisfactory criminal history background check.
• UCSB is a Tobacco‑Free environment.

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 status under state or federal law.

Reasonable Accommodations

If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact Katherine Abad in Human Resources at 805‑893‑4664 or email [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only.