Lead Groundskeeper

The UCSF Facilities Services Department (FS) is committed to creating an exceptional campus physical environment to support the research, teaching, health care, and community service mission of the University. FS employs over 460 professional staff and acts as steward for over $100 million in operating funds to achieve its goals in operating and maintaining the UCSF campus environment. FS is organized into 7 operating units: (1) West Campus/Parnassus Operations, (2) East Campus/Mission Bay Operations, (3) Engineering & Utilities, (4) Infrastructure & Renewal Programs, (5) Customer Service & Technology, (6) Custodial Services, and (7) Office of the AVC, including Administration & Communications.  

FS adheres to and supports campus-wide P.R.I.D.E. values and the Principles of Community, and all FS leaders are expected to create a fair, equitable, safe, and supportive work environment where everyone can do their best work. FS leaders share accountability for the overall success of the operation and strive towards a high-performance work environment. We value innovation, creative problem solving, and diligent follow-through.  

Under the direction and general supervision of the West Campus Grounds supervisor, the incumbent will be primarily responsible for assisting in the daily operations of the gardening and landscape maintenance in the West Zone and serving as a working leader of the laborers/gardeners. The incumbent would be a member of the Landscaping/Grounds crew and would focus mainly on maintenance operations of the Mission Bay Campus. The incumbent will provide coverage in all aspects of landscape maintenance to include, but not limited to: tree, shrub, ground cover, and turf maintenance; plant health care;  art and hardscape maintenance; refuse collection and recycling; irrigation installation/maintenance; water management.  H/She will transmit orders and explain tasks to fellow co-workers, and maintain time and material records.   

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job.  The functions should add up to 100%.

Required Qualifications

• High School Graduation and two (2) years of experience as a laborer/gardener (landscape, horticulture or forestry); or an equivalent combination of education and work experience  
• Demonstrated experience in safely operating power tools and small to large heavy equipment  
• Demonstrated experience in small equipment repair  
• Demonstrated experience with safety protocols and safety procedures/guidelines  
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing in English with customers and department
• staff at all levels  
• Ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic calculations  
• Ability to perform work on schedule in a safe and timely manner  
• Ability to work without direct supervision and handle multiple projects simultaneously  
• Ability to deliver high quality customer service and to respond to the customer’s needs  
• Demonstrated knowledge of ornamental and California native plants  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint)  
• Demonstrated familiarity with field-related equipment  
• Ability to communicate with technical staff and skilled trades  

Preferred Qualifications

• California DPR Qualified Applicators Certificate/License  
• Landscape Industry Certified Technician or Horticultural Technician  
• Demonstrated experience in trail maintenance, forestry tools and equipment  
• University experience or comparable experience supporting a large complex service oriented institution or business.