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Groundskeeper tending the lawn near an Egghead statue

Apply by April 27, 2023: Groundskeeper (4 Positions Available)

Provide grounds maintenance and outdoor custodial services for an award-winning organization at one of California's most beautiful college campuses. Apply to be a groundskeeper at the UC Davis Arboretum, where every career employee receives extremely competitive health and retirement benefits including:

  • Three weeks vacation at start, holidays and paid sick leave
  • One of our state's best pension benefits and a retirement savings program
  • An impressive selection of medical, dental, vision and life insurance
  • Plus, much more...

LEARN MORE and APPLY by April 27

EXPLORE UC Davis' Competitive HEALTH and RETIREMENT Benefits

Full Position Description

Job summary

Under general supervision, provide ground maintenance and outdoor custodial services for Campus grounds. Provide basic service, inspection and maintenance of equipment and assigned tools.

Physical Demands

  • Frequent carrying, climbing, crawling, driving, kneeling, pulling, pushing, reaching, squatting, stooping, bending, standing, twisting, walking.
  • Excessive walking, lifting, stooping, pushing, and bending.
  • Frequently exposed to chemicals, dirt and heat/cold.
  • Ability to reach overhead to prune and/or saw branches, climb 12-foot ladders.
  • Operate heavy and small equipment for long periods of time.
  • Use vehicles frequently.
  • Frequently lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to maneuver loaded wheelbarrow weighting up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

  • Subject to completion of a pre-placement medical exam provided by Occupational Health Services.
  • Subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University policy.
  • Perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protection devices, protective clothing and gloves.
  • May, at times, work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.
  • Specific hazards include but are not limited to: chemicals, fuels and solvents.
  • Work outside in extreme weather conditions.
  • Employee is personally responsible for following safety guidelines/instructions.

Smoke and tobacco free work environment: The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space and University vehicles.

Minimum Qualifications

Additional Minimum License/Certification         

  • Valid CA driver’s license required.
  • Participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System.

Minimum Education/Experience                             

  • Experience performing grounds maintenance tasks such as planting and maintenance of vegetation, landscaping duties or pesticide applications.
  • Experience operating a variety of equipment such as mowers, manual transmission vehicles, hand and power tools.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of tree, plant and weed identification.
  • Knowledge of chemical weed control.
  • Knowledge of mechanical equipment in order to check for possible problems to avoid damage to equipment prior to starting such as checking gas and oil levels or recognizing mechanical problems which may occur during operation.
  • Customer service and communication skills to provide courteous service in person and on the telephone.
  • Interpersonal skills to interact and communicate effectively and professionally with administration, staff, visitors and volunteers, using tact, diplomacy, and good judgment during all interactions.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred License/Certification         

  • Possession of valid California Qualified Applicator Certificate.

Preferred Education/Experience             

  • Experience working as a groundskeeper in an educational or institutional setting.

Special Requirements

  • Background Check: This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks. This position is subject to the California Department of Motor Vehicles Pull Notice System.
  • Other requirements: This position requires a Pre-Employment Physical.
  • COVID-19 Vaccine: The University of California has implemented a SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Policy (ucop.edu) covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, employees must submit proof of vaccination or a University-approved exception or deferral.

LEARN MORE and APPLY by April 27

EXPLORE UC Davis' Competitive HEALTH and RETIREMENT Benefits

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