Lead Groundsworker

The California State University; Bakersfield, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The California State University in Bakersfield is seeking a Lead Groundsworker to oversee grounds staff, coordinate irrigation and seasonal landscaping projects, and ensure safe, high-quality campus maintenance. The role emphasizes training, safety, and compliance with environmental practices.

Two years’ recent grounds experience and a valid driver’s license are required. The position is on-site with comprehensive CSU benefits and a monthly pay basis in alignment with CSU salary steps.

Qualifications

• Two years of recent experience in planting, cultivating, maintaining flowers and shrubs or general grounds maintenance.
• Possession of a valid driver's license by date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Oversee grounds staff in planting, fertilizing, watering, and pruning in assigned areas.
• Lead scheduling, inspection of work, and feedback to workers.
• Train staff and student assistants; enforce safety practices and recordkeeping.
• Monitor irrigation, pruning, and pesticide use in coordination with licensed personnel.
• Ensure safe operation of grounds equipment and responsible chemical handling.

Skills

Groundskeeping

Leadership

Communication

Safety practices

MSDS literacy

Customer service

Team coordination

Attention to schedules

Problem solving

Safety compliance

Tools

Power tools

Tractors

Mowers

Edgers

Irrigation equipment

Job description

Job no: 562264
Work type: Staff
Location: Bakersfield
Categories: Unit 5 - CSUEU - Operations and Support Services, Custodial/Facilities, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

UNION CODE: R05

FT/PT: Full-time

PAY PLAN: 12-month

WORKPLACE TYPE: On-site (work in-person at business location)

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: Step 2 $3,967 - Step 7 $4,381

• However, offer amount will be commensurate with candidate’s experience, education, skills, and training.

CSU CLASSIFICATION SALARY RANGE: Step 1 $3,890 – Step 20 $5,555

PAY BASIS: Monthly

BENEFITS: CSUB offers a best-in-class benefit package for eligible employees that includes an array of medical plans, choice of dental plans, vision coverage, retirement participation in CalPERS, CSU tuition waiver, up to 24 vacation days per year, sick leave with unlimited accrual, 15 paid holidays per year and more! See our benefits website for additional information.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT: Incumbent must possess a valid CA driver’s license or ability to obtain by date of hire, successfully pass a pre-employment physical exam and background check.

POSITION PURPOSE: Within the Business and Administrative Services Division, Facilities Management is responsible for creating and maintaining an environment that enables faculty and staff to fulfill the educational mission of California State University, Bakersfield through the continued maintenance of campus facilities and grounds, by providing services in a reasonable and timely manner, and by maintaining a quality-oriented organization geared toward the enhancement of the educational environment.

Under general supervision, the Lead Groundsworker provides oversight for a crew of grounds staff engaged in the maintenance, repair, and improvement of campus landscapes, athletic fields, and related facilities. The incumbent plans, assigns, and inspects groundskeeping work; coordinates schedules for irrigation, mowing, pruning, planting, and seasonal landscaping projects; and ensures safe and efficient use of equipment and materials. The Lead Groundsworker is responsible for training staff, enforcing safe work practices, and maintaining records of work orders, equipment, and chemical use. The position monitors pest, weed, and disease control measures in coordination with licensed Gardening Specialists, and may perform occasional pesticide applications if properly licensed. The incumbent plays a key role in maintaining a safe, attractive, and sustainable campus environment that supports the university’s mission.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the Lead Groundsworker in overseeing the work of several grounds staff engaged in planting, fertilizing, watering, and spraying ornamental plants, shrubs, hedges, trees, lawns, and flowers or other grounds maintenance work in an assigned area of a campus.
• Lead staff engaged in grounds activities of a general nature such as construction of flower beds, maintenance of drainage systems, resurfacing of athletic fields and facilities, removal of brush and trees, collection of trash, blowing debris from parking lots and walkways, and laying of concrete and asphalt.
• Prepare and coordinate work schedules and assign work according to well established guidelines and procedures. Inspect completed work and provide feedback.
• Assist in selection, training, and evaluation of Groundsworkers and student assistants.
• Develop schedules for mowing, irrigation, pruning, planting, and seasonal landscaping projects.
• Monitor assigned areas of campus for safety, maintenance needs, and aesthetic standards. Resolve issues directly or elevate as appropriate.
• Demonstrate and enforce safe work habits, including proper use of tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment.
• Perform and oversee specialized maintenance including irrigation system installation and repair, turf resodding, and campuswide pruning.
• In coordination with a licensed individual or as a licensed individual, monitor and/or perform occasional application of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in compliance with CSU policies and state/federal regulations. Ensure proper storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals.

