Lead Groundsworker

CSU Careers•Fullerton, CA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

California State University, Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a leading public university committed to student success, academic excellence, and inclusive excellence. The university fosters a collaborative environment that supports teaching, research, and service while promoting innovation and professional growth. Cal State Fullerton is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and a recipient of the Seal of Excelencia (2021 and 2024) from Excelencia in Education. Joining Cal State Fullerton means becoming part of a community dedicated to advancing student achievement, career success, and economic mobility. Department Facilities Management is committed to planning, developing, and maintaining a safe, sustainable, and high-quality learning and working environment for the campus community. Facilities Management provides oversight of university resources and assets and is responsible for the development of the University’s facilities including land use planning, capital improvement, project development, construction, as well as facilities operations and maintenance including custodial services, landscape services, building trade services, mechanical and electrical, and recycling services. We seek an exceptional individual to join our Landscape Services team as the Lead Groundsworker. The ideal candidate in this role should have a positive attitude and an active, energetic mind characterized by highly ethical practices and a commitment to inclusivity, openness, flexibility, integrity, and kindness. Under the general supervision of the Landscape Services Manager and President's Office management, or designees, the Lead Groundsworker independently performs and coordinates a wide range of landscape and grounds maintenance activities at El Dorado Ranch (EDR), an off-campus California State University, Fullerton property. Takes ownership and pride in maintaining the overall appearance, safety, and functionality of the property's landscapes, gardens, trees, turf, irrigation systems, and outdoor environments through proactive maintenance, routine inspections, and proactive landscape improvements. This position independently performs advanced grounds maintenance work and coordinates landscape maintenance activities to preserve and enhance the aesthetic quality of the property. The Lead Groundsworker will oversee the work of Groundsworkers who are assigned to EDR to assist with maintenance work and projects. Demonstrates strong initiative, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to anticipating landscape needs, identifying potential issues, and recommending improvements. Regularly monitors property conditions, performs landscape maintenance and irrigation repairs, coordinates work with vendors and service providers when necessary, and ensures the grounds and outdoor areas remain safe, attractive, and properly maintained at all times. This position requires strong communication skills, excellent customer service, and a high level of professionalism when interacting with residents, university staff, vendors, and service providers. In addition to working at El Dorado Ranch, the Lead Groundsworker may perform landscape maintenance work on the main campus as needed and scheduled. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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; perform strenuous physical work as described in this classification; utilize mechanical aptitude and motor coordination; learn to skillfully operate small trucks and power-driven grounds equipment; read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position; and follow simple oral and written instructions.
One year of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or in general grounds maintenance work, or in related manual labor.
Working knowledge of effective lead and supervisory practices and techniques.
Ability to provide lead work direction, including training others on proper work methods and safety and providing feedback on work performance.
Ability to read and write in English at a level appropriate for the duties of the position.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment.
A valid California driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of methods/materials used in landscape maintenance and athletic fields/facilities.
Ability to operate small engine powered equipment, large turf equipment, skip loader, tractors and forklift up to 3000-pound capacity.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
Ability to read and write in the English language in order to understand and follow verbal instructions, communicate with co-workers and customers, and direct the work of others.
Basic computer skills and knowledge (i.e., work order database, Absence Management, work email, etc.).

Responsibilities

Independently performs and coordinates a wide range of landscape and grounds maintenance activities at El Dorado Ranch (EDR), an off-campus California State University, Fullerton property.
Takes ownership and pride in maintaining the overall appearance, safety, and functionality of the property's landscapes, gardens, trees, turf, irrigation systems, and outdoor environments through proactive maintenance, routine inspections, and proactive landscape improvements.
Independently performs advanced grounds maintenance work and coordinates landscape maintenance activities to preserve and enhance the aesthetic quality of the property.
Oversee the work of Groundsworkers who are assigned to EDR to assist with maintenance work and projects.
Regularly monitors property conditions, performs landscape maintenance and irrigation repairs, coordinates work with vendors and service providers when necessary, and ensures the grounds and outdoor areas remain safe, attractive, and properly maintained at all times.
Perform landscape maintenance work on the main campus as needed and scheduled.
Performs other duties as assigned.