Groundsworker

San Diego State University•San Diego, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Help Keep SDSU Beautiful! Are you hands-on, dedicated, and passionate about creating and maintaining vibrant outdoor environments? Join San Diego State University as a Groundsworker and be part of the team that keeps our campus safe, clean, and welcoming. In this essential role, you’ll support SDSU’s mission by ensuring our campus landscapes are healthy, attractive, and ready for each academic day.

Requirements

One year of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or in general grounds maintenance work, or in related manual labor.
Thorough knowledge of general gardening and grounds maintenance methods.
General knowledge of proper methods of planting, cultivating, and caring for hedges, ornamental trees, shrubs, lawns, and flowers, and the use and care of gardening materials, tools and equipment.
Ability to recognize the more common species of ornamental shrubs, trees and flowers grown in California.
Ability to perform strenuous physical work; utilize mechanical aptitude and motor coordination; learn to skillfully operate small trucks and power-driven grounds equipment.
Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 10 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the maintenance and repair of irrigation systems is preferred
Relevant education or coursework in horticulture and/or plant identification is preferred.
LEED Green Associate Credential is preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain Campus Landscapes: Deliver full-service landscape care across 5–20 acres of assigned campus area, including turf, landscape beds, hardscapes, and general grounds.
Daily Exterior Readiness: Ensure outdoor spaces are clean, tidy, and inviting each day by removing litter, emptying trash receptacles, and maintaining clear, safe pathways.
Landscape Care: Perform routine maintenance such as mowing, edging, pruning, and planting to keep campus plant life thriving year-round, free from pests, weeds, and debris.
Equipment Use & Maintenance: Operate and maintain a variety of groundskeeping tools and machinery while ensuring safety and efficiency.
Accountability & Reporting: Accurately report time, materials used, and project completion details to support efficient operations.
Safety Leadership: Promote and model safe work practices, identify hazards, and take action to maintain a secure work environment.
Team Collaboration: Support your colleagues and foster a respectful, professional, and inclusive work culture through clear communication and cooperation.

Benefits

Visible Impact: Contribute directly to the look and feel of SDSU’s campus, helping create an environment where students and staff can thrive.
Skill Development: Build and strengthen your mechanical, horticultural, and safety skills in a dynamic campus setting.
Supportive Culture: Work in a team that values professionalism, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Environmental Stewardship: Be a steward of SDSU’s landscape and a contributor to sustainable maintenance practices.
Generous Time Off : 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Retirement : CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
Health Coverage : Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
Education Support : CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
Optional Offerings : FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
Campus & Community : Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.