Lead Groundskeeper — Campus Grounds & Horticulture

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Facilities Management seeks a Grounds Lead to oversee outdoor maintenance across the UCLA campus. You will be responsible for maintaining lawns, gardens, and hardscape areas during a night shift, coordinating a team, and ensuring safe operation of equipment.

Candidate must have robust experience in plant care, pruning, irrigation, and the ability to train staff. A valid California license and forklift certification are preferred; background checks apply.

Qualifications

• Experience with plant health, pests, and diseases.
• Trimming trees/shrubs, mowing, edging, cultivating plants.
• Operate and maintain grounds equipment and hand tools.
• Prioritize and coordinate work, train subordinates as needed.
• Communicate clearly with team, supervisors, and stakeholders.
• Read and write standard English for orders and forms.
• Perform irrigation calculations and basic math.

Responsibilities

• Maintain campus landscapes to keep aesthetic standards.
• Operate mowers, trimmers, edgers, and related tools safely.
• Schedule and supervise subordinates; monitor performance.
• Ensure safety practices and compliance with policies.
• Collaborate with peers, vendors, and administrators as needed.

Skills

Plant care

Lawn maintenance

Operate equipment

Project coordination

Communication

English literacy

Irrigation math

Education

CA noncommercial Class C License

CA Driver's License

Forklift Certification

Job description

UCLA Facilities Management seeks a Grounds Lead to oversee outdoor maintenance across the UCLA campus. You will be responsible for maintaining lawns, gardens, and hardscape areas during a night shift, coordinating a team, and ensuring safe operation of equipment.

Candidate must have robust experience in plant care, pruning, irrigation, and the ability to train staff. A valid California license and forklift certification are preferred; background checks apply.