Lead Groundsworker

Lead Groundskeeping & Irrigation

• →Serve as the Lead Groundsworker in overseeing the work of several grounds staff engaged in planting, fertilizing, watering, and spraying ornamental plants, shrubs, hedges, trees, lawns, and flowers or other grounds maintenance work in an assigned area of a campus.
• →Lead staff engaged in grounds activities of a general nature such as construction of flower beds, maintenance of drainage systems, resurfacing of athletic fields and facilities, removal of brush and trees, collection of trash, blowing debris from parking lots and walkways, and laying of concrete and asphalt.
• →Prepare and coordinate work schedules and assign work according to well established guidelines and procedures. Inspect completed work and provide feedback.
• →Assist in selection, training, and evaluation of Groundsworkers and student assistants.
• →Develop schedules for mowing, irrigation, pruning, planting, and seasonal landscaping projects.
• →Monitor assigned areas of campus for safety, maintenance needs, and aesthetic standards. Resolve issues directly or escalate as appropriate.
• →Demonstrate and enforce safe work habits, including proper use of tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment.
• →Perform and oversee specialized maintenance including irrigation system installation and repair, turf resodding, and campuswide pruning.
• →In coordination with a licensed individual or as a licensed individual, monitor and/or perform occasional application of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in compliance with CSU policies and state/federal regulations. Ensure proper storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals.

Equipment

• →Assign and oversee personnel to operate equipment such as mowers, sweepers, trucks, and other grounds equipment.
• →Operate and maintain mowers, sweepers, and other equipment used in the care of grounds. Coordinate service as needed.
• →Ensure proper storage, fueling, and cleaning of vehicles and equipment.
• →Ensure oil and/or hydraulic levels are adequate and air filters are cleaned.5) Drive state vehicles as required in support of operations.
• →Training
• →Train staff and student assistants in equipment use, horticultural methods, irrigation systems, and safe work practices.
• →Provide ongoing coaching, instruction, and demonstrations to ensure quality standards are met.
• →Train Groundsworkers on proper shrub, tree, and plant trimming techniques along with shrub bed maintenance according to ANSI standards.
• →Interpret policies, procedures, and methods for staff.
• →Support compliance with state and CSU standards for chemical use, pest control, and environmental practices.

Recordkeeping

• →Maintain routine records of work orders, equipment repair, maintenance and chemical applications, irrigation schedules, and overtime assignments.
• →Requisition supplies, tools, and equipment needed to maintain the campus landscape.
• →Prepare periodic reports on completed work and staffing assignments.
• →Respond to emergency calls outside of normal work hours as needed.

• Five (5) years of experience in the care of grounds desired.
• California State Chemical Applicator's License/Certificate.
• Demonstrated skills in an institutional/educational environment utilizing a customer-oriented and service-centered attitude.

BACKGROUND CHECK: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last seven years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

SENSITIVE POSITION: Sensitive positions are designated by the CSU as requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position, based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of the people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to the CSU or individuals in the university community.

MANDATED REPORTER: The person holding this position is considered a limited mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised July 21, 2017.

GENERAL INFORMATION: It is the policy of California State University, Bakersfield to hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to present documentation verifying their right to accept employment. You will also be requested to present a social security card at the time of initial appointment in compliance with state payroll regulations. State regulations require that every state employee sign the Oath of Allegiance prior to commencing the duties of his/her State employment, except legally employed non-citizens. These individuals are required to sign the Declaration of Permission to Work.

The California State University (“CSU”), including California State University, Bakersfield is committed to an inclusive and equitable community that values diversity and fosters mutual respect.  All students and employees have the right to participate fully in CSU programs, activities, admission, and employment free from discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and retaliation. The CSU Nondiscrimination Policy prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any protected status, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, prohibited consensual relationships, and retaliation.

Campus contact for our Nondiscrimination policy is Allan Williams, Associate Vice President of Civil Rights & Compliance, (661) 654-2713.

Advertised: Sep 21 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 05 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

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• Is exposed to excessive noise
• Is around moving machinery
• Is exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity
• Is exposed to dust, fumes, gases, or radiation, microwave
• Drives motorized equipment
• Works in high places
• Other: May be exposed to pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides