Working Title: Gardening Specialist

Classification Title: Gardening Specialist

Posting Details 

Priority Application Date (Posting will remain open until filled): Sunday, October 27, 2024, 2024 at 11:55pm PST

Hiring Preference

Eligible on-campus applicants in California State University Employees Union (CSUEU) Bargaining Units 2,5,7, and 9 will be given first consideration in the recruitment.

Position Summary

Under general supervision of the Manager of Grounds and Landscape Services, the Gardening Specialist performs a combination of specialized work in an assigned area which encompasses irrigation repair and maintenance work, pest and weed control, tree maintenance, athletic turf maintenance, and maintenance of gardening power equipment.  The incumbent will also make recommendations for the planning and development of special planting areas including soil amendments, irrigation, and plant selection.

FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for overtime compensation)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $3,907 per month - $4,000 per month

CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,907 per month - $6,375.00 per month

Best-in-class Benefits: Click here to learn more

CSU Total Compensation: Click here to learn more

Salary Grade/Range:  1

Recruitment Type: Regular (Probationary)

Time Base: Full-Time

Pay Plan:  12 months 

Work Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 6:00am - 2:30pm. Position works on-site. 

Department Information 

Grounds and Landscaping Services is responsible for maintaining 170 landscaped acres and over 3,000 trees. We also have responsibility for maintaining walkways and parking improvements. Grounds and Landscape Services trims, irrigates, cleans, fertilizes, provides pest control, and renovates campus site improvements that encompass:

• Over 3,000 trees, comprising 250 species
• 93 acres of lawn/turf
• 16 acres of shrubs and ground cover
• More than 21 miles of campus walkways
• 60 acres of parking lots
• 25 acres of undeveloped space
• Irrigation systems comprising 5 well pumps, 7 zone controllers, 750 valves, and 12,000 sprinklers heads

Please visit our website for additional information: https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/facilities-management/

Minimum Qualifications 

Knowledge:  

Thorough knowledge of the methods, plants, tools and equipment used in planting, cultivating and caring for flowers, shrubs, lawns and trees. General knowledge of the composition and structure of soil, Ph factors of soils, compatibility and incompatibility factors between soil and plants, difference between plant mixes, and erosion control. 

Abilities:  

Ability to identify, diagnose and treat plant disease, and correct plant nutrient deficiencies; prepare freehand sketches and make recommendations for possible improvements in landscaping within the assigned area; read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position; and follow oral and written instructions. 

Experience:  

Two years of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or general grounds, one year of which shall have been in either the maintenance, repair or modification of irrigation systems, specialized pest and/or spray control work, or cultivation and care of nursery plants. 

License:  

Possession of the appropriate California Department of Pesticide Regulation license to perform pest control work. Some positions may require possession of a valid California driver’s license.

Required Qualifications 

Experience:

1. Experience performing specialized pest and/or spray control work (e.g. weeds, fungi). 

Knowledge:

2. Knowledge of installation and programming automatic irrigation controllers.
3. Thorough knowledge of athletic and general turf maintenance. 

Skills/Abilities:

4. Ability to perform standard and specialized pruning of trees, shrubs and other plants as needed. 
5. Ability to perform maintenance, repair or modification of irrigation systems.
6. Ability to operate and perform maintenance on small power-operated power mowers, small riding   mowers, and other gardening power equipment.
7. Effective communication skills.
8. Effective interpersonal skills.
9. Excellent customer service skills.
10. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a diverse environment.
11. Ability to use computerized maintenance systems. 
12. Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment with diverse colleagues and constituents including faculty, students, staff, and members of the community.

License/Certificate:

13. Must have or obtain Current Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC) for pest and weed control related to landscape maintenance within twelve months of hiring date.
14. Possession of a valid driver’s license and good driving record. 

Physical Requirements:

15. Ability to frequently lift and carry gardening equipment up to 50 lbs. 

Conditions of Employment:     

• Ability to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications 

  16. Ability to provide lead work direction to students, Groundworkers or individuals in other grounds classifications.

  17. Ability to provide advice and assistance to others regarding proper care of flowers and ornamental plants, pruning, athletic field maintenance, and other technical skills.

  18. Experience establishing and maintaining preventative maintenance programs using computerized systems.

Required Licenses/Certifications (2)

• Must have or obtain Current Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC) for pest and weed control related to landscape maintenance within twelve months of hiring date.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and good driving record. 

Documents Needed to Apply 

• Resume
• Cover
• Copy of Required License
• Copy of Required Certification (if applicable) 

Failure to upload these documents to the online application may result in disqualification. Three professional references are required as part of the online application.

About Sacramento State

Sacramento State is located in the heart of California’s capital city, five miles from State Capitol. The lush, 300-acre campus is situated along the American River, close to numerous bike trails and other recreational areas. Sacramento, also known as the “Farm-to-Fork Capital,” is one of the most ethnically diverse and livable cities in the country, with a population of half of a million. Sacramento State is a Hispanic and AANAPISI serving institution with about 31,000 students coming not only from the Greater Sacramento Region, but also from across the state, country, and world. Our 1,800 faculty and 1,500 staff are committed to meeting our mission:

“As California’s capital university, we transform lives by preparing students to lead, serve, and succeed. Sacramento State will be a welcoming, caring, and inclusive leader in education, innovation, and engagement.” As the regional hub of higher education, Sacramento State is dedicated to learning and student success; teaching, research, scholarship and creative activity; justice, diversity, equity and inclusion; resource development and sustainability; dedicated community engagement, and wellness and safety.

As evidenced by the values embedded in our Hornet Honor Code, Sacramento State is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faculty, staff, students, and guests are welcome and valued.  Our commitment is more than simply ensuring that our campus is free from bias and discrimination, but is one devoted to celebrating many diverse identities, life experiences, and perspectives that enrich our community, teaching and learning. 

To learn more about why you should join the Hornet Family, please visit the Why Sac State? page.

Equal Employment Opportunity
California State University, Sacramento is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or disability. Sacramento State hires only those individuals who are lawfully authorized to accept employment in the United States.

It is the policy of California State University, Sacramento to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need a disability related reasonable accommodation as part of the application and/or interviewing process, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/benefits/reasonable-accomodation.html.

The University is committed to creating an education and working environment free from discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. For more information on mandatory training for new employees, visit https://www.csus.edu/administration-business-affairs/human-resources/learning-development/csu-learn.html.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Fire Safety Right-To-know Act Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing at https://www.csus.edu/clery. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Sacramento State for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request from the Office of Clery Compliance & Training by emailing clery@csus.edu.

Under the Clery Act, this position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) depending upon the role on campus and/or job duties. If this position is identified by the Director of Clery Compliance & Training as a CSA position, you will be notified via email and will be assigned the appropriate training in CSU Learn.

Background Check Disclaimer

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with California State University, Sacramento. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current California State University, Sacramento employees who apply for the position.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Effective May 2023, per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all California State University, Sacramento employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications. 

Out of State Employment

Sacramento State University, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees (up)on date of hire to reside in the State of California.

As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Eligibility Verification

Candidate must furnish proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. California State University, Sacramento is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (ie. H-1-B Visa).

Note to Applicants:

Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview unless required by collective bargaining agreement.