Gardener

Gardener

Salary

$83,740.80 - $94,744.00 Annually

Location

Various Locations, CA

Job Type

Full-time (40 hrs)

Job Number

26-REG-CS-16

Division

Operations

Department

OPS UNIT 2 GARIN

Opening Date

07/22/2026

Closing Date

8/12/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

The Park District is recruiting for the position of Gardener. There are currently two vacancies:

Tilden Regional Park: While Gardener assignments throughout the East Bay Regional Park District vary by location, this position will primarily support the maintenance of irrigated turf and landscape systems. The ideal candidate will have experience troubleshooting and repairing irrigation systems, including valves, sprinkler heads, controllers, wiring, and underground piping, as well as maintaining high-quality turf through mowing, fertilization, aeration, overseeding, and irrigation management. Experience with Integrated Pest Management (IPM), rodent control, and the operation of commercial landscape maintenance equipment is highly desirable. Candidates who enjoy diagnosing field issues, maintaining park landscapes, and contributing to safe, attractive, and sustainable public spaces are encouraged to apply.

Garin Regional Park/Dry Creek Garden: The Gardener at Garin Regional Park and Dry Creek Garden maintains unique historic gardens, specialty plant collections (including an Iris Garden), and a heritage apple orchard with more than 160 varieties. This Gardener position requires strong knowledge of pruning, fruit tree care, and best management practices for weed control and landscape maintenance. The Gardener at Garin/Dry Creek works both independently and leads volunteers and projects. The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, highly skilled gardener who can protect and maintain these special, historic landscapes while adapting to the day-to-day park maintenance needs.

The hiring pools established from this recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancy and any additional vacancies that may occur during the one-year life of the hiring pools.

Recruitment Timeline

Minimum Qualifications Screening: Week of August 17

Written Exam Administration: Early September (likely September 3)

Onsite Oral Panel Interviews: Mid-October (likely October 15)

Selection Interviews: Late October

All dates are tentative and subject to change.

ABOUT US:

The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful parklands in Alameda and Contra Costa counties to the east of San Francisco. The system comprises 73 parks spanning across 126,809 acres; 1,330 miles of trails; 55 miles of shoreline. We manage and preserve natural and cultural resources for all to enjoy and protect. The regional parks are ideal for healthful recreation and environmental education. Learn about our Mission and Vision, History, and our contributions to the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

OUR MISSION:

EBRPD preserves a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources and provides open space, parks, trails, safe and healthful recreation and environmental education. An environmental ethic guides the District in all of its activities.

OUR VALUES:

• Respect - We honor the land we steward, each other, and the park visitors we serve.
• Resilience - We creatively adapt to change. We address challenges with empathy, perspective, and determination.
• Relationships - Our greatest strength lies in the trust, accountability, and teamwork we cultivate with our colleagues, partners, and the public we serve.
• Responsiveness - We communicate openly, honestly, and reliably.
• Transparency - We hold the publics trust through meaningful stakeholder engagement and access to timely and reliable information on decisions and performance.

WHY WORK FOR EBRPD?

• Work with a purpose for a better world today and for future generations through the preservation of open space, public access to the outdoors, and a commitment to the conservation of the natural world found east of the San Francisco Bay across 33 cities in Alameda and Contra Costa counties
• A community of colleagues who are passionate about public service and the East Bay Regional Park District, the communities it serves, and its mission
• Excellent benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending, and pension benefits through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Click here for details regarding additional benefits
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development
• Free on-site parking
• Free parking permit for EBRPD parks (for up to 2 privately owned vehicles)
• Employee discounts for certain EBRPD park amenities (reservations, daily fishing permit, public boat launch)

WHAT YOULL BE DOING:

Under general supervision, performs skilled gardening work, semi-skilled and unskilled maintenance and other tasks on District properties and facilities in support of the operation, development, and resource protection of the District's parklands and trails; performs other work related to the day-to-day operation of the work unit.

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• A team player who also excels independently and has exceptional time management skills
• Enjoys interacting with volunteers and the public
• Passionate about maintaining a high-quality turf and knowledgeable in turf management best practices
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing irrigation systems
• Experience with the use and safety practices related to a riding mower, tractor, chipper, chainsaw and other gardening equipment
• Experience with integrated pest management (IPM) is highly desirable

Essential Functions

• The essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Plants, transplants, propagates, and cultivates trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals

• Seeking to preserve historic character, as appropriate

• Sprays, fertilizes, prunes, trims, and waters trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and other plants

• Mulches plant beds with gravel, chips, weed cloth, etc.

