Lead Gardener

Under the general supervision of the Grounds Supervisor, the Lead Gardener is responsible for assisting in the implementation of the Grounds Maintenance Program; provides direction to Gardeners, Irrigation Specialists and Power Sweepers and coordinating gardening and landscaping activities within the Facilities & Construction Services Department to ensure proper maintenance and care of campus grounds. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: * Assists the Grounds Supervisor by coordinating the work of and providing direction to assigned Grounds staff; the Lead also participates in job duties assigned to Grounds staff as needed. * Regularly walks campus grounds and reviews area assignments with Grounds staff to observe current conditions (both aesthetically and safety related) and make suggestions for more efficient or safe work procedures and techniques. * Assists the Grounds Supervisor in reviewing current plant and tree health, while making recommendations to introduce and maintain appropriate (drought tolerant or California native) species; prepare material lists and job records to ensure proper documentation of landscaping projects. * Install, service, and operate irrigation systems to ensure optimal water usage and plant health * Provide direction for implementing the fertilization and herbicide/pesticide program. * In the absence of the Supervisor, the Lead may schedule gardening work in connection with college activities held on lawns and athletic fields during the week, at night, or on weekends. * Provide supplemental training in the field to gardening staff regarding best practices, safety procedures, and equipment use. * Oversee and participate in the work of cleaning and servicing gardening equipment daily, including hosing down decks, steps, and other concrete surfaces, and operating pressure washers. * Care for athletic fields, running tracks, jumping pits, and runways, ensuring they meet seasonal sport demands and are properly lined for events. * Operate power gardening equipment such as mowers, edgers, trimmers, blowers, chain saws, sprayers, tractors, and cultivators, and perform minor maintenance of this equipment. * Apply fertilizers and insecticides according to safety requirements and agriculture department regulations. * Maintain plant health and growth by ensuring proper preparation of soil, including application of amendments in accordance with best gardening practices appropriate for applicable Agriculture Zone. * Oversee the maintenance and monitoring of swimming pools and water features. * Set up chain-link or other fencing types for plant protection and barricades for crowd control as needed for campus events and projects. * May perform other duties as assigned. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: * Graduation from high school or its equivalent. * A California Applicators License - QAL (Qualified Applicator's License). * Aquatic Facility Operator License * AND one of the following: * Four years of experience in groundskeeping and gardening. * A certificate or degree in Landscape Maintenance or a related field, plus two years of experience in groundskeeping and gardening. PLEASE NOTE: If an incumbent does not possess the California Applicators License and the Aquatic Facility Operator License, the incumbent must obtain both licenses within twelve (12) months of hire date. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES * Extensive knowledge of common and native plant species, soil types, fertilizers, and pest control methods. * Skills in designing and planning aesthetically pleasing and functional landscapes utilizing native and drought tolerant plant species and effective irrigation techniques to optimize water conservation. * Ability to effectively lead, motivate, and develop a team of gardeners. * Strong project management skills, including planning, execution, and evaluation. * Knowledge of maintenance techniques and best practices for gardens and landscaped areas. * Ability to identify issues and develop effective solutions, particularly in plant health and garden maintenance. * Knowledge of safety procedures and regulations related to gardening and landscaping activities. * Proficiency in using gardening tools and equipment, as well as basic computer skills for reporting and inventory management. CORE COMPETENCIES - The District has identified the following essential skills and attributes needed for success in this position. * Leadership and Supervision * Landscaping and Gardening Expertise * Project Planning and Execution * Maintenance and Care * Safety and Compliance * Communication and Interpersonal Skills * Resource Management * Problem Solving and Decision Making SALARY RANGE CSEA-45

Created: 2025-01-21