"Groundsworker"

Groundsworker

Job No: 554770
Work Type: Staff
Locations: Southern California: San Diego
Categories: Bargaining Unit: Unit 5 - CSUEU - Operations and Support Services, Appointment Type: Probationary, Time Basis: Full Time, Job Search Category/Discipline: Trades, Workplace Type (Exclude Inst Fac): On-site (work in-person at business location)

Position Information

Help Keep SDSU Beautiful!
Are you hands-on, dedicated, and passionate about creating and maintaining vibrant outdoor environments? Join San Diego State University as a Groundsworker and be part of the team that keeps our campus safe, clean, and welcoming. In this essential role, you'll support SDSU's mission by ensuring our campus landscapes are healthy, attractive, and ready for each academic day.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain Campus Landscapes: Deliver full-service landscape care across 5-20 acres of assigned campus area, including turf, landscape beds, hardscapes, and general grounds.
• Daily Exterior Readiness: Ensure outdoor spaces are clean, tidy, and inviting each day by removing litter, emptying trash receptacles, and maintaining clear, safe pathways.
• Landscape Care: Perform routine maintenance such as mowing, edging, pruning, and planting to keep campus plant life thriving year-round, free from pests, weeds, and debris.
• Equipment Use & Maintenance: Operate and maintain a variety of groundskeeping tools and machinery while ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Accountability & Reporting: Accurately report time, materials used, and project completion details to support efficient operations.
• Safety Leadership: Promote and model safe work practices, identify hazards, and take action to maintain a secure work environment.
• Team Collaboration: Support your colleagues and foster a respectful, professional, and inclusive work culture through clear communication and cooperation.

What We Offer:

• Visible Impact: Contribute directly to the look and feel of SDSU's campus, helping create an environment where students and staff can thrive.
• Skill Development: Build and strengthen your mechanical, horticultural, and safety skills in a dynamic campus setting.
• Supportive Culture: Work in a team that values professionalism, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence.
• Environmental Stewardship: Be a steward of SDSU's landscape and a contributor to sustainable maintenance practices.

Position Information
This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits eligible permanent/probationary position.
This position is designated non-exempt under FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
Standard SDSU work hours are Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Division of Business and Financial Affairs is responsible for ensuring a safe, productive campus environment while providing the highest quality service in support of academic excellence through thoughtful stewardship of financial, technological, infrastructure and human resources at San Diego State University.
SDSU Facilities Services (FS) is a customer-service based organization providing facility maintenance activities through a transparent and deliberate process. It is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, renovation, remodel, and alteration activities in support of the academic and research mission of the university. Facilities Services employs approximately 250 employees and supports approximately eight million square feet of buildings (including residence halls and parking structures) and 280 acres of improved and unimproved land.
For more information regarding Facilities Services, click here.

Education and Experience

One year of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or in general grounds maintenance work, or in related manual labor.

Key Qualifications

• Experience in the maintenance and repair of irrigation systems is preferred
• Relevant education or coursework in horticulture and/or plant identification is preferred.
• LEED Green Associate Credential is preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of general gardening and grounds maintenance methods.
• General knowledge of proper methods of planting, cultivating, and caring for hedges, ornamental trees, shrubs, lawns, and flowers, and the use and care of gardening materials, tools and equipment.
• Ability to recognize the more common species of ornamental shrubs, trees and flowers grown in California.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical work; utilize mechanical aptitude and motor coordination; learn to skillfully operate small trucks and power-driven grounds equipment.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Valid California Driver's License or the ability to obtain one within 10 days of hire.

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

Compensation:
Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience, in alignment with the department's budget and equity guidelines.

• Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 5 ($3,747 per month) for highly qualified candidates.
• CSU Classification Salary Range: $ 3,461- $4,752 per month (Step 1 - Step 20).
• Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations.

Full Benefits Package Includes:

• Generous Time Off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• Education Support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• Optional Offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Campus & Community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.

Our benefits are a significant part of total compensation. Learn more at the SDSU Benefits Overview.

Supplemental Information

Apply by February 23, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.