Lead Groundsworker

The University of Redlands; Redlands (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Redlands in Redlands, CA seeks a Lead Groundworker to lead a team of 12 groundskeepers across 160 acres of campus. The role blends hands-on grounds work with supervision, scheduling, and quality control.

Responsibilities include operating mowers and irrigation systems, mentoring staff, ensuring safety, coordinating events, and maintaining equipment while protecting campus landscape, trees, and irrigation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 3+ years grounds experience with supervisory roles.
• Knowledge of turf care and irrigation systems.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work outdoors.
• Driver's license with clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Supervise up to 12 grounds crew members.
• Train crew on turf, landscape, tree care, and equipment procedures.
• Oversee mowing, edging, pruning, mulching, and seasonal bed/flower planting.
• Care for over 2,000 campus trees, including pruning and health monitoring.
• Operate ride-on mowers, tractors, and other grounds equipment.
• Monitor irrigation systems.
• Coordinate grounds coverage and event setup, including weekends.
• Enforce safety procedures and PPE use.
• Maintain equipment in safe working order; coordinate repairs.
• Track crew hours, assign daily tasks, report progress to Grounds Manager.
• Provide input on materials, equipment, and seasonal planting budgets.
• Respond to weather emergencies — storm cleanup, irrigation freeze protection, and other urgent conditions.
• Operate university vehicles/trailers as needed to transport crew, equipment, or materials.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Groundskeeping

Irrigation systems

Power equipment operation

Vehicle operation

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma

Job description

University of Redlands
Redlands, CA 92374, USA

• On-site
• Staff
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: LEADG001852

Description

POSITION CODE: 8059

DEPARTMENT/ADMINISTRATION: Facilities Management

POSITION:Staff, Non-Exempt (12 months), Full-time (40 Hours)

SALARY RANGE:$25.00-$28.00

HIRING RANGE:Anticipated hiring range is near or at the minimum of the classification,

commensurate with candidate's education, experience, skills, and training.

INTRODUCTORY PERIOD: Twelve (12) Months

AVAILABLE:Immediately

POSTING DATE: September 29, 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE:Open Until Filled, Apply Immediately.

Definition of Classification:

The Lead Groundworker is responsible for maintaining the campus lawns and landscape; provides support in the planning, assigning, and directing work of grounds staff employees. Operates small power-operated pavement sweepers, power mowers, small riding mowers, and other gardening power equipment.

Supervises a crew of 12 groundskeepers maintaining approximately 160 acres of campus grounds — lawns, landscaped beds, irrigation systems, and a campus tree population of over 2,000 trees. Combines hands-on grounds work with crew supervision, scheduling, and quality control.

Reporting to the Grounds Manager, ensure an aesthetically pleasing, safe, and clean University environment. May drive pick-ups and other automotive equipment in performance of assigned duties.

This position requires the ability to respond to emergency needs, be on a call-back capacity and required to work weekends on occasion.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise, schedule, and direct daily work of up to 12 grounds crew members
• Train and mentor crew on turf, landscape, tree care, and equipment procedures
• Oversee mowing, edging, pruning, mulching, and seasonal bed/flower planting
• Oversee care and maintenance of over 2,000 campus trees, including pruning, health monitoring, and coordination of removal/replacement as needed
• Operate and oversee ride-on mowers, tractors, and other motorized grounds equipment
• Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot irrigation systems
• Coordinate grounds coverage and event setup/breakdown, including weekends
• Enforce crew compliance with safety procedures, OSHA standards, and proper PPE use
• Maintain equipment in safe working order; coordinate repairs and preventive maintenance
• Track crew hours, assign daily tasks, report progress to Grounds Manager
• Provide input on materials, equipment, and seasonal planting budgets
• Respond to weather emergencies — storm cleanup, irrigation freeze protection, and other urgent conditions
• Operate university vehicles/trailers as needed to transport crew, equipment, or materials

Qualification Guidelines

Any combination equivalent to, but not limited to, the following:

Experience/Training/Education:

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3+ years grounds/landscaping experience, including supervisory or lead experience
• Basic knowledge of turf care, ornamental plantings, and seasonal bed maintenance
• Basic knowledge of tree care and maintenance
• Working knowledge of landscape equipment, including ride-on mowers
• Basic knowledge of irrigation systems and troubleshooting
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record; must pass DMV/background check
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather (standing, bending, kneeling, prolonged exposure to heat/cold)

Preferred

• Pesticide/herbicide applicator license (or ability to obtain within a defined period)
• Irrigation systems certification
• ISA Certified Arborist or equivalent tree care certification
• Experience in a higher-education or large-campus setting

Knowledgeand Skills

• Knowledge of commercial lawn and landscaping maintenance techniques, methods, materials, and equipment.
• Ability to safely operate a variety of lawn and landscaping maintenance equipment and tools.
• Safety rules, regulations, and procedures for grounds maintenance.
• Ability to operate and maintain all lawn and landscape maintenance equipment and report any issues.
• Ability to clearly communicate information both verbally and in writing.
• Basic mathematical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, and detail orientated.
• Ability to work as a team and independently and with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Follow appropriate safety rules and regulation.
• Basic knowledge of personal computers and personal computer software and applications.
• Aptitude to learn new and evolving technology.
• Ability to recommend appropriate courses of action within established guidelines.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Understand, interpret, explain, and apply applicable federal and state policies and laws.
• Ability to foster strong, positive relationships and align both internal and external resources to achieve university objectives.
• Must be able to competently interact with a culturally and ethnically diverse population of students, faculty, and staff.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

Working Conditions:

Standard shop and field setting. Duties performed in a university environment in an outdoor environment, moving around campus with some exposure to inclement weather. At least minimal environmental controls to assure health and comfort. Hours and work schedule may vary according to the needs of the University. Occasional overtime and weekend hours are required. After-hours emergency response may be required.

Physical Demands:

Incumbents regularly stand and walks for long periods of time; speak clearly and distinctly to provide information; see to read fine print and operate computer; hear and understand voices over telephone and in person; use hands and fingers to operate an electronic keyboard or other office machines; walk on a regular basis; travel to various locations; finger dexterity may be required to utilize and operate the specialized tools and equipment; distinguish colors and have depth perception; reach with hands and arms; pushing, pulling lifting and occasional crawling; stoop or kneel or crouch; ascend/descent ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps and/or poles; and lift, carry and/or move objects typically weighing up to 25 pounds and on occasion up to 50 pounds. There may be exposure to inclement weather as well as to dirt/dust, chemicals/solvents, and noise with occasional exposure to temperature extremes and vibrations.

TO APPLY

A resume/CV and cover letter are required. In compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act, if selected for the interview process and accommodations are needed, please call [phone].

If you are unable to complete an application due to a disability, contact us at [phone] to ask for accommodation or an alternative application process.

BACKGROUND CHECK

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. The University 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 employee who was conditionally offered the position.

DRIVER'S LICENSE CHECK

Possession of a valid Driver's License is required for certain positions. Employees in positions that require a valid Driver’s License will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid driver's license and reflects driving record.

PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMS

For certain positions typically in Public Safety, Facilities, Athletics and Information Technology Services departments, employment is contingent upon a candidate passing a pre-employment physical exam with the ability to lift in excess of 50 lbs. Public Safety Officers, in addition to a pre-employment physical exam, will also be required to pass a psychological evaluation.

SUBMISSION OF A RESUME OR APPLICATION INDICATES AGREEMENT THAT THE UNIVERSITY MAY VERIFY ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN.

MEMBERS OF UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities