Lead Groundskeeper & Irrigation Supervisor

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

Job summary

UC Santa Cruz seeks a Lead Groundskeeper to supervise and perform grounds maintenance, irrigation work, and landscape projects across student housing sites. The role includes supervising 8-12 student staff, coordinating schedules, and contributing to the Landscape Master Plan.

You will ensure safe operation, maintain equipment, and collaborate with campus residents and staff. The position is full-time, 40 hours weekly, Monday to Friday on the main campus in Santa Cruz.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in ground maintenance and landscape development.
• Experience with installation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
• Ability to read and work from landscape blueprints and plans.
• Knowledge of backflow devices and irrigation controls is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Performs daily grounds maintenance: mowing, trimming, fertilizing, edging, and debris removal.
• Maintains and troubleshoots irrigation systems and components; adjust controllers and repair leaks.
• Supervises 8-12 student staff; assigns tasks and guides safe operation of equipment.
• Contributes to master plan development for ground landscape and facilities projects.
• Coordinates with Facilities staff and residents to ensure timely completion of projects.

Skills

Ground maintenance

Irrigation systems

Carpentry

Irrigation design

Blueprint reading

Job description

UC Santa Cruz seeks a Lead Groundskeeper to supervise and perform grounds maintenance, irrigation work, and landscape projects across student housing sites. The role includes supervising 8-12 student staff, coordinating schedules, and contributing to the Landscape Master Plan.

You will ensure safe operation, maintain equipment, and collaborate with campus residents and staff. The position is full-time, 40 hours weekly, Monday to Friday on the main campus in Santa Cruz.