Groundskeeper

Gavilan College•Gilroy Campus, CA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Groundskeeper performs a variety of tasks involving the maintenance, repair, and improvement of grounds, athletic fields and courts, and other college facilities, as well as related duties. The role is distinguished from other maintenance jobs by its focus on grounds and exterior maintenance. The ideal candidate has a strong background in landscaping, plant care, irrigation systems, and outdoor maintenance, and is skilled in using gardening tools, pruning, and seasonal planting to support a safe, healthy, and welcoming campus environment. The position also calls for commitment to student-centered practices, cross-campus collaboration, service to the community, and culturally responsive practices. Work is performed primarily outdoors. The position may involve supervising and training student workers and others, assisting with facility construction, remodeling, repairs, and maintenance, and responding to off-hours emergencies.

Requirements

Knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in grounds maintenance.
Knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used to install and maintain automatic sprinkler systems and water piping.
Knowledge of plants, trees, turf, and landscaping materials, including water and nutrient requirements, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Knowledge of the preparation and maintenance of ball fields, athletic fields, and courts.
Knowledge of motorized equipment, hydraulic apparatus, power tools, and safe working practices.
Skill in mowing, pruning, planting, irrigation, ball-field preparation, and other grounds work.
Skill in identifying and managing basic turf, plant, tree, and shrub nutrient, irrigation, and disease requirements.
Skill in installing, operating, and maintaining irrigation and water-supply plumbing, wiring, and controls.
Skill in using and performing minor maintenance on landscaping and grounds-maintenance tools and equipment.
Ability to read and interpret label instructions, layout diagrams, maps, specifications, manuals, and regulations.
Ability to follow safe work practices related to chemicals, tools, and equipment.
Ability to prepare and maintain logs and records.
Valid California driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
Willingness to respond to off-hours emergency situations.
Completion of high school and two years of responsible groundskeeping experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Physical strength and stamina to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 90 pounds; ability to work above ground on ladders; agility, strength, and manual dexterity to operate hand and power tools, vehicles, and equipment; ability to work outdoors in temperature extremes and inclement weather; vision to read work requests, blueprints, diagrams, manuals, and regulations; and speech and hearing for communicating instructions, information, and work requests.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a pesticide applicator’s license.
Additional coursework in horticulture or groundskeeping.

Responsibilities

Seed, install sod, fertilize, mow, edge, and aerate lawns, athletic fields, and other turf using edgers and walk-behind and riding mowers.
Irrigate grounds and install, adjust, and maintain irrigation-system piping, wiring, and controls.
Sweep, repair, and maintain paved court areas, including patching and painting surfaces.
Pick up, sweep, or blow trash and debris from grounds, walkways, and other surfaces; empty and clean waste receptacles; and dispose of waste and debris.
Prepare athletic fields to specifications, including cutting lines, chalking, and preparing base areas and pitchers’ mounds.
Prune, trim, and shape shrubs and small trees; clear brush; and remove trees.
Weed grounds, prepare soil, and plant trees, shrubs, and other plants.
Mix and apply insecticides, herbicides, and other pesticides.
Operate tractors, trenchers, trucks, backhoes, and front loaders to dig trenches, clear grounds, grade dirt, and load or haul soil, trimmings, and debris.
Build and maintain fences, outdoor handrails, and other basic facilities incidental to landscape maintenance.
Prepare forms, set rebar, pour and finish concrete, and lay and patch asphalt.
Ensure worksite safety by using safety equipment, traffic barriers, and safe work practices; correct or report safety issues and needed repairs.
Maintain supply inventory and initiate replacement and restocking; maintain logs and records of work performed.
Assist with loading and unloading furniture, equipment, and supplies.
May supervise and train student workers and others.
May assist with construction, remodeling, and other facility repairs and maintenance.
Respond to off-hours emergency situations when needed.