Groundskeeper at Stanford University in Stanford, CA

This position is represented by SEIU Local 2007 and the collective bargaining agreement between the university and SEIU Local 2007 governs the terms and conditions of employment.

Welcome to Land, Buildings & Real Estate

Land, Buildings & Real Estate (LBRE) is the operational core of Stanford University’s physical campus. LBRE constructs and maintains the Stanford campus, where advancements across the academic spectrum are made possible. Our work is founded upon the collective value of dedication, innovation, expertise, teamwork, and continuous improvement. We are committed to serving the university’s academic mission, as well as preserving and enhancing Stanford’s 8,180 acres, and pride ourselves on supporting the teaching and research of the university as “Caretakers of a Legacy."

The Mission of the Stanford University Grounds Services Department is to provide a beautiful and safe outdoor experience for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

We pride ourselves in being the in-house service of choice since the University began. We provide a stewardship role in the proper care of all outdoor facilities. We are prompt, efficient, and professional in appearance and duties. We "tailor make" our services and are immediately responsive to our diverse clientele.

What you will do in this role:

You will be responsible for (but not limited to):

• Under direction, employees in this classification perform a variety of groundskeeping duties. They receive assignments on a day-to-day or duty-by duty basis and are clearly instructed as to what to do, where and how.
• These employees practice safety procedures as directed. Standardized groundskeeping duties may be performed without direct supervision.
• Prepare beds for planting.
• Remove leaves and rubbish from grounds.
• Spray pesticides as directed.
• Weed small areas.
• Mow, cultivate, prune, plant, and fertilize plants, Water shrubbery, and ground cover, flowering plants and trees, etc.
• Operate walking power equipment or other power equipment.
• Adhere to safety rules.

* - Other duties may also be assigned

The successful candidate will embrace the following:

LBRE Core Values of Leadership, Exploration, Gratitude, Accountability, Community and You, in their management style and help to build an organization where these qualities serve as the foundation for successful and rewarding careers for all employees.

LBRE views a strong culture where everyone can thrive. It is a culture of trust and respect, where staff can be their authentic selves, feel safe and work in a place that they feel they belong. We strive to create a community that draws upon a wide pool of talent to unify excellence while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

The Grounds Maintenance Series of job classifications includes positions in which the major responsibility is the maintenance of University grounds. Required duties include planning, organizing and performing maintenance activities and all the attendant physical functions necessary for the upkeep of grounds and vegetation. These duties include the full range of grounds maintenance activities: planting, weeding, cultivating, tilling, fertilizing, mowing, pruning, spraying, raking, and litter pickup. The work involves numerous related activities, such as planning and inventory control of needed supplies; operating various machines; selecting and preserving plants; planning and scheduling available work force; extensive organizing and supervising of groundskeeping work. This series of job classifications has three levels: Groundskeeper, Gardener and Grounds Lead. The levels are differentiated on the basis of increasing horticultural knowledge, knowledge of the materials, and equipment and procedures used in groundskeeping. The duties listed under the Core Duties section are designed to provide a representative sampling of key tasks and/or responsibilities associated with the job. They are not intended to be a complete list of all the duties performed by employees in the classification.

Additional Information:

Physical Requirements*:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a California Non-commercial Class C Driver’s License.
• Ability to drive day or night.
• Frequently stand/walk, twist/bend/stop/squat, grasp forcefully, shovel/rake/sweep, operate hand and/or foot controls and/or lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 10-40 pounds and 100 pounds with assistance.
• Occasionally perform seated work, kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other) reach/work above shoulders, perform work which require light/fine grasping
• Rarely, perform desk-based computer tasks, use a telephone, write by hand and/or sort/file paperwork or parts.

Working Conditions

• Required to wear appropriate issued uniform.
• Ability to work safely in all types of outside weather conditions
• May be required to work overtime, evenings and weekends, including Holidays.
• Required to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Maybe exposed to noise greater than 80db TWA
• May be exposed to allergens, pollens, dust and fertilizers and pesticides

Work Standards

• When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu/ and the appropriate collective bargaining agreement at https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/workplace-essentials/employee-labor-relations/labor-relations-collective-bargaining/seiu-higher

Why Stanford is for You

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

Responsibilities

Core Duties:

• Prepare beds for planting.
• Remove leaves and rubbish from grounds.
• Spray pesticides as directed.
• Weed small areas.
• Mow, cultivate, prune, plant, and fertilize plants, Water shrubbery, and ground cover, flowering plants and trees, etc.
• Operate walking power equipment or other power equipment.
• Adhere to safety rules.

Minimum Education and Experience

High school diploma, GED or equivalent required

One year experience in groundskeeping or a combination of equivalent education and work experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated strong communications skills (both verbal and written).
• Ability to understand and follow job-related instructions given in English, either verbally or in writing.
• Basic computer skills(email/Calendaring) and use of smart phone
• Basic horticultural knowledge

Certificates and Licenses Required

Valid California Non-commercial Class C license

Horticultural industry related certification is preferred.