Position: Groundskeeper — Full-Time
Location: Gilroy Campus, Gilroy, CA
Salary: $27.09 – $33.58 Hourly
Job Number: 202500145 | Department: Grounds | Bargaining Unit: CS
Application Deadline: 11/13/2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific

Definition: Under general supervision, performs a variety of tasks involving the maintenance, repair, and improvement of grounds, athletic fields and courts, and other college facilities; performs related duties as assigned. Distinguished from other maintenance jobs by its focus on grounds and related exterior maintenance.

Ideal Candidate: A dedicated, experienced Gardener with a strong background in landscaping, plant care, irrigation systems, and outdoor maintenance. Skilled in using gardening tools, pruning, and seasonal planting to ensure a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment. Understands the mission of the Grounds Department and Facilities Services and demonstrates commitment to student-centered practices, cross-campus collaboration, purposeful community service, and culturally responsive practices.

Essential Duties (typical):

• Seed, install sod, fertilize, mow, edge, and aerate lawns, athletic fields, and turf using edgers and walk-behind/riding mowers
• Irrigate grounds; install, adjust, and maintain irrigation systems (piping, wiring, controls)
• Sweep, repair, and maintain paved court areas (patching, painting surfaces)
• Pick up/sweep/blow trash and debris; empty and clean waste receptacles; dispose of waste
• Prepare athletic fields per specifications: cut lines, chalk, prepare base areas and pitcher’s mounds
• Prune, trim, and shape shrubs and small trees; clear brush and remove trees
• Weed grounds, prepare soil, and plant trees, shrubs, and plants; mix and apply insecticides, herbicides, and other pesticides
• Operate tractors, trenchers, trucks, backhoes, and front loaders to dig trenches, clear grounds, grade dirt, and haul soil/trimmings/debris
• Build and maintain fences, outdoor handrails, and other basic facility maintenance incidental to landscaping
• Prepare forms, set rebar, pour and finish concrete; lay and patch asphalt
• Ensure worksite safety; use safety equipment and traffic barriers; correct or report safety issues
• Maintain supply inventory, logs, and records of work performed
• Assist in loading/unloading furniture, equipment, and supplies
• May supervise and train student workers and others
• May assist with construction, remodeling, and other facility repair/maintenance

Knowledge Of: Grounds maintenance methods, materials, tools, and equipment; automatic sprinkler systems and water piping; plants, trees, turf, and landscaping materials (water/nutrient requirements, pesticides, fertilizers); ball field preparation and maintenance; operation of motorized equipment, hydraulic apparatus, and power tools; safe working practices.

Skill In: Mowing, pruning, planting, irrigation, and ball field makeup; identifying and managing turf/plant/tree/shrub nutrient, irrigation, and disease requirements; installing and maintaining irrigation and water supply plumbing/wiring/controls; using and performing minor maintenance on landscaping tools and equipment; reading labels, diagrams, maps, and specifications; chemical/tool/equipment safety; preparing and maintaining logs and records.

Other Requirements:

• Valid California driver’s license and satisfactory driving record
• Pesticide applicator’s license desirable
• Must be willing to respond to off-hours emergency situations

Education & Experience (illustrative): Completion of high school and two years of responsible groundskeeping experience. Additional coursework in horticulture or groundskeeping is desirable.

Physical Characteristics: Strength and stamina to lift/carry equipment up to 90 pounds; ability to work above ground on ladders; agility, strength, and manual dexterity to operate hand/power tools, vehicles, and equipment; work outdoors in temperature extremes and inclement weather; vision to read work requests, blueprints, diagrams, manuals, and regulations; speech and hearing for communicating instructions and information. Work is performed primarily outdoors.

Application Process: Apply online by clicking the job title and “Apply” link; first-time applicants must create an account with a username and password. Applications must show all relevant education and experience — incomplete applications will be rejected. The District does not reimburse recruitment-related expenses.

Application Link: To apply, visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/gavilan/jobs/5527330/groundskeeper

Accommodation Contact: Human Resources Office — (408) 852-2823
Technical Support: NEOED Applicant Support Line — 855-524-5627 or support@governmentjobs.com (6 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific, Mon–Fri)

Gavilan College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action/Title IX employer committed to hiring a diverse staff.