Job Summary

Under general supervision, provide ground maintenance and outdoor custodial services for Campus grounds. Provide basic service, inspection and maintenance of equipment and assigned tools.

Apply By Date: July 9th, 2026 by 11:59PM

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
No minimum education required.
Experience performing grounds maintenance tasks such as planting and maintenance of vegetation, landscaping duties or pesticide applications.
Experience operating a variety of equipment such as mowers, manual transmission vehicles, hand and power tools.
Knowledge of tree, plant and weed identification.
Knowledge of chemical weed control.
Knowledge of mechanical equipment in order to check for possible problems to avoid damage to equipment prior to starting such as checking gas and oil levels or recognizing mechanical problems which may occur during operation.
Customer service and communication skills to provide courteous service in person and on the telephone.
Interpersonal skills to interact and communicate effectively and professionally with administration, staff, visitors and volunteers, using tact, diplomacy, and good judgment during all interactions.

Preferred Qualifications

Possession of valid California Qualified Applicator Certificate.
Experience working as a groundskeeper in an educational or institutional setting.

Key Responsibilities

40% - Outdoor Custodial Functions
40% - Maintenance of Campus Grounds
10% - Maintenance of Equipment
10% - Other Duties

Department Overview

Grounds Services is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of outdoor space including landscape, roadways, walkways, and signage throughout Campus. This position performs basic grounds maintenance and assigned tasks for a designated Campus area.

POSITION INFORMATION

Salary or Pay Range: $23.71/hr. - $31.27/hr.
Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
Salary Grade: STEPS
UC Job Title: GROUNDSKEEPER
UC Job Code: 008133
Number of Positions: 2
Appointment Type: Staff: Career
Percentage of Time: 100%
Shift (Work Schedule): Mon-Fri or Tues-Sat; hours either 5am-1:30pm or 6am-2:30pm
Location: Davis
Union Representation: SX-Service Workers
Benefits Eligible: Yes
This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Loud noise levels - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
Customer/Patient Contact - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Valid CA driver’s license required. Participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. Subject to completion of a pre-placement medical exam provided by Occupational Health Services. Subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University policy. Perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protection devices, protective clothing and gloves. May, at times, work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards include but are not limited to: chemicals, fuels and solvents. Work outside in extreme weather conditions. Employee is personally responsible for following safety guidelines/instructions.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

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.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

#CA-DE

University of California, Davis

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Groundskeeper (GROUNDSKEEPER)