Job Description: Gardener

Salary

Classified salary schedule, range 26. Initial placement shall be determined according to training and experience; maximum salary placement will be at mid-range. This position is covered by employee selected insurance plan. Benefits include holidays, vacation and sick leave.

Definition

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform a variety of routine grounds maintenance duties in the beautification of district grounds as a member of the district grounds crew or at an assigned high school site; plant, cultivate and maintain lawns, plants, shrubs and trees.

Examples of Duties

Perform a variety of routine grounds maintenance duties in the beautification of district grounds as a member of the district grounds crew or at an assigned high school site. Plant, cultivate and maintain lawns, plants, shrubs and trees. Mow lawns, fields and other grounds; prepare and fertilize soil. Prune and trim trees, hedges and shrubs; weed, rake and water grounds. Apply fertilizers and weed control chemicals to eradicate weeds and other pests according to established procedures. Operate power lawn mowers, sprayers, back pack blower, trimmer, hand and power tools; operate a skip loader or tractors as assigned; make routine adjustments and minor repairs to equipment. Rake leaves and remove trash; sweep walkways; sweep and clean athletic courts. Perform general custodial duties incidental to grounds keeping activities; remove trash and other debris from grounds. Assist in the preparation, set-up and lining of athletic fields and other facilities as assigned; move furniture. Assist in the installation and repair of playground equipment and irrigation systems as assigned; clean rain gutters on facilities as necessary. Perform related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

Education and Experience: Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and one year general grounds keeping experience in gardening or grounds maintenance.

Knowledge and Abilities:Knowledge of operation of hand and power tools and equipment used in grounds keeping; basic grounds maintenance procedures including mowing, edging, raking and weeding; methods, equipment and materials used in gardening and grounds keeping work; health and safety regulations. Ability to perform general grounds maintenance duties including mowing, edging and weeding; perform routine grounds maintenance duties; use a variety of tools and machines utilized in the basic trade; safely operate power equipment; mow, edge, water, weed, fertilize, rake and cultivate lawns, flower beds, athletic fields and other landscaped areas; understand and follow oral and written instructions; communicate effectively in English.

Working Conditions

Physical Abilities:Lifting, pushing and pulling heavy objects; seeing to perform grounds work; heavy physical labor; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate grounds equipment and tools; bending at the waist; walking and standing for extended periods of time.

Licenses and Other Requirements: Valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record to qualify for insurability by the district's insurance carrier.