Gardening Specialist (GARDENER GROUNDSKEEPER)

This position performs multiple Grounds related functions in all categories of work and delegations assigned to Grounds & Landscape services. Performs all Landscape & Grounds services including planning cultivating and control of landscape, irrigation maintenance, repair and modification, equipment operations and upkeep within the campus core or country areas of the Davis Campus. The duties include, cultivating a varied selection of plant materials, specialized animal friendly landscapes or specialized gardens, herbicide applications, landscape design, tenant improvements, equipment operations and arboriculture support. The position may also lead and train student interns and teams of volunteer gardeners to assist with landscape stewardship and maintenance. For a complete position description, please see http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu.

Apply By Date 03/09/2026 by 11:59PM

Qualifications

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

• Candidate is required to have Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) or be able to obtain one within 6 months of employment.
• Possession of a valid CA Driver's License and Agreement to participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System.
• 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 in grounds maintenance, gardening, and care of ornamental, native, and sports turf landscapes. Including experience in identication, cultivation, and care of a broad diversity of ornamental, native landscape plants and turf grasses used in sports elds.
• Experience in diagnosing and resolving plant health issues, including diseases, pests, and abiotic disorders; as well as developing solutions to horticultural problems.
• Experience with irrigation system maintenance, repairs, and general landscape upkeep. Including operation and maintenance of spray equipment for weed and pest control, as well as irrigation maintenance and minor repairs.
• Knowledge of pruning standards, landscape construction techniques, and best practices for maintaining healthy plant growth; as well as knowledge of weed and pest identification, control methods, and applicable laws and regulations governing the safe use and application of chemicals and pesticides.
• Skill in operating and maintaining large mowers, tractors, and equipment used in grading, path construction, retaining walls, irrigation systems, and basic carpentry; as well as ability to safely operate and maintain landscape tools, power equipment, and spray systems for weed and pest control.

Preferred Qualifications

• ISA certification.
• Degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, or related eld; or equivalent experience.
• Experience working in an institutional environment.
• Experience operating large mowers and tractors.
• Experience and or skill to maintain an organic garden.
• Experience performing and overseeing sports field maintenance, including field preparation, marking, and adherence to NCAA regulations.
• Skill in the management of volunteers and/or student interns.
• Knowledge of landscape construction techniques including grading, path construction, retaining walls, irrigation, and basic carpentry.
• Computer skills to utilize various programs and software for word processing, spreadsheets, website applications, and e-mail programs.
  

Key Responsibilities

• 70% - Landscape Maintenance
• 20% - Horticultural Training and Guidance
• 10% - Miscellaneous

Department Overview

The UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden is visitor-centered organization. Through the UC Davis GATEways Project (Gardens, Arts and The Environment), the Arboretum and Public Garden envisions the entire campus landscape as a showcase of environmental sustainability and a resource for lifelong education and community engagement. Visitor safety and comfort are essential for a positive, educational visitor experience in the landscape. The Grounds & Landscape Services sub-team of the Arboretum and Public Garden is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of outdoor space including landscape, irrigation, roadways, walkways, bike paths and signage throughout campus. This position performs basic and specialized grounds maintenance tasks for designated campus areas.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $28.68/hr. - $39.35/hr. Max budget for this role $28.68/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: GARDENER GROUNDSKEEPER
• UC Job Code: 008153
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 6am-2:30pm or Tue-Sat 6am-2:30pm
• Location: Davis, CA
• 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.

Work hours are Tuesday - Saturday 6:00am to 2:30pm or Monday - Friday 6:00am to 2:30pm. Work hours will be determined by needs of department. Possession of a valid CA driver's license. Possession of a valid Pesticide Applicators Certicate or ability to obtain one within 6 months of employment. Participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice system. Subject to medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Work in areas of noise odors, vibration, dirt and dust. Subject to completion of a pre-placement medical exam provided by Employee Health Services, at no charge to the applicant. May, at times, require the individual to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards include but are not limited to: cleaning materials, pesticides, fuels, solvents, infectious materials and wastes, biological hazards, and other materials labeled hazardous. May be required to work a non-standard work schedule that may include nights, weekends, or alternative schedules such as 80 hours in 8 or 9 shifts instead of 10. Vacation usage by employee may be restricted during peak workload periods as required to meet the needs of the campus. This position works outdoors year-round in summer heat, winter rain and other extreme weather conditions.

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