Groundskeeper Lead (Grounds Operator)

Payroll Title: GROUNDSKEEPER LD

Job Code: 8132

Job Open Date: 9/12/2024

Application Review Begins: 10/03/2024

Department Code (Name): FACM (Facilities Management)

Percentage of Time: 100%

Union Code (Name): SX- Service Unit

Employee Class (Appointment Type): Career

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Salary Grade: N/A

Pay Rate/Range: Hiring/Budgeted Salary or Hourly Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $24.21 to $25.67/hourly. Full Salary Range: The full salary range for this position is $21.05 to $30.10/hourly. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University.

Work Location: 6759 Navigator Way, Building 7

Working Days and Hours: Monday - Friday, 5:00AM - 1:30PM

Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits

Special Instructions:

For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.

Department Marketing Statement:
The mission of all Design, Facilities & Safety Services units is to design, build, operate, maintain, and renew the physical environment required to support the University's instructional, research, and public service mission and to assure UCSB is at the forefront of world class universities. Our Goals Are To: Create one of the most attractive campuses in the world; Ensure the long term preservation of the investment in facilities and equipment; Provide excellence in service to the campus community; and Achieve our goals with a supportive and highly motivated staff.

Benefits of Belonging

Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC

Brief Summary of Job Duties:
To work with and to lead the work of a team of Grounds Equipment Operators in mechanized operations including, but not limited to: turf mowing, renovating, tree pruning and removal, bulky debris pickup, green waste pickup, seasonal weed abatement, equipment and supplies logistics, and cleaning and maintaining equipment used.

Required Qualifications:
1-3 yrs. Proven experience operating landscape equipment that includes: ride-on mowers, tractors, backhoe, turf sweeper, aerial lift, chainsaws, and handheld landscape equipment/ tools.

3-5 yrs. Proven experience in a commercial landscaping organization performing work and leading crews that include landscape installation and maintenance.

Demonstrated knowledge of plant care, safe equipment use, landscape irrigation principles, and horticultural pest control.

Demonstrated strong work ethic and ability to contribute to a diverse team.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions, and communicate effectively in English.

Preferred Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent

Special Conditions of Employment:
Maintain a valid CA driver's license, a clean DMV record and enrollment in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program

Satisfactory criminal history background check

UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment

Job Functions and Percentages of Time:

80% Mobile Team Responsibilities - Receives work instructions from Grounds Superintendent and coordinates staff, equipment and schedule to complete assigned tasks on time. Operates ride-on mowers, tractors, backhoes, skiploaders, aerial lift devices, string-trimmers, renovators, edgers, chainsaws, walk-behind mowers, engine-driven pumps, and other powered and non-powered equipment used in Grounds operations. Uses a variety of large and small powered equipment and hand tools to carry out turf mowing, renovating, tree pruning and removal, bulky debris pickup, green waste pickup, seasonal weed abatement, banner installation and removal, and related mechanized Grounds tasks. Works cooperatively with other Grounds staff and Leads on team projects, and with other Facilities staff encountered on the job. Ensures that all equipment used by Mobile Team members is used safely and is maintained in working order. Cleans and maintains, and leads cleaning and maintaining of all equipment used. Works with the Grounds Superintendent and Grounds Mechanics to coordinate mechanical repairs for equipment, and ensure that equipment is in good and safe working order. Assists Grounds Mechanics in providing training and instruction on the correct and safe use of equipment, such as tractors, ride-on mowers, backhoe, skiploader, turf sweeper, aerial lift devices, truck-mounted crane, chainsaws, walk-behind mowers, string-trimmers, edgers, renovators and other powered and non-powered grounds equipment. Makes judgment calls in the field to use and place equipment properly to protect campus property, irrigation lines, pedestrians, pavement, workers, and the equipment itself. Ensures that tasks are set up safely for workers and pedestrians by delineating and maintaining safe work zones, including setting up MUTCD-compliant lane closures for work on campus roads. Leads a team of Grounds Equipment Operators, and ensures that they are completing tasks safely and efficiently. Keeps track of maintenance schedule for equipment used, and ensures that equipment is available to relevant repair shops (either Grounds Shop or Transportation Garage) on schedule.

20% Groundskeeping Duties - Incumbent performs the full range of Groundskeeping duties. Mows, waters, weeds, prunes, and may apply seeds and fertilizer as directed by Grounds Superintendent. Operates a variety of large and small power equipment. May install, repair or remove fencing as needed. Promotes a quality service environment to all students, staff, faculty, and visitors. Participates in staff training and development classes and seminars as determined by Supervisor. Complies with all Grounds and Facilities safety programs. Assists with development and support of a work environment, which is conducive to meeting the mission of the organization.

UC Vaccination Programs Policy:
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.
As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals** must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

For more information, please visit:

* UC Santa Barbara COVID-19 Information - https://www.ucsb.edu/COVID-19-information
* University of California Policy on Vaccinations - With Interim Revisions - https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy

*Note: The Policy on Vaccination Programs - With Interim Revisions was updated effective August 16, 2023. A systemwide review of this policy will take place in Fall 2023 with an expected issuance/effective date in early 2024.

**Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement:
UC Santa Barbara is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20.
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

Reasonable Accommodations:
The University of California endeavors to make https://jobs.ucsb.edu accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Katherine Abad in Human Resources at 805-893-4664 or email katherine.abad@hr.ucsb.edu. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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Application Status: If you would like to check the status of your application, please log into the Candidate Gateway where you applied and click on 'my activities'.