Lead Groundsworker

  • San Diego State University
  • San Diego, California
  • Mar 20, 2024
Grounds and Landscaping Services

Job Description

Position Summary

Under general supervision and in cooperation with the manager of Grounds and Landscape Services, the Lead Groundsworker prioritizes and coordinates the work of an area shop, laying-out, assigning, directing and assisting the work of groundsworkers, gardeners, gardening specialists and semiskilled workers and student assistants in the performance of gardening and grounds maintenance work.

Objectives - A tidy and well-maintained exterior that is ready for the beginning of the academic day free of litter with trash receptacles emptied and receptacle lids cleaned and wiped. Proper maintenance of a wide variety of attractive, colorful and interesting exterior spaces throughout the campus. Maintenance and cultivation of planted areas at a consistent level throughout the year, free of pests, weeds and dead material.

Expectations - Properly functioning equipment and a safe and clean working environment. Must be able to work overtime, occasional holidays, and adjust working hours to meet operational needs (e.g. Event support on campus). Thorough and accurate accounting of time and materials. Completion of routine work assignments and performance of additional duties as assigned. Consistent meeting of university needs in a timely and professional manner with increasingly improved skill. Follow-up on every project or task to ensure that all items are completed to the satisfaction of the Director of Facilities Services. A responsible attendance record, punctuality and consistent meeting of deadlines.

Performs work in a manner that supports and facilitates the work of others in Facilities Services and the university community. Maintains a positive and cooperative working relationship with members of the department and campus community by practicing individual dignity, using tact and diplomacy, and always being respectful and civil. Utilizes respectful communication when dealing with people in all situations; demonstrating restraint, fairness and firmness. Works effectively to understand by carefully listening and working to be understood.

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible, permanent/probationary position. This position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation. Work hours are Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.

The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Division of Business and Financial Affairs is responsible for ensuring a safe, productive campus environment while providing the highest quality service in support of academic excellence through thoughtful stewardship of financial, technological, infrastructure and human resources at San Diego State University.

SDSU Facilities Services (FS) is a customer-service based organization providing facility maintenance activities through a transparent and deliberate process. It is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, renovation, remodel, and alteration activities in support of the academic and research mission of the university. Facilities Services employs approximately 250 employees and supports approximately eight million square feet of buildings (including residence halls and parking structures) and 280 acres of improved and unimproved land.

For more information regarding Facilities Services, click here .

Education and Experience

Two years of experience in planting, cultivating and maintaining flowers and shrubs, or in general grounds maintenance work.

Key Qualifications
  • One or more years of experience leading a landscape crew.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with internal/external customers.
  • Knowledge of landscape design principles.
  • Knowledge of the science and practice of arboriculture.
  • Associate’s degree in Ornamental Horticulture or related field preferred.
  • State of California Qualified Applicator’s Pesticide license preferred.

Licenses/Certifications Required

Valid California Driver's License required within 10 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting salary upon appointment is not expected to exceed $4,253 per month.

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.

San Diego State University offers a rich benefits package that constitutes a major portion of total compensation. For more information regarding SDSU benefits, please click here .

CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,721 - $6,284 per month.

Diversity and Community at SDSU

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.

Through our commitment to equity and inclusion, we encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. For more information, click here .

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university.

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another.

Supplemental Information

Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on April 3, 2024. To receive full consideration, apply by April 2, 2024. The position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here .

SDSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers all qualified candidates for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered military and veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Rachael Stalmann at rstalmann@sdsu.edu.

Advertised: Mar 19 2024 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

Closing Date/Time:

Job Address

San Diego, California 92182 United States View Map