General Information


Job Description GROUNDSKEEPER Working Title Groundskeeper
Job Code 008133 Grade
Department Name Environmental & Resource Svcs - D01203 Department Head Toshio Ishida
Supervisor Mark Jones Effective Date 11/28/2022
Position(s) Directly Supervised
Job Code Title FTE

Department Custom Scope
The Groundskeeper performs a variety of landscaping and grounds maintenance tasks to care, maintain and preserve the plants, shrubs, trees, hedges, flowers and lawns on hard and soft landscape of the campus grounds. Responsible to mow, edge, trim, prune, rake, remove weeds and/or dead trees/roots, fertilize, and plant flowers, shrubbery or trees, maintain lawns, fields and flower beds. Water various grounds areas by hand or manual operation of the irrigation system; perform minor repairs of the irrigation system by replacing sprinkler heads, risers, broken lines, valves, timers or controllers. Vacuum, pressure wash, sweep or blow down hard surfaces; install, repair and maintain the hard surface areas such as walkways, roadways, pavers and stepping stones. Services and repairs landscape equipment and tools. Assists with the integrated pest management program (IPM): control and eradication of insects, rodents and weeds. During times of operational need may perform other landscaping and refuse duties as assigned, or assist with event set up/clean-up. Maintains a positive attitude and communicates effectively with colleagues, supervisors, staff, faculty and students.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education Requirements
Degree Requirement
High School Diploma Preferred

Experience Requirements
Experience Requirement
One year of experience in grounds maintenance or landscaping; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Required
Experience to safely use and maintain landscaping hand and power tools/equipment, such as mowers (including riding mowers, self-propelled and push mowers), edgers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, power blowers, vacuum, rototillers, saws, clippers, seed and fertilize spreaders, and high pressure washers. Required
Experience in using mechanical tools required to maintain all landscaping related equipment such as hand wrenches, gas/oil mixing and hand files. Required
Experience using irrigation systems and completing minor repairs on systems. Required
Prior experience and ability to prioritizing work orders, routine work, emergency requests, combined with the knowledge to choose the proper materials and equipment to accomplish the work in the most expeditious and safe manner. Preferred
Experience working with a diverse student, staff, faculty and visitor population and ability to provide exemplary customer service. Preferred
Experience using desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices, and using e-mail. Preferred

License Requirements
License Requirement
Valid Driver License Required

Certification Requirements
Certification Requirement

Educational Condition Requirements
Condition Requirement

Key Responsibilities

Description % Time
Landscape Maintenance: Maintains flowerbeds, plants, shrubs, trees, hedges and grass areas. Trims, prunes and shapes plants, trees (removes dead trees and roots); prepares soils, plants, fertilizes, stalks, and waters flowers, trees, and shrubbery. Inspects plants for diseases and insect damage; eradicates and controls insects, rodents and weeds. Mows, rakes and maintains grass areas. During times of operational need may perform other landscaping duties or projects, as assigned.
45
Hardscape & Surface Maintenance: Performs inspections and minor maintenance/repair on hard surfaced areas such as walkways, roadways, pavers and stepping stones. Maintains cleanliness of hard surface areas by using various methods; vacuuming, pressure-washing, sweeping or blow down. Assists with events set-up and clean-up, as required. Cleans map stands, outdoor equipment and furniture. Ensures building entrances are maintained free from hazards and trash. Performs outdoor custodial work, as needed, including safely cleaning and disposing areas of human waste, animal droppings, or deceased rodents and insects.
25
Equipment Maintenance: Coordinates equipment use with other Landscape Services and Facilities Services staff. Coordinates major repairs or maintenance with mechanical staff and other University personnel or departments. Performs preventative maintenance on equipment, including replenishing fluids, greasing, adjusting, and replacing incidental pieces as needed. Performs other services and minor repairs to maintain functionality and regular performance. Returns all equipment to storeroom in good condition; keeps storeroom and work areas safe and clear of slip/trip and fall hazards.
10
Irrigation: Waters areas by hand or through operating the automated sprinkler system. Inspects for irrigation damage such as broken lines, valves, or sprinkler heads. Repairs, replaces, and cleans the irrigation systems: sprinkler heads, risers and broken lines, valves, timers and controllers. Reports soil moisture levels to supervisors.
10
Refuse & Recycling Support: Moves, hauls and empties refuse and recycling bins; removes refuse and litter, cleans bins/lids and assists with recycling efforts, as required.
5
Communication: Communicates progress of work within the work order system using a computer. Maintains a positive attitude and communicates effectively with colleagues, supervisors, staff, faculty and students. Communicates and reports to a supervisor and/or staff regarding any potential issues, not limited to potential safety hazards (e.g. broken glass, damaged porches or steps, excess water, fire, etc.), or liabilities during the day-to-day operations.
5