• Repairs, weeds, fertilizes, aerates, maintains, and mows turf areas and lawns

• Prepares and renovates lawns and turf areas with top dressing

• Screens soil, adds amendments, and adds soil to terrains as necessary

• Identifies hazardous trees and recommends trimming or removal

• Controls obnoxious weeds and plants, damaging insects and fungus, and exterminates gophers, rodents, and other pests

• Catches and transports raccoons, rattlesnakes, etc.

• Applies integrated pest management practices.

• Designs, installs, renovates, and reconfigures watering systems

• Irrigates lawns and turf areas using drip, sprinklers, and various other types of irrigation systems

• Troubleshoots valves, impact heads, wiring, and broken pipes

• Mends, repairs, and maintains sprinklers, hoses, and watering systems

• Documents location of water lines.

• Performs grounds maintenance tasks, such as hauling debris

• Maintaining rock walls

• Rough mowing,

• Adding gravel to roads, pathways, and walkways

• Clearing brush; etc.

• Picks up and removes litter

• Cleans and stocks restrooms

• Empties garbage cans and dumpsters and changes trash liners

• Removes graffiti

• Rakes and cleans campsites,

• Maintains picnic areas

• Opens and closes gates and buildings.

• Patrols parks, trails, and waterways to check for potential hazards

• Assist in protecting the natural resources of parks and trails by monitoring the impact and activities of grazing operations, parks users, etc.

• To ensure park users adhere to park rules and regulations

• Gives talks and tours

• Supervises youth, volunteer, and docent groups and crews from other agencies

• Assists with special events

• Supervises contractors.

• Operates and maintains a variety of equipment, such as vehicles, mowers, tractors, aerifiers, hand and power tools, rakes, edgers, weedeaters, chain saws, chippers, sprayers, etc.

• Performs administrative tasks, such as ordering and purchasing supplies

• Preparing reports, writing up, monitoring and enforcing contracts and lease agreements

• Completing fixed asset inventories, etc.

• Acting as Park Supervisor.

• Botanic Garden Option (in addition to the above:)

• Collects, grows, displays, and preserves California native plants for study, viewing by the public, and to protect rare and endangered plant species

• Prepares and installs accession records and labels on native flora and assists in an annual plant sale and other special events

• Plans for, develops, and/or maintains areas of a botanical garden which are representative of specific geographical areas of California.

• Gives talks, classes, tours, and slide presentations.

• Conducts field collection trips, occasionally to remote areas throughout the State.

There is not currently a vacancy at a botanic garden, however, the hiring pools established for this recruitment will fill all Gardener vacancies for the one-year life of the hiring pools.

OTHER FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Other tasks related to this position may include:

• Assisting with special events
• Maintaining tool inventories
• Replenishing appropriate materials as necessary
• Maintaining personal protective gear
• Attending ongoing education on horticulture and botany
• Writing articles for journals and newsletters
• Updating accession file databases relating to the history of plants and their life cycle.
• Performs related tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade

AND

Experience: Three years of experience in general gardening work involving the care of turf, shrubs, native plants, and/or flowers

Substitution: College level course work, which includes classes related to this classification, may be substituted for the experience requirement on the basis of one year of completed college equating to six months of experience, up to a maximum of two years of experience

OR

Two years in the East Bay Regional Park District classification of Park Ranger

If you would like to use college-level course work to substitute for part of the experience requirement, please attaching your transcripts (unofficial is fine) to your applications. A transcript is required to verify college-level coursework.

Additional Information

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of gardening methods and practices, plant diseases and pests, tools and materials.
• Ability to operate and maintain a variety of tools and equipment
• Lift and/or move up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work outside and under adverse working conditions, including the ability to walk on steep and/or uneven terrain.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work at all levels, including a culturally diverse public, with a focus on quality service to internal and external customers.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• A current and valid California driver's license is a condition of initial and continued employment in this classification.
• Employees in this classification must be willing to conform to District uniform standards and to possess and maintain the ability to wear a respirator.

UNION AFFILIATION:

AFSCME: East Bay Regional Parks Employees, Local 2428, American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO, represents this classification. Wages, hours, and other terms of conditions of employment are covered in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Park District and Local 2428. The probationary period for this classification is nine (9) months.

Internal Promotions: Placement shall be made at the first step in the salary range for the new position (Step A) unless the salary rate at Step A of the new position is less than a 5% increase. In such instances, the employee will be placed at a step in the new salary range that ensures at least a 5% increase.

Application materials for these positions consist of two (2) required parts:

• A current East Bay Regional Park District application submitted online, and
• Completed supplemental questions

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. If you have previously applied to a position on GovernmentJobs.com, please allow time to update your existing profile. Applications are accepted online only. Our online application system is provided by NeoGov. If you encounter problems while applying online, please contact NeoGov Help Desk toll-free at (855) 524-5627.

