Job Description

Groundskeeper

Posting Number: S01704

Department: 5201-Facilities and Physical Plant

Classification Pay Scale

In compliance with SB 1162, Western University of Health Sciences is providing a pay scale for this position. The pay scale reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this position. Within this range, the individual pay is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, and work location. Please note that the compensation details listed reflects the base salary only.

Expected Pay Scale
Minimum: $24.04 Hourly
Maximum: $25.00 Hourly

Job Summary

The Groundskeeper is primarily responsible for maintaining the health and aesthetics of the university’s exterior spaces, contributing to a safe and welcoming environment. This includes landscaping, irrigation system management, and assisting with the overall campus beautification. The role demands a balance of routine grounds maintenance and specialized care of the landscape and assisting with other duties as assigned to support the university’s appearance and sustainability goals. This position reports directly to the Custodial Manager (subject to Job Title change to “Director of Custodial and Grounds”).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Individuals must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to perform the essential functions of the assigned classification, with or without reasonable accommodation(s), using some other combination of skills and abilities. Necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities are as follows:

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of plant care, soil types, and irrigation systems.
• Familiarity with chemical treatments and proper application methods.
• Basic knowledge of landscape design principles and irrigation systems.

Skills:

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a clean environment.
• Communication: clear and concise verbal and written communication, polite and respectful of others, verifies understanding.
• Customer service: treats all customers as #1 priority, views all staff as internal customers, assists customers without prompting, acts pro-actively on behalf of the customer, focuses on customer satisfaction.
• Workload management: prioritizes tasks and requests for assistance, timely completion meeting deadlines, detail oriented.
• Ethics and integrity: fair; honest; consistent in application of policies & procedures.
• Self-control: remains calm and professional through stressful or ambiguous circumstances; thinks and responds clearly under stress.
• Judgment: makes appropriate and sound decisions after weighing alternatives; thoughtful consideration for other’s opinions; logical.
• Excellent computer skills necessary to set up document formats and operate in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook and any other software programs required by this position.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate a commitment to working in an organization that values and promotes humanism.
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in varying weather conditions.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to operate various types of landscaping tools and equipment, including forklift, aerial lifts, and various gas, electric and battery-operated equipment (e.g., lawnmowers, trimmers, blowers, etc.).

Required Qualifications

Required Education: Any combination of education, training, or experience that provides the required skills and abilities. Must have a high school diploma.

Experience or Training: Computer experience: Internet, spreadsheet. Must have a cell phone for departmental communication purpose (stipend provided). Must have a valid CA driver’s license. Must provide and maintain Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) that satisfies the requirements of the WesternU Vehicle Use Policy.

Special Requirements, Licenses, and Certifications: Travel may be required for various off-site meetings, trainings, conferences, and/or events in support of the overall objective of the position. Maintain a valid CA driver’s license, a clean DMV record and enrollment in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program. Adhere to all applicable policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Education: Have at least two (2) years of Commercial landscape experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or in general grounds maintenance work, or in related manual labor required.

Preferred Experience or Training: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Training and Certification, or willingness to obtain it. CPR/First Aid Certification, or willingness to obtain it. Experience in a healthcare or educational institution is preferred.

Essential Job Duties

To apply, visit https://jobs.westernu.edu/postings/34570