GROUNDSKEEPER

Job Summary

Maintains lawns, flower beds, shrubs, trees and park facilities, including play equipment in park areas.

Works under the general supervision of the Parks Operations Supervisor and/or Parks Operations Crew Leader, generally planning and arranging own work. Performs some routine assignments alone. Detailed instructions are received and work is frequently reviewed.

Representative Duties

Maintains and cares for lawns, flower beds, shrubs and grass areas by watering, mowing and edging as appropriate. Renovates lawns and large grass areas. Cuts, trims and prunes hedges, shrubs and trees, as appropriate.

Excavates and cultivates soil. Plants flowers, grass, ground cover, shrubs and trees exposed to various climate and soil conditions. May plant or lay sod.

Rakes leaves and grass trimmings off sidewalks, paths and other areas.

Maintains and adjusts irrigation systems. Cleans sprinkler heads.

Operates groundskeeping equipment, including lawnmowers, edgers, hedge trimmers, groomers, forklifts, trucks and tractors.

Applies fertilizers to turf and other vegetation.

Cleans and maintains ponds, baseball fields, playgrounds, tennis courts and other City grounds.

Picks-up plant debris, litter and trash. Empties trash cans. Removes graffiti. Cleans restrooms, as assigned.

Picks up, moves, distributes, delivers, sets-up and disassembles a variety of equipment, parts, supplies and furniture, including risers and portable stages, as assigned.

Performs minor repair work involving basic carpentry and cementing, as assigned.

Maintains logs, records and reports.

Follows applicable safety rules and regulations.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

Knowledge of:

Care and maintenance of plants, trees, grass, flowers and shrubs.

Basic mathematics and recordkeeping.

Use and application of fertilizers.

Maintenance of irrigation systems.

Safety practices in the operation of power tools and equipment.

Identification of trees, shrubs, flowers and plants.

Effective customer service techniques.

Ability to:

Read and follow instructions.

Write simple reports.

Perform mathematical computations.

Take accurate measurements.

Operate power equipment such as lawn mowers, riding or push mowers, edgers, and weedeaters.

Operate various hand and power tools.

Lift heavy objects.

Walk, stand and kneel for prolonged periods of time.

Climb a ladder.

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the public.

Provide effective customer service.

Skill in:

Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level.

Assessing condition of plants, shrubs, trees and grasses.

Use of power tools and equipment.

Working effectively with persons from diverse social, cultural and economic backgrounds.

Education, Training and Experience:

Graduation from high school or the equivalent. One year of recent, paid work experience performing gardening or groundskeeping duties.

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a valid class C driver license.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Slippery surfaces, noise, chemicals, oils and odors are frequently encountered. Irregular work hours are occasionally required. Must work under some deadlines. Exposure to dealing with a wide variety of individuals may be encountered. Physical demands include, walking, standing, kneeling, climbing and lifting up to 50 pounds.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

Applicants must submit a clear, concise, completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

Selection Process:

All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Only the first 60 qualified applications received will be accepted for further consideration.

Testing may consist of the following:
Performance Exam - 100%

• NOTE: The performance examination is tentatively scheduled for 06/12/2025

If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

Background Investigation:

Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

Inclusion & Diversity Statement:

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally-rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly-talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

The City's liberal fringe benefits for full-time employment include sick leave, holiday and vacation pay, the Public Employees Retirement System, medical, dental and vision insurance, credit union, deferred compensation, tuition reimbursement, Dependent Care Assistance Plan and priority enrollment consideration at Hill & Dale Family Learning Center, Marine Park Child Development Center, and Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.

Closing Date/Time: 5/30/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

• 

• City of Santa Monica

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