Notification: All applicants will be notified of the status of their application via email, generally within two to three weeks after the closing date of the job announcement. You may also sign into your GovernmentJobs.com account to view your current application status and notifications. Please email HR Analyst, Christina Souza at csouza@ebparks.org if you have questions about your application.

Selection Process: The application materials for all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed by a screening panel to select the best qualified for testing or oral examination/interview. The District reserves the right to set up a written test, performance test, and/or other assessment procedures before or after the interview process. Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or invitation to test. Pursuant to the Federal Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, all applicants who are hired will be required to provide proof of identity and appropriate work authorization documents prior to commencement of employment.

Special Testing Arrangements: If you require special arrangements due to a verified disability or medical condition, please contact the Human Resources Department at (510) 544-2154 at least five business days before the test.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The East Bay Regional Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects a diverse workforce and community. It is committed to promoting an equitable and inclusive workspace that is welcoming to all. Applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

For information regarding the Districts applicable benefits package, please visit http://www.ebparks.org/about/jobs/resources/default.htm.

For temporary and/or on-call assignments, there are no benefits offered.

01

The purpose of the supplemental questionnaire is to allow you to elaborate your experience. Therefore, please answer the supplemental question(s) thoroughly and accurately. Answers to the supplemental questions must be supported by the experience section of the application. "See Resume" or "N/A" as a response will not be considered sufficient information to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Additionally, by submitting this written work, you affirm that it is your own original creation and that no part of this work has been written or edited by external sources, including but not limited to AI tools, professional writing services, or any other individuals.

• I have read the statement above and understand that providing insufficient information can affect my ability to continue to next steps in the recruitment. I affirm that the submitted work is my original creation and confirm that no part of this work has been edited or written by external sources, including but not limited to AI tools, professional writing services, or any other individuals.

02

Please select the response below that best describes your experience.

• I do not have experience in general gardening work involving the care of turf, shrubs, native plants, and/or flowers.
• I have less than one year of experience in general gardening work involving the care of turf, shrubs, native plants, and/or flowers.
• I have more than one year, but less than two years of experience in general gardening work involving the care of turf, shrubs, native plants, and/or flowers.
• I have more than two years, but less than three years of experience in general gardening work involving the care of turf, shrubs, native plants, and/or flowers.
• I have more than three years, but less than four years of experience in general gardening work involving the care of turf, shrubs, native plants, and/or flowers.
• I have more than four years, but less than six years of experience in general gardening work involving the care of turf, shrubs, native plants, and/or flowers.
• I have more than six, but less than eight years of experience in general gardening work involving the care of turf, shrubs, native plants, and/or flowers.
• I have eight or more years of experience in general gardening work involving the care of turf, shrubs, native plants, and/or flowers.

03

Select the skilled gardening work experience with which you have professional experience (check all that apply).

• California native plants
• Trees and shrubs
• Annuals, perennials, and subshrubs
• Turf
• Commercial/Estate/Venue gardening
• Vegetable/herb garden
• Pollinator garden
• Victorian garden

04

Describe your skilled gardening work experience involving plant care and maintenance of the categories listed in Question 3.

05

Describe your experience with the design and development of a special aesthetic garden area (select one project that falls in one of the categories listed in Question 3). Please be sure to describe your level of involvement in the design and plant selection, what was planted, and it how it fit into the overall garden (or landscape) setting. If applicable, please describe any impact it had regarding climate change and pollinator health.

06

Describe your experience, if any, in estate and public park agency gardening. How would you categorize and explain the difference(s) between maintaining a public park landscape and maintaining a formal estate, hospitality space, or botanic garden.

07

Describe your experience installing, operating, and troubleshooting irrigation systems for gardens and turf maintenance.

08

Describe your experience managing turf. What challenges did you face when maintaining healthy grass? What solutions did you apply to the challenges and what were the outcomes?

09

Describe your professional experience with the following tools: Chainsaws, mowers, tractors, line trimmers, and chippers. Additionally, please share any other work experience you have with highly relevant landscape equipment or tools.

10

Describe any challenges you have faced when managing a busy schedule, at multiple garden locations, with heavy public traffic and regular interruptions. How have you shifted or organized your workload to ensure everything gets done?

11

What do you consider to be the key practices in maintaining a healthy, attractive, safe, and sustainable park landscape throughout the year? Briefly describe why each selected practice is crucial.

Required Question

Employer East Bay Regional Park District

Address 2950 Peralta Oaks Court

Oakland, California, 94605

Phone (510) 544-2154

Website http://www.ebparks.org