Gardener

The Position

Bargaining Unit: Local 856 - General Services & Maintenance Unit

Contra Costa County's Public Works Department is seeking qualified individuals to fill multiple Gardener vacancies. Gardeners perform a variety of skilled grounds maintenance duties in a team-oriented environment to preserve and enhance the appearance of County facilities, parks, street medians, and unincorporated areas throughout Contra Costa County.

Gardeners maintain County grounds by planting, fertilizing, cultivating, and caring for trees, lawns, shrubs, and ornamental plants using a variety of gardening tools and equipment. They are also responsible for maintaining and controlling the weeds in open land areas to help maintain. In emergency situations, Gardeners may respond to public safety needs, such as clearing debris from fallen trees and assisting with storm-related cleanup efforts.

The Contra Costa County Public Works Department (CCCPWD) is responsible for the maintenance and operation of over 650 miles of roads, 79 miles of streams and channels, and over 150 County buildings. CCCPWD services include parks and recreation, sandbag distribution, flood control, road and facilities maintenance, and storm water management. CCCPWD operates two airports, Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, and Byron Airport in Byron. CCCPWD strives for continuous improvement to deliver cost effective, safe reliable and sustainable projects, programs, and quality services.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is self-motivated, takes initiative, and demonstrates enthusiasm for their work
• Prioritizes safety and communicates effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and the public
• Exhibits a strong work ethic, integrity, and a positive attitude
• Works collaboratively as part of a team, embraces learning opportunities, and adapts to changing priorities
• Consistently follows and promotes safe work practices and safety requirements
• Takes ownership of their work and responsibilities
• Is dependable, reliable, and takes pride in delivering high-quality work

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Maintaining landscaped areas at County facilities, roadsides, and street medians
• Keeping drains, walkways, and other public areas clear of debris and obstructions
• Performing litter and trash removal to maintain clean and safe environments
• Weed abatement throughout the County.
• Operating a variety of power tools, large equipment, towing trailers
• Identify and report safety hazards and maintenance issues
• Apply herbicides as needed with established regulations, policies, and safety procedures

A few reasons you might love this job:

• On-the-job training provided, with all necessary tools and equipment supplied
• Opportunity to work in a diverse, team-oriented environment where collaboration is highly encouraged
• Flexible scheduling available

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Work in adverse conditions, including outdoor environments in all weather conditions and high-traffic areas
• Perform physically demanding and strenuous tasks
• Navigate varied terrain, including slippery, uneven, and rugged surfaces
• Maintain time management and keep pace with crew operations

Competencies Required:

• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Mechanical Insight: Comprehending how mechanical, electrical, and structural systems operate and interact
• Environmental Exposure Tolerance: Performing under physically demanding conditions
• General Physical Ability: Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
• Safety Focus: Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
• Listening: Fully comprehending spoken communication
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue

The eligible list established from this recruitment process may be valid for 6 months.
To review the full classification specification please visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta/classspecs

Minimum Qualifications

License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license. Out of state valid motor vehicle operator's license will be accepted during the applicant process.

Experience: One year of full-time experience as a gardener or groundskeeper performing the full range of grounds maintenance tasks.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Possession of a Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) issued by the State of California
• Background and/or education in horticulture and arboriculture
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and practices
• Experience operating compact equipment such as Bobcat or Kubota machinery
• Experience operating a wood chipper and related landscape maintenance equipment

Selection Process

Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process. Performance Examination: A performance examination will be conducted to measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the job. These may include but not limited to: professional and technical expertise, mechanical insight, design sense, attention to detail, and safety focus. (Weighted 100%) Departmental Hiring Interviews: To be scheduled once the eligible list is established.
The Performance Exam is tentatively scheduled to take place in late July or August, 2026.

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Fina Prak at Fina.Prak@pw.cccounty.us . For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs’ applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.

CONVICTION HISTORY
After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/1343/Employee-Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 7/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Contra Costa County Human Resources Department

925-655-2100 Show more