At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.
As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.
We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles , Principles of Community , and Strategic Plan .
At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.
Departmental Overview Facilities Services works to continuously improve the campus partnership with all members of the University community to ensure that classrooms, laboratories, and offices support teaching, learning and research. Through the efforts of over 400 dedicated staff members and serving over 10M building square feet and 1100 acres, Facilities Services includes the asset management program, custodial services, maintenance operations, engineering and technical services, environmental services, grounds operations, the Cal Zero Waste program, the Campus Building Department, and the campus utility systems, including the cogeneration plant. The scope of the Facilities Services reaches across campus and is closely connected to the activities of staff, building managers, other campus departments, and campus leadership.
The role of the Lead Gardener includes being an effective communicator with the manager and campus clients, scheduling work orders for the grounds staff (including gardeners and groundskeepers), assuring quality control and timeliness of work performed, coordinating projects with other departments, working on gardening and landscaping projects, providing estimates for projects, reviewing timecards before forwarding them to the superintendent for signature approval, and supporting the departmental safety program. It also involves assisting coworkers with UC Berkeley desktop training and emails, helping the team with the use of handheld devices and orientation to Maximo, adhering to the Code of Conduct, and disseminating information within the group.
Application Review Date The First Review Date for this job is: December 23, 2024. This listing will remain open until filled.
Responsibilities LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
- Perform weeding, cultivation, ground cover pruning, vine and shrub pruning, mulching, leaf pickup, and watering by manual sprinklers, hose and spike, portable sprinklers, and supplementing automatic systems.
- Assist the tree crew with sucker removal, brush pickup, and chipping.
- Assist the mowing crew with hand mowing, edging, and blowing clippings off hardscape.
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES
- Interact with grounds personnel and balance MOP and recharge responsibilities as directed by management.
- Use the Work Order Scheduling Program to schedule and dispatch work requests.
- Check completed jobs for accuracy and perform timekeeping duties.
- Consult with supervisors or project superintendents regarding requirements and standards for modification projects.
- Keep accurate work records and complete paperwork in a neat and timely manner.
- Define and describe materials, tools and/or equipment, work methods, and task sequences.
- Serve as a liaison with clients, relaying their needs and requirements to the appropriate department or superintendent.
- Obtain materials and equipment when requested and maintain records of materials ordered, utilized, and billed to others.
LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION/REPAIR
- Perform demolition, soil preparation (including amendment, rototilling, and grading), and install plant material.
- Install and/or repair header boards and renovate turf by scalping, overseeding, top dressing, and/or laying sod.
- Assist with the installation, repair, and/or relocation of grounds furnishings and erosion control.
- Assist with the installation and repair of irrigation systems.
BEAT POLICING/INSPECTION
- Pick up and remove litter and debris, empty trash boxes and replace as necessary, and strip posters and flyers from all non-designated structures.
- Inspect and observe the beat, reporting problems to proper personnel regarding irrigation, pest infestations, tree hazards, surfaces and furnishings in need of repair and/or replacement, safety hazards, general landscape problems, and vandalism/graffiti.
IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE
- Perform head and valve cleaning.
- Fill in holes and low spots around heads.
- Perform minor head adjustments.
TREE MAINTENANCE
- Perform tree trimming and thinning up to 25 feet, utilizing ladders and appropriate safety equipment.
- Conduct tree pollarding (e.g., sycamores), small tree removal, and brush chipping and removal.
MISCELLANEOUS DUTIES
- Clean drain covers and catch basins, building entrances, and pathways.
- Clean window wells, perform creek-bed clean-up, road cleaning, hillside maintenance (brush and weed cutting and litter pickup), and fire trail maintenance.
- Split logs and perform other related tasks.
- Assist the tree crew in emergency situations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
SAFETY
- Ensure that all Gardeners and Groundskeepers adhere to the department's safety requirements.
- Provide safety training for staff.
- Attend job-related and safety training as required.
Required Qualifications - Must possess knowledge and ability to utilize the Work Order Scheduling Program to manage and assign shop work orders.
- Knowledge and ability to properly operate, and provide daily/weekly basic maintenance of landscape maintenance equipment such as: lawnmower, edger, weed whip, blower, vacuum, hedge trimmers, splitter, stump grinder, sprayers, aerator, vertislicer, aerator sod cutter, etc.
- Demonstrated ability to read, write and follow oral/written instructions provided in English. Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to interact in a positive manner with campus community, including students, building managers, academic personnel, and craft personnel, in a multi-cultural environment.
- Knowledge of ANSI A 300 Part 1-Standard Pruning Practices.
- Demonstrated expert level knowledge of methods, materials, tools, equipment used in grounds work and safe work practices.
- Demonstrated ability to train others in use of materials and tools, methods of landscaping, and safe work practices.
- Must be able to drive small trucks.
- Must be able to work cooperatively in a group setting.
- Must possess a valid California driver's license. Will be required to participate in DMV Pull Notice System.
- Preemployment medical physical required.
- Ability to work outdoors in fluctuating and/or extreme weather conditions.
- Must be available to respond to emergencies and work occasional overtime and on weekends/holidays.
- Must adhere to Facilities Services' work rules and Code of Conduct.
Education/Training:
- High school diploma and/or equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications - Twelve months of experience in a grounds operation; or an equivalent combination of training and experience preferred.
Salary & Benefits For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $32.26 - $41.74, Step 9.0 - 22.0. This is an exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
- This is a full-time, Career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.
- This position is on-site at the University of California, Berkeley.
- This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Service Unit (SX) between the University of California and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at:
http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/sx/index.html
How to Apply To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Conviction History Background This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Driving Required A valid driver's license and DMV check for driving record is required.
Physical Exam Employment is contingent upon passing a physical exam.
Misconduct SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement : As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
Other Information This is not a visa opportunity.
Equal Employment Opportunity The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.
The University of California's Affirmative action policy .
The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy .
