Groundsworker - Main Campus

Job Summary

Assigned primarily to the Main Campus and reporting to the Grounds, Landscape & Recycling Manager while under lead work direction provided by the Lead Groundsworker, the Groundsworker is a member of a team responsible for maintaining landscape and grounds areas of the campus as well as supporting recycling operations. This position is typically assigned to an area of campus and is responsible to maintain all areas of the grounds and landscape including lawns, groundcover, plants, hedges, shrubs, and trees. This includes work efforts associated with planting, cultivating, fertilizing, trimming, raking, mowing, weeding, and irrigating grounds areas and also keeping the campus free and clear of debris and collecting trash and recyclables. This position operates small equipment and machinery typical to a landscape, hardscape, and grounds environment and may perform duties associated with and assisting qualified personnel in irrigation system repair, spraying, tree trimming, and nursery functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain campus grounds and landscaped areas, including lawns, trees, shrubs, hedges, flowers, and groundcover through planting, trimming, pruning, mowing, irrigating, fertilizing, and weed control
• Operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, vehicles, and equipment used in grounds and landscape maintenance; perform minor equipment maintenance and report repair needs
• Collect and properly dispose of trash and recyclables; maintain cleanliness of grounds, work areas, tools, and equipment; respond to urgent and emergency grounds-related needs as assigned
• Assist qualified personnel with irrigation system inspection, adjustment, and minor repairs to ensure proper coverage and efficient water use
• Support preparation, lining, and maintenance of athletic fields to ensure safe and playable conditions
• Provide lead work direction and guidance to unskilled assistants, including student workers and volunteers, as assigned
• Accurately document work performed using computerized maintenance management systems, log sheets, and University timekeeping systems
• Participate in after-hours emergency response, scheduled overtime, departmental meetings, safety training, and performance improvement initiatives as required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of general gardening and grounds maintenance methods, including proper planting, cultivation, and care of trees, shrubs, lawns, and flowers
• Skill in the safe operation and care of hand tools, power equipment, vehicles, and irrigation components common to grounds maintenance work
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor; follow oral and written instructions; maintain records; communicate effectively; work
• Knowledge of safe work practices, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), lockout/tagout procedures, and hazard recognition in a grounds maintenance environment
• Ability to operate and safely maneuver vehicles, utility carts, personnel lifts, and trailers in active campus settings with pedestrian traffic
• Ability to maintain security of assigned equipment, tools, and keys and to follow University access and security protocols
• Ability to prioritize and adjust work assignments based on changing operational needs, weather conditions, and urgent campus requests
• Ability to support and apply sustainability principles in daily work practices, including water conservation, waste reduction, and environmentally responsible grounds maintenance methods collaboratively; provide instruction to unskilled assistants; and respond appropriately to emergency situations while maintaining a strong customer service orientation

Required Qualifications

• One year of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or in general grounds maintenance work, or in related manual labor
• Must participate in all OSHA required physicals and examinations
• Requires the possession of a valid California Driver's License for the operation of any vehicle or equipment required for position and in any emergency situation

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent education
• Possession of a maintenance gardener pest control certification or qualified applicator license from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation
• Three years of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or in general grounds maintenance work or in related manual labor
• Experience working within a University or large commercial setting

Compensation

Classification: Groundsworker
Anticipated Hiring Range: $3,747/month - $3,822/month (Step 5 - Step 6)
CSU Salary Range: $3,461/month - $4,752/month (Step 1 - Step 17)

San Jose State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: December 23, 2025, through January 7, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Work Schedule

Selected candidates will be placed in one of the following shifts based on operational needs.

Tuesday - Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Contact Information

University Personnel
jobs@sjsu.edu
408-924-2252

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to jobs@sjsu.edu.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, 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 offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San Jose State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at clerycompliance@sjsu.edu.

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf. The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at uhs-frontdesk@sjsu.edu.

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San Jose State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San Jose State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.