Groundskeeper (On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary or hourly range for this position is $21.48/hr. - $28.36/hr. Please note the realized minimum pay for this position will be $25/hr., steps less than $25/hr. will include an additional amount elevating to $25/hr.

This posting will remain open until filled with initial applicant review expected to be on or around October 14, 2025.

This union position is represented by the bargaining unit AFSCME: Service - SX.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Under supervision, incumbent performs a variety of Grounds maintenance and repair functions including but not limited to litter pick-up, cultivating, trimming of shrubs and small trees, fertilizing, planting and irrigation repairs. Performs prescribed maintenance procedures as directed such as: mowing, edging, pruning, raking, sweeping and weeding. Responsible for monitoring and maintaining assigned landscape areas in a clean and healthy condition. Irrigates various plant material by use of appropriate manual or automatic systems or hoses when necessary. Operates grounds power tools and machinery and must be responsible for proper use of equipment and follow proper safety procedures for his/her protection and that of others. Follow University guidelines and departmental policies and procedures. Be respectful and courteous with faculty, students, staff and public in general while performing assignments. The Groundskeeper role involves operating university vehicles or driving as part of the job duties. (e.g. transporting equipment, driving tractors, university carts, and may have to travel between campus sites. Groundskeepers also deliver and pick-up equipment and materials.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

• Uses assigned tools and power equipment in a safe and prescribed manner, avoiding misuse, breakage or loss. Performs prescribed landscape maintenance procedures as directed such as: Mowing, edging, pruning, raking, sweeping and weeding. Irrigates various plant material by use of appropriate manual or automatic systems or hoses when necessary. Pick up trash and debris in assigned areas. Wash down sidewalks and/or shovel mud and debris from walkways, roads in order to the keep campus in a clean condition. Maintains tools, equipment in clean working order. Maintains irrigation systems in efficient working order. Works with Grounds Laborers to perform Groundskeeping functions. Assess pest problems in assigned areas and report to Lead or Supervisor. Support emergency response when required by Supervisor. Drive tractors, operate power trimmers, blower, trenchers, roto-tillers and other similar pieces of equipment. Fertilizes landscaped areas with various spreaders. Load, unload, move and carry grounds related supplies and equipment.

SAFETY AND WORK HABITS

• Maintain an acceptable attendance record, punctuality and meet established deadlines. Participate in training sessions and seminars. Maintain a functional awareness of the typical hazards of the workplace as well as the special hazards that may be encountered at UC Merced such as animals, traffic, heat, dust, etc. Report accidents on the job by preparing and submitting accident reports.

LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION

• Establish and maintain a positive and cooperative working relationship with members of other departments and campus community. Effectively communicate in English, both orally and in writing. Maintain proficiency at current level and continually update knowledge through appropriate courses, seminars, publications and contacts with others in the trade. Effectively perform in a service environment. Assists and works in team oriented organization.

• Willing to learn basic computer skills enough to use UCM electronic time reporting system and check e-mail.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training.

• 1 year of experience in grounds maintenance or gardening; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Valid US Driver License.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Ability to identify undesirable plant material and knowledge to operate commonly used grounds equipment and tools like trenchers, tractors, roto-tillers and other types of power driven equipment.

• Knowledge and ability to maintain and troubleshoot irrigation systems.

• Ability to follow through and carry out assignments; be flexible and constantly adjust to changing priorities.

• Must be physically able to consistently perform job duties as outlined in this job description.

• Ability to communicate in English effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Ability to interact effectively with peers and other staff.

• Ability to multitask and handle more than one project at a time.

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/