Groundskeeper

UC Riverside's Palm Desert Campus is recruiting for a Groundskeeper. The full salary range for the Groundskeeper is $25.17 to $35.22 hourly. However, the expected pay scale for this position is up to $27.23 hourly. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs. Under the general supervision of the Facilities Director, the Groundskeeper performs routine and specialized grounds maintenance activities to support a safe, attractive, and sustainable campus environment. The incumbent contributes to the preservation and enhancement of university landscapes through the maintenance of turf, trees, shrubs, irrigation systems, and outdoor facilities, ensuring campus grounds meet operational and aesthetic standards. This is a limited appointment at 45% time (18 hours per week) and is expected to continue through June 30, 2027. Continuation of the appointment is subject to operational needs and the availability of funding. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff.\n \nLandscape Maintenance: Maintains flowerbeds, plants, shrubs, trees, hedges and grass areas. Trims, prunes and shapes plants, trees (removes dead trees and roots); prepares soils, plants, fertilizes, stalks, and waters flowers, trees, and shrubbery. Inspects plants for diseases and insect damage; eradicates and controls insects, rodents and weeds. Mows, rakes and maintains grass areas. During times of operational need may perform other landscaping duties or projects, as assigned.Hardscape & Surface Maintenance: Performs inspections and minor maintenance/repair on hard surfaced areas such as walkways, roadways, pavers and stepping stones. Maintains cleanliness of hard surface areas by using various methods; vacuuming, pressure-washing, sweeping or blow down. Assists with events set-up and clean-up, as required. Cleans map stands, outdoor equipment and furniture. Ensures building entrances are maintained free from hazards and trash. Performs outdoor custodial work, as needed, including safely cleaning and disposing areas of human waste, animal droppings, or deceased rodents and insects.Equipment Maintenance: Coordinates equipment use with other Landscape Services and Facilities Services staff. Coordinates major repairs or maintenance with mechanical staff and other University personnel or departments. Performs preventative maintenance on equipment, including replenishing fluids, greasing, adjusting, and replacing incidental pieces as needed. Performs other services and minor repairs to maintain functionality and regular performance. Returns all equipment to storeroom in good condition; keeps storeroom and work areas safe and clear of slip/trip and fall hazards.Irrigation: Waters areas by hand or through operating the automated sprinkler system. Inspects for irrigation damage such as broken lines, valves, or sprinkler heads. Repairs, replaces, and cleans the irrigation systems: sprinkler heads, risers and broken lines, valves, timers and controllers. Reports soil moisture levels to supervisors.Communication: Communicates progress of work within the work order system using a computer. Maintains a positive attitude and communicates effectively with colleagues, supervisors, staff, faculty and students. Communicates and reports to a supervisor and/or staff regarding any potential issues, not limited to potential safety hazards (e.g. broken glass, damaged porches or steps, excess water, fire, etc.), or liabilities during the day-to-day operations.Refuse & Recycling Support: Moves, hauls and empties refuse and recycling bins; removes refuse and litter, cleans bins/lids and assists with recycling efforts, as required.\n \nKnowledge, skill and ability to safely use and maintain landscaping hand and power tools/equipment, such as mowers (including riding mowers, self-propelled and push mowers), edgers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, power blowers, vacuum, rototillers, saws, clippers, seed and fertilize spreaders, and high pressure washers.Skill, knowledge and ability in using mechanical tools required to maintain all landscaping related equipment such as hand wrenches, gas/oil mixing and hand files.Ability to read write and communicate effectively in the English language with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public. Ability to follow oral and written instructions.Ability to work independently and as part of a team.Ability to work effectively; following through on assignments with minimal direction and fluctuating workload.Knowledge, skill and ability using irrigation systems and completing minor repairs on systems.Willingness and ability to work scheduled, unscheduled and emergency overtime.Ability to work a flexible schedule (weekends and holidays; early mornings, mornings, evening or graveyard shifts), as needed to accommodate campus event schedules.Knowledge and skill to use MS Office programs and email.Knowledge and ability to use desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices.Knowledge of UCR/UC policies, procedures and systems.Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations governing areas related to the responsibilities of the job, including SB-198 Illness and Injury Prevention Program (IIPP).\n \nWillingness and ability to work scheduled, unscheduled and emergency overtime. Knowledge, skill and ability using irrigation systems and completing minor repairs on systems. Knowledge, skill and ability to safely use and maintain landscaping hand and power tools/equipment, such as mowers (including riding mowers, self-propelled and push mowers), edgers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, power blowers, vacuum, rototillers, saws, clippers, seed and fertilize spreaders, and high pressure washers. Ability to read write and communicate effectively in the English language with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to work effectively; following through on assignments with minimal direction and fluctuating workload. Skill, knowledge and ability in using mechanical tools required to maintain all landscaping related equipment such as hand wrenches, gas/oil mixing and hand files. Ability to work a flexible schedule (weekends and holidays; early mornings, mornings, evening or graveyard shifts), as needed to accommodate campus event schedules. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.Knowledge of UCR/UC policies, procedures and systems. Knowledge and ability to use desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices. Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations governing areas related to the responsibilities of the job, including SB-198 Illness and Injury Prevention Program (IIPP). Knowledge and skill to use MS Office programs and email.