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge/Skill/Ability Requirement
Knowledge, skill and ability to safely use and maintain landscaping hand and power tools/equipment, such as mowers (including riding mowers, self-propelled and push mowers), edgers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, power blowers, vacuum, rototillers, saws, clippers, seed and fertilize spreaders, and high pressure washers. Required
Skill, knowledge and ability in using mechanical tools required to maintain all landscaping related equipment such as hand wrenches, gas/oil mixing and hand files. Required
Ability to read write and communicate effectively in the English language with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Required
Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Required
Ability to work effectively; following through on assignments with minimal direction and fluctuating workload. Required
Knowledge, skill and ability using irrigation systems and completing minor repairs on systems. Required
Ability to work a flexible schedule (weekends and holidays; early mornings, mornings, evening or graveyard shifts), as needed to accommodate campus event schedules. Required
Willingness and ability to work scheduled, unscheduled and emergency overtime. Required
Knowledge and skill to use MS Office programs and email. Preferred
Knowledge of UCR/UC policies, procedures and systems. Preferred
Knowledge and ability to use desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices. Preferred
Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations governing areas related to the responsibilities of the job, including SB-198 Illness and Injury Prevention Program (IIPP). Preferred

Special Requirements & Conditions
Special Condition Requirement
Hired candidate must successfully pass a background check through the DOJ and FBI prior to appointment start date. Required
Must successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination prior to appointment start date. Required
Must possess or obtain a Valid CA Driver License in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Required
Public Driving Record Required
Must wear University issued ID badge and uniform. Required
Overtime Required
Shift Work (hours outside standard Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM work hours) Required

Other Special Requirements & Conditions

Level of Supervision Received
Supervision

Environment

Working Environment
Campus

Other Requirements

Items Used
  • University vehicles (manual and/or automatic) and electric carts.
  • Hand and power equipment common to landscaping: mowers (push, self-propelled, and riding), edgers, trimmers (hydraulic hedge, hedge, and string), blowers (backpack, hand held, and push), saws (hand and chain), rototillers, trenchers.
  • Hand and power tools common to landscaping: vacuum units, pruners, loppers, rakes, shovels.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Two-way Radio.
  • High pressure washers, steam washers, lifts, ladders.
  • Standard Office Equipment

Physical Requirements
  • Bend : Frequently
  • Sit : Occasionally
  • Squat : Frequently
  • Stand : Constantly
  • Crawl : Occasionally
  • Walk : Constantly
  • Climb : Occasionally
  • Other : Ability to perform heavy/physically demanding tasks which require pushing, pulling, walking, standing, reaching, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, squatting, stretching, reaching above shoulder level and lifting up to 75 pounds. Ability to safely work from ladders up to eighteen feet high and on the roofs of buildings up to four stories high. Ability to work with all hand and power tools or equipment common to the landscaping trade that require constant pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, squatting, kneeling and reaching from ground level to overhead.

Mental Requirements
  • Read/Comprehend : Occasionally
  • Write : Occasionally
  • Perform Calculations : N/A
  • Communicate Orally : Frequently
  • Reason & Analyze : Frequently

Environmental Requirements
  • Is exposed to excessive noise : Yes
  • Is around moving machinery : Yes
  • Is exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity : Yes
  • Drives motorized equipment : Yes
  • Works in confined quarters : Yes
  • Dust : Yes
  • Fumes : Yes
  • Other : Ability to work for prolonged periods of time in conditions with excessive noise requiring ear and eye protection from equipment, chain saws, power mowers, edgers, blowers, vacuums, and hedge trimmers. Ability to safely work around moving machinery and equipment. Ability to work for extended periods of time in extreme inclement weather conditions ranging from high heat with humidity, to freezing and rainy conditions. Ability to work in wet, malodorous and dusty conditions due to plant pollens, grass, tree and shrub clippings, fertilizers, animal droppings and fumes due to gas powered engines.

Critical Position

Is Critical Position: Yes

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