Part-Time Groundskeeper

Gavilan College•Gilroy Campus, CA

5d•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 as assigned. The role is distinguished from other maintenance jobs by its focus on grounds and related exterior maintenance. Incumbents may be assigned to the central campus or other facility locations. The ideal candidate is a dedicated and experienced gardener with a background in landscaping, plant care, irrigation systems, and outdoor maintenance. They use gardening tools and perform pruning and seasonal planting to help maintain a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment. The candidate also understands the mission and purpose of the Grounds Department and Facilities Services and demonstrates student-centered practices, effective cross-campus collaboration, purposeful service to the community, and culturally responsive practices. This is a part-time position at 0.5 FTE. Work is performed primarily outdoors.

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; water and nutrient requirements; pesticides; and fertilizers.
Knowledge of ball field and related athletic field and court preparation and maintenance.
Knowledge of operating motorized equipment, hydraulic apparatus, and power tools.
Knowledge of safe working practices.
Skill in mowing, pruning, planting, irrigation, ball field makeup, 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.
Skill in reading and interpreting label instructions, layout diagrams, maps, and specifications.
Skill in safety practices related to chemicals, tools, and equipment.
Skill in preparing and maintaining logs and records.
Must possess a valid California driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.
Must be willing to respond to off-hours emergency situations.
A typical preparation is completion of high school and two years of responsible groundskeeping experience.
Must be able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 90 pounds, work above ground on ladders, and operate a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and equipment.
Must be able to work outdoors in temperature extremes and inclement weather.

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; dispose of waste and debris.
Prepare athletic fields according to specifications, including cutting lines, applying chalk, 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 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 and haul soil, trimmings, and debris.
Build and maintain fences, outdoor handrails, and perform other basic facility maintenance incidental to landscape maintenance.
Prepare forms, set rebar, pour and finish concrete, and lay and patch asphalt.
Ensure worksite safety; use safety equipment and traffic barriers and related 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.