Groundskeeper (8133C) - 79693

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Residential and Student Service Programs (RSSP) is part of the Division of Student Affairs. The department of Housing Operations, Maintenance, and Environment (HOME) is under the direction of the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Housing & Dining Operations, which is an area in Residential and Student Service Programs (RSSP). RSSP provides student housing, residential programs and dining services for undergraduate and graduate students and their families, as well as childcare services for students, faculty and staff.

Position Summary

The Grounds unit in HOME maintains all exterior landscape and most hardscape at RSSP facilities including Family Housing in Albany, CA

The Groundskeeper is supervised by the Grounds Supervisor. Scheduling and training may also be done by the Laborer/Gardener Bs and Lead Gardeners.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 07/28/2025.

Responsibilities

Exterior Hardscapes

• Pick up, sort and dispose of trash and debris throughout the assigned areas.
• Clean areas around trash dumpsters and recycling containers.
• Collect trash and recycling that has not been properly sorted.
• Remove and dispose of abandoned furniture, appliances or other property left outside.
• Properly tag items for removal at a later date.

Other duties as assigned:

• Empty and wash out exterior trash receptacles and replace liners.
• Collect, sort, label and store common hazardous waste (i.e. motor oils, tires, batteriews, paints, C.R.T.s, etc.).
• Collect, load and deliver metal metals to metal recycler.
• Remove unauthorized posters and graffiti from various surfaces.
• Sweep and power wash hardscapes and playground equipment.
• Set up and clean outdoor furniture such as picnic benches and tables.
• Locate, install or remove various barricades and signs as directed.

Other Maintenance:

• Inspect Grounds and buildings for raccoon, cat or dog feces, remove and record.
• Assist with removing homeless camps.

Creek Maintenance:

• Police creek corridors and remove litter, abandoned property (homeless campsites, etc.) and debris.
• Empty trash cans.
• Clear creeks of obstacles for flood abatement.

Required Qualifications

• 1 year of prior groundskeeping experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in providing basic general landscape maintenance and the operation of common grounds maintenance tools, trucks and equipment.
• Ability to operate a truck in reverse using only mirrors for line of site navigation.
• Common safety procedures including safe lifting techniques.
• Ability to speak, understand and legibly write English to communicate with work community and to record measurements, complete simple forms and maintenance records.
• Read and understand materials such as job instructions, equipment and safety manuals.
• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to interact courteously and effectively with the public, coworkers and supervisors.
• Appropriately select and safely use hand power tools and equipment.
• Maintain vehicles, tools and equipment including basic troubleshooting to identify and correct minor mechanical and electrical malfunctions.
• Perform routine assembly and repair of playground equipment.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, twist, reach, stand and walk for extended periods on even, uneven and sloping surfaces.
• Ability to independently lift up to 50 lbs. and up to 100 lbs. with assistance.
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme and/or fluctuating weather conditions.
• Must be available to respond to emergencies and work occasional overtime on weekends/holidays.
• Adhere to RSSP work rules and Respect and Civility Statement.
• Employee is personally responsible for following health and safety guidelines/instructions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Able to identify types of refuse, recycling and hazardous waste in trash stream and sort accordingly.
• Groundskeeping experience working within a particular sector relevant to a commercial institution.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. 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, analysis of internal equity, 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 budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position that is eligible for UC Benefits.
• This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Driving Required

• Required to hold valid 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.

Other Information

This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Service Unit (SX) between the University of California and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/sx/index.html

• This is not a visa opportunity.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

SB 791 and AB 810 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.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.


To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=79693&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=21&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant