Lead Groundsworker

California State University, Fresno; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

California State University, Fresno is seeking a Lead Groundsworker to supervise five to ten staff in campus grounds maintenance, including irrigation, turf and landscape care. The role may involve after-hours work and coordinating complex horticultural tasks.

Ideal candidates have at least two years of relevant grounds experience, leadership ability, and a valid California driver’s license, with pesticide regulation credentials preferred.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in planting, cultivating, and maintaining flowers and shrubs, or in skilled grounds maintenance work.
• Experience leading and assisting a team of workers engaged in horticultural work.
• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Possession of the appropriate California Department of Pesticide Regulation license to perform pest control work (QAL or QAC).

Responsibilities

• Oversee the work of five to ten employees engaged in grounds maintenance in campus areas, ensuring quality and safety.
• Supervise and assist in more specialized tasks such as ornamental gardens, turf maintenance, irrigation system operations, and pest control.
• Coordinate and train staff, interpret policies, and explain methods and procedures.
• Maintain pest control records and ensure IPM and organic methods are used where appropriate.

Skills

Lead oversight

Team leadership

Pest control IPM

Planting & gardening

Plants & landscape knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Attendance

Irrigation systems

Education

Two years of grounds maintenance experience

Experience leading a team

Valid California Driver’s License

Pesticide Regulation license (QAL/QAC)

Job description

Compensation And Benefits

(Internal employees may be placed at a salary higher than the anticipated salary as required by the collective bargaining agreement.)

The salary range for this classification is $3,890 - $5,555 per month.

• This is a full-time (equivalent to 40 hours per week), probationary, non-exempt position.
• Area of consideration is limited to on-campus, state funded employees only.

(Lead Groundsworker)

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

Compensation And Benefits

(Internal employees may be placed at a salary higher than the anticipated salary as required by the collective bargaining agreement.)

The salary range for this classification is $3,890 - $5,555 per month.

• This is a full-time (equivalent to 40 hours per week), probationary, non-exempt position.
• Area of consideration is limited to on-campus, state funded employees only.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here .

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Lead Groundsworker oversees the work of five to ten employees engaged in general gardening and grounds maintenance work in assigned areas of the campus grounds; or oversees and assists in the work of two to five employees engaged in more specialized work such as ornamental gardens and landscapes, performance turf and play field maintenance, irrigation system operations and maintenance, lawn maintenance and pest control; or oversees and assists a crew of more than ten employees engaged in grounds projects such as planting major turf, flower or shrub areas, installing irrigation systems, or installing landscape/hardscape features. This position may require after-hours and weekend work.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of:
  • The principles and practices of providing effective leadwork oversight. Know and understand Grounds Department guidelines and procedures for assigning work.
  • Thorough knowledge of methods, materials, and tools and equipment used in planting, cultivating, and caring for flowers, shrubs, lawns, and trees.
  • Good working knowledge of common plant diseases, pests, and weeds along with approved methods and materials used in their control and eradication.
  • Planting and growing requirements of plants commonly grown in our region of California with special attention to drought-tolerant plants.
• Skill/Ability to:
  • Ability to plan, coordinate, and oversee the work of others.
  • Provide training, interpret policies, and explain methods and procedures.
  • Inspect and evaluate the work of others.
  • Ability to develop and implement pest control program including IPM and Organic methods. Maintain chemical inventory, pesticide use reports and compliance program.
  • Read and write at a level appropriate to the position.
  • Perform general gardening and grounds maintenance work.
  • Always maintain a professional-like attitude while on duty.
  • Interpersonal, and communication skills, including ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and in a team-oriented environment.
  • Maintain regular attendance.

Education And Experience

• Two years of experience in planting, cultivating, and maintaining flowers and shrubs, or in skilled grounds maintenance work.
• Experience leading and assisting a team of workers engaged in horticultural work.
• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Possession of the appropriate California Department of Pesticide Regulation license to perform pest control work (Qualified Applicator License or Qualified Applicator Certificate).

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced level of skills, knowledge and abilities that are required of specialists in sprinkler repair work, horticultural spray work, and plant propagation, gardening, or nursery work.
• Two years of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas in an institutional setting.
• Four years of experience in full range of horticultural work on performance turf and play fields or golf course.
• Arborist Certification.
• PCA License.

Department Summary

Fresno State Facilities Management is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and sustainable environment that supports the operational needs of our campus community.

Applications received by November 17, 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 22 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe. Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity

California State University, Fresno is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion,