Groundskeeper paints "Go Ags" on grass near the UC Davis football field

Apply to be a Gardener Groundskeeper

Apply June 30, 2024

Thu, June 20, 2024

Help maintain sports fields at UC Davis! Apply to be a Gardener Groundskeeper at UC Davis, 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 June 30, 2024

WHY JOIN the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden?

EXPLORE UC Davis' Competitive HEALTH and RETIREMENT Benefits

Job summary

This position performs multiple Grounds related functions in all categories of work and delegations assigned to Grounds & Landscape services. Performs all Landscape & Grounds services including daily sport fields maintenance, game day field preparation, seasonal maintenance of sports fields, field and logo painting, control of campus landscape, irrigation maintenance, repair and modification, equipment operations and upkeep within the campus core or country areas of the Davis Campus. The duties include managing turf grass through industry best practices, cultivating a varied selection of plant materials, specialized animal friendly landscapes or specialized gardens, herbicide applications, landscape design, tenant improvements, equipment operations and arboriculture support.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC)
Experience in Grounds maintenance or gardening.
Experience in identification, cultivation, and care of a broad diversity of ornamental, native landscape plants and turf grasses used in sports fields.
Experience and skill to safely operate a variety of landscape tools and power equipment.
Experience in operation and maintenance of spray equipment for weed and pest control.
Experience in recognizing, diagnosing and researching plant health problems, including abiotic disorders, diseases, and pests, and developing solutions to horticultural problems.
Experience in irrigation maintenance and minor repairs.
Experience in performing daily sport field maintenance, seasonal sports turf field maintenance, game day sport fields preparation, sport field marking and knowledge of NCAA field regulations.
Knowledge of pruning standards, weed identification and best practices.
Knowledge of pest control laws and regulations regarding safe chemical application and pesticides used.

Preferred Qualifications

Degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field; or equivalent experience.
Experience and or skill to maintain an organic garden.
Knowledge of landscape construction techniques including operating large mowers and tractors grading, path construction, retaining walls, irrigation, and basic carpentry.

Job Expectations

Physical Demands

Agility and strength to traverse steep banks carrying materials weighing up to 50lbs.
Walk, lift, stoop, bend, crawl, push and work in tight confined areas.
Climb ladders, climb on top on machinery and equipment.
Carry pack sprayer weighing up to 50lbs. on back.
Work outdoors year-round in summer heat, winter rain and other extreme weather conditions.
Work in areas of noise odors, vibration, dirt and dust.
May, at times, require the individual to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards include but are not limited to: cleaning materials, pesticides, fuels, solvents, infectious materials and wastes, biological hazards, and other materials labeled hazardous.

Special Requirements

Work hours are Tuesday – Saturday 6:00am to 2:30pm or Monday – Friday 6:00am to 2:30pm.
Work scheduled will be determined by needs of department.
May be required to work a non-standard work schedule that may include nights, weekends, or alternative schedules such as 80 hours in 8 or 9 shifts instead of 10.
Vacation usage by employee may be restricted during peak workload periods as required to meet the needs of the campus.
Possession of a valid CA driver’s license.
Possession of a valid Pesticide Applicators Certificate or ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment.
Participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice system.
Subject to medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.
Subject to completion of a pre-placement medical exam provided by Employee Health Services, at no charge to the applicant.
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
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.