Equipment

• Assign and oversee personnel to operate equipment such as mowers, sweepers, trucks, and other grounds equipment.
• Operate and maintain mowers, sweepers, and other equipment used in the care of grounds. Coordinate service as needed.
• Ensure proper storage, fueling, and cleaning of vehicles and equipment.
• Ensure oil and/or hydraulic levels are adequate and air filters are cleaned.5) Drive state vehicles as required in support of operations.

Training

• Train staff and student assistants in equipment use, horticultural methods, irrigation systems, and safe work practices.
• Provide ongoing coaching, instruction, and demonstrations to ensure quality standards are met.
• Train Groundsworkers on proper shrub, tree, and plant trimming techniques along with shrub bed maintenance according to ANSI standards.
• Interpret policies, procedures, and methods for staff.
• Support compliance with state and CSU standards for chemical use, pest control, and environmental practices.

Recordkeeping

• Maintain routine records of work orders, equipment repair, maintenance and chemical applications, irrigation schedules, and overtime assignments.
• Requisition supplies, tools, and equipment needed to maintain the campus landscape.
• Prepare periodic reports on completed work and staffing assignments.
• Respond to emergency calls outside of normal work hours as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Two years’ recent experience (within 3 years) in planting, cultivating, maintaining flowers and shrubs or in general grounds maintenance work.

LICENSES – Possession of a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

• SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES (SKA’s) –
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Thorough knowledge of methods, materials, and tools and equipment used in planting, cultivating, and caring for flowers, shrubs, lawns, and trees.
• General knowledge of common plant diseases, pests, and weeds.
• General knowledge of approved methods and materials used in their control and eradication, horticultural methods and materials.
• General knowledge of planting and growing requirements of plants commonly grown in California.
• Ability to lead the work of others through inspection and evaluation of work, interpreting policies and explaining methods and procedures.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and perform specialized grounds keeping in the care and maintenance of campus grounds.
• Knowledge of basic grounds maintenance procedures including mowing, edging, raking, and weeding. Cultivating, fertilizing, watering, and spraying of flowers, trees, shrubs, grass, etc.
• Ability to utilize independent judgment in performing grounds maintenance and activities and make decisions without direct assistance from immediate supervisor when appropriate.
• Ability to operate a variety of district vehicles and equipment including a variety of power and hand tools and light motorized equipment including tractors, power mowers, edgers, and weed eaters.
• Ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
• Knowledge of herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, and other chemicals used in grounds maintenance.
• Ability to understand and utilize proper lifting techniques.
• Ability to meet schedules and timelines.
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring diplomacy and professionalism.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
• Communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Ability to interpret, communicate and apply policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Computer skills and competence with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.
• Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn University infrastructure, policies and procedures.
• Must be willing to travel and attend training programs off-site for occasional professional development.
• Must be able to work overtime, occasional holidays, and adjust working hours to meet special jobs. May be called back periodically to perform work as needed on an emergency basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Five (5) years of experience in the care of grounds desired.
• California State Chemical Applicator's License/Certificate.
• Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment utilizing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: HEAVY WORK

50% or more of the activities involve walking, standing, squatting, kneeling, or climbing; lifting heavy weight objects which may exceed 50 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

• Is exposed to excessive noise
• Is around moving machinery
• Is exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity
• Is exposed to dust, fumes, gases, or radiation, microwave
• Drives motorized equipment
• Works in high places
• Other: May be exposed to pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides

SCREENING

Only those applicants possessing experience most directly related to the immediate needs of the office will be invited to appear before a Qualifications Appraisal Board for the purpose of appraising training, experience, and interest in the position.

BACKGROUND CHECK

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Education Code 89521 Requirements

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last seven years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

SENSITIVE POSITION

Sensitive positions are designated by the CSU as requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position, based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of the people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to the CSU or individuals in the university community.

MANDATED REPORTER

The person holding this position is considered a limited mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017.

GENERAL INFORMATION

It is the policy of California State University, Bakersfield to hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to present documentation verifying their right to accept employment. You will also be requested to present a social security card at the time of initial appointment in compliance with state payroll regulations. State regulations require that every state employee sign the Oath of Allegiance prior to commencing the duties of his/her State employment, except legally employed non-citizens. These individuals are required to sign the Declaration of Permission to Work.

The California State University (“CSU”), including California State University, Bakersfield is committed to an inclusive and equitable community that values diversity and fosters mutual respect. All students and employees have the right to participate fully in CSU programs, activities, admission, and employment free from discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and retaliation. The CSU Nondiscrimination Policy prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any protected status, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, prohibited consensual relationships, and retaliation.

Campus contact for our Nondiscrimination policy is Allan Williams, Associate Vice President of Civil Rights & Compliance, [phone].