Under direct supervision of the Grounds Manager, the Gardener manages the grounds maintenance, gardening, sweeping, grounds clean-up, irrigation, and related work as required. The Gardener accomplishes these duties through the maintenance of lawns, tree and shrub trimming, fertilizing, soil preparation and treatment, administering pesticides, and maintaining the tools and equipment necessary to do the work safely. This particular position has an emphasis on landscape irrigation.  

Essential Responsibilities 

Pruning, Trimming & Planting 

• Under minimal supervision of the Grounds Lead and/or the Grounds Supervisor, prunes trees & shrubs, assesses environment for new plantings (sun/shade/irrigation/soil preparation). 
• Skilled at the identification and pruning of the various types of plants to ensure proper growth and creative design to achieve the desired outcome. 
• Cares for the special gardens, fountains and other landscape.  
• Decorates the Chapel and Chapel Plaza for Christmas, Easter and other special occasions held in the Soda Center and around campus. Also provides plants for Commencement. 
• Oversees the installation, maintenance and repair of the campus irrigation systems. Replaces valves, heads, piping, timers, etc. Teaches other staff members how to perform basic repairs. 

Lawn & Plant Care

• Mows and edges lawns.
• Controls weeds using appropriate chemicals.
• Aerates and fertilizes lawns and flower beds.
• Controls pests through spraying pesticides, digging & trapping methods. 
• Assists with minor irrigation problems, such as replacement of sprinkler heads. 

Campus Clean Up (2 hours per day) 

• Picks-up litter, leaves and other debris around the campus facilities & grounds.
• Empties garbage/trash receptacles.
• Cleans storm drains & building gutters, seasonally. 

Maintenance and Operations of Machinery 

• Conducts routine safety inspections of machine1y and equipment, and ensures equipment works properly and safely. 
• Regularly cleans and services equipment including, but not limited to, lawn mowers, weed eaters, blowers, hedge trimmers and chain saws.
• Operates lawn mowers, weed eaters, blowers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, tractors, wood chippers, trucks and rototillers. 
• Other duties assigned.

Qualifications  

Education: High School Diploma or GED preferred 

Experience: At least 5 years of irrigation, grounds, landscape, and gardening

Skills/Abilities: Working knowledge of grounds keeping equipment, materials and tools 

Licenses & Certifications: Valid CA Driver’s License; Must be able to be insured by college’s provider