Landscape Technician II

Landscape Technician II

Salary

$52,915.20 - $64,313.60 Annually

Location

Port of San Diego, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

FY 25/26 #00121

Department

Maritime & Operations Branch

Division

Field Operations

Opening Date

07/09/2026

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The Port of San Diego is seeking a dedicated Landscape Technician II to support the care and preservation of our waterfront parks and public spaces. This role involves maintaining turf, trees, irrigation systems, and coastal plantings while ensuring our grounds remain clean, safe, and welcoming for visitors. Ideal candidates bring strong attention to detail, experience with landscape tools and equipment, and a commitment to environmental stewardship along San Diego's working waterfront.

DEFINITION

Under immediate (Landscape Technician I) to general (Landscape Technician II) supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled landscaping and maintenance duties; mows, trims, edges, fertilizes, and aerates turf areas; weeds, prunes, mulches, and applies pesticides to plants, shrubs, trees, bare areas, and other Port properties; inspects, maintains, operates, installs, troubleshoots, and repairs irrigation systems; operates a variety of grounds maintenance equipment, vehicles, and trailers; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Landscape Technician I) to general (Landscape Technician II) supervision. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Landscape Technician I: This is the entry-level classification in the Landscape Technician series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine landscape maintenance tasks including mowing, edging, and cleaning up debris, as well as performing regular irrigation checks and suppressing invasive species. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Landscape Technician II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Landscape Technician II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Landscape Technician series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Landscape Technician I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Positions in the Landscape Technician class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Landscape Technician II level are normally filled by advancement from the Landscape Technician I level; progression to the Landscape Technician II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Landscape Technician II level.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Represented positions are subject to the meet and confer process.

Positions at the Landscape Technician I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

• Mows, trims, edges, fertilizes, and aerates turf areas; weeds, prunes, mulches, fertilizes, irrigates, and applies pesticides to plants, shrubs, trees, bare areas, and other Port properties; prepares soil for planting; installs and propagates plants, shrubs, and trees.
• Mixes and applies chemical pesticides and herbicides to Port grounds to control and prevent weeds, pests, and plant diseases; applies fertilizers to Port grounds; maintains the Port's chemical and spray equipment inventory; assists in maintaining records and reports related to the application of chemical pesticides and herbicides; provides public notice of pesticide/herbicide application prior to spraying.
• Conducts regular irrigation infrastructure inspections, troubleshoots and repairs as required, including repair of mainline damage and identification of backflow issues; updates irrigation timers based on season and water consumption.
• Operates a variety of hand and power tools including mowers, edgers, blowers, hedge trimmers, line trimmers, chain saws, rakes, shovels, and other landscape tools; performs general maintenance on equipment and tools; adjusts and makes repairs to tools, as needed; reports the need for major repairs and maintenance.
• Operates various motorized equipment including gang mowers and edgers in the landscape maintenance of parks, athletic fields, lawns, street medians, and other areas; operates a variety of Port vehicles, trucks with trailer, dump trailer, and other motorized vehicles and equipment.
• Cleans and maintains landscaped areas, cleans and maintains immediate hazards on paved areas, athletic fields, paths, and walks; picks up litter, garbage, and organic debris from landscaped areas and athletic fields; maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment at the close of the workday.
• Performs disaster service worker responsibilities, as directed.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Positions at the Landscape Technician I level may exercise some of these knowledge and abilities statements in a learning capacity.

Knowledge of:

• Basic grounds and landscape maintenance procedures including mowing, edging, raking, and weeding.
• Practice of cultivating, propagating, fertilizing, watering, and spraying flowers, trees, and shrubs.
• Best practices, methods, materials, and utilization of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals used in landscape maintenance.
• Operation and maintenance of hand and power tools and equipment used in landscape maintenance.
• Inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair methods of irrigation systems.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work.
• Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and Port staff.
• The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work.
• Modern portable and nonportable equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform semi-skilled and skilled grounds maintenance duties including prioritizing and scheduling work on landscaped, turf, and playground areas and athletic fields.
• Mow, edge, water, weed, fertilize, and cultivate lawns, flowerbeds, athletic fields, and other landscaped areas.
• Read and understand landscape plans and blueprints.
• Mix and apply specialized chemicals to control and eradicate weeds, insects, and other pests.
• Operate a variety of power and hand tools and small motorized equipment including but not limited to small tractors, turf mowers, utility trucks, edgers, and line trimmers.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Perform skilled application of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
• Perform basic landscape construction, modification, maintenance, and repair work.
• Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials, costs, and supplies required for repairs and maintenance projects.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written reports of work performed.
• Identify irrigation infrastructure issues and proper methods and materials needed to maintain and repair irrigation infrastructure.
• Operate and troubleshoot various irrigation controllers to conduct irrigation checks and adjust watering schedules as needed.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural and safety guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Landscape Technician I/II: Equivalent to completion of twelfth (12th) grade.

Experience:

• Landscape Technician I: One (1) year of experience in landscape maintenance, gardening, groundskeeping, or related experience.
• Landscape Technician II: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in landscape maintenance, gardening, groundskeeping, or related experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or successful acquisition within twelve (12) months of employment, a valid CPR/First Aid Certification, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or successful acquisition within twelve (12) months of employment, a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential Card (TWIC).

Recruitment Information

The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training, and experience relative to the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.

Only qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the assessment process which may be administered by a written examination, panel interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application.

Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for one or more of the assessments listed below. Passing score is 70% out of 100% on each assessment section.

THE INITIAL ASSESSMENT (100%) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2026.

To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/portofsd Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded) to your application or your application may be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.

Placement on Eligible List:

The Department of Human Resources may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the assessment process. Candidates who are successful in all phases of the assessment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of ninety (90) days or up to one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to Rule 8, Section 4.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The District firmly believes in, and is committed to, the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. It is the policy of the District to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to age (40 and above), ancestry, color, disability (mental or physical), gender (including identity, appearance, or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the persons sex at birth), marital status, medical condition, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; possible entry into confined spaces and the use of confined entry equipment, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various Port sites; and vision to inspect and operate equipment. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights up to 90 pounds, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, traffic hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Some positions may require working varied shifts and/or alternate schedules as needed. Port employees are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings, and holidays as required to accommodate the Port's needs, in addition to responding as a Disaster Services Emergency Worker. Employees in this classification are subject to on-call, which may include rotating-duty schedule, weekends, and 24-hour emergency call out with little or no notice.

Click here for the Benefit Overview for Classified Employees-Step

01

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

How many years of experience do you have maintaining turf, shrubs, trees, and other landscape plantings?

• No experience
• Less than 2 years
• 2-4 years
• 5 years or more

03

How many years of experience do you have installing, repairing, or troubleshooting irrigation systems?

• No experience
• Less than 2 years
• 2-4 years
• 5 years or more

04

How many years of experience do you have operating landscape maintenance equipment such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, and edgers?

• No experience
• Less than 2 years
• 2-4 years
• 5 years or more

Required Question

Employer Port of San Diego

Address 3165 Pacific Highway

San Diego, California, 92101

Phone (619) 686-6315

Website http://www.portofsandiego.org