Groundskeeper jobs in Modesto, CA

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. 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, 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 full salary range for this position is $19.86 - $26.22. The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is Step 1: $19.86/hr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around March 14, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

This union position is represented by the bargaining unit AFSCME: Service - SX.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Under supervision, incumbent performs a variety of Grounds maintenance and repair functions including but not limited to litter pick-up, cultivating, trimming of shrubs and small trees, fertilizing, planting and irrigation repairs. Performs prescribed maintenance procedures as directed such as: mowing, edging, pruning, raking, sweeping and weeding. Responsible for monitoring and maintaining assigned landscape areas in a clean and healthy condition. Irrigates various plant material by use of appropriate manual or automatic systems or hoses when necessary. Operates grounds power tools and machinery and must be responsible for proper use of equipment and follow proper safety procedures for his/her protection and that of others. Follow University guidelines and departmental policies and procedures. Be respectful and courteous with faculty, students, staff and public in general while performing assignments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

• Uses assigned tools and power equipment in a safe and prescribed manner, avoiding misuse, breakage or loss. Performs prescribed landscape maintenance procedures as directed such as: Mowing, edging, pruning, raking, sweeping and weeding. Irrigates various plant material by use of appropriate manual or automatic systems or hoses when necessary. Pick up trash and debris in assigned areas. Wash down sidewalks and/or shovel mud and debris from walkways, roads in order to the keep campus in a clean condition. Maintains tools, equipment in clean working order. Maintains irrigation systems in efficient working order. Works with Grounds Laborers to perform Groundskeeping functions. Assess pest problems in assigned areas and report to Lead or Supervisor. Support emergency response when required by Supervisor. Drive tractors, operate power trimmers, blower, trenchers, roto-tillers and other similar pieces of equipment. Fertilizes landscaped areas with various spreaders. Load, unload, move and carry grounds related supplies and equipment.

SAFETY AND WORK HABITS

• Maintain an acceptable attendance record, punctuality and meet established deadlines. Participate in training sessions and seminars. Maintain a functional awareness of the typical hazards of the workplace as well as the special hazards that may be encountered at UC Merced such as animals, traffic, heat, dust, etc. Report accidents on the job by preparing and submitting accident reports.

LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION

• Establish and maintain a positive and cooperative working relationship with members of other departments and campus community. Effectively communicate in English, both orally and in writing. Maintain proficiency at current level and continually update knowledge through appropriate courses, seminars, publications and contacts with others in the trade. Effectively perform in a service environment. Assists and works in team oriented organization.
• Willing to learn basic computer skills enough to use UCM electronic time reporting system and check e-mail.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training.
• 1 year of experience in grounds maintenance or gardening; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Ability to identify undesirable plant material and knowledge to operate commonly used grounds equipment and tools like trenchers, tractors, roto-tillers and other types of power driven equipment.
• Knowledge and ability to maintain and troubleshoot irrigation systems.
• Ability to follow through and carry out assignments; be flexible and constantly adjust to changing priorities.
• Must be physically able to consistently perform job duties as outlined in this job description.
• Ability to communicate in English effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to interact effectively with peers and other staff.
• Ability to multitask and handle more than one project at a time.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Background check will be required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.