Groundskeeper-Gardener

SALARY
All new hires will be placed at the starting salary step of this classification ($4982 per month). Employees are eligible for a step increase on their anniversary date each year up to the maximum step 5 of this salary range ($6071 per month).

JOB SUMMARY
Employees in this classification work 8 hours per day 12 months per year. Under general supervision performs grounds maintenance and gardening work around schools and district offices; plants and cares for lawns trees and shrubbery; and performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Operates power mowers blowers and edgers; rakes edges weeds plants fertilizes and waters lawns.
• Plants fertilizes waters trims and prunes shrubs trees and flowers.
• Prepares ground for planting; weeds and sprays planted areas.
• Moves trees shrubs or flowers.
• Services and makes minor repairs to power mowers and other gardening and landscaping machinery tools and equipment.

• May assist other groundskeeping crews with trimming chipping and spraying.
• May drive a pickup truck to and from work sites.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:Any combination equivalent to completion of the eighth grade and one year of experience equivalent to full-time work in gardening grounds maintenance or related work. Part-time work experience will be considered and adjusted appropriately. Any other combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required skills knowledge and abilities may be considered.

LICENSE: Must possess and maintain a valid Class C California Driver License and remain insurable at the standard insurance market rate. Candidates must submit a recent (within the last 30 days) original DMV driving record by the oral rating exam.

Knowledge of:

• Methods supplies and tools used in planting cultivating and caring for flowers trees shrubs and lawns.

Ability to:

• Perform general gardening and groundskeeping work.
• Use various gardening and grounds maintenance tools supplies and power equipment safely and efficiently.
• Performs routine maintenance of gardening and groundskeeping equipment including greasing changing oil and filters as appropriate.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Perform heavy manual labor.

Applications will be accepted from the general public and district employees who possess the above qualifications. The district reserves the right to invite applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the requirements needed for the position to continue in the examination process. The examination may consist of an evaluation of training and experience multiple choice performance and oral/technical exams. Persons needing reasonable accommodation must notify the Office of Personnel Services by the last day to file. A qualifying score must be achieved on all portions of the examination in order to be placed on the open eligibility list. Outside and district candidates will be placed on one ranked list with eligible permanent district employees receiving five seniority points which will be added to their final scores.

HOW TO APPLY: Applications must be completed on our website . Please note that the district office will not be giving out or accepting hard copy applications for those recruitments that are online only. Please read each posting carefully or call our office if you have any questions. All applications should be received by the Personnel Commission Office by 5:00 p.m. on the last day to file.

VETERANS CREDIT: Veterans shall have an additional five (5) points added to their final percentage score on an open eligibility list as prescribed by Education Code Section 45296. Veteran as used in this article means any person who has served in the United States armed forces in time of war or national emergency declared by the President of the United States of America and who has been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. Armed forces means the United States Air Force Army Navy Marine Corps or Coast Guard. At least thirty (30) days of active service are required to obtain veteran preference points.

Disabled veterans shall have an additional ten (10) points added to their final percentage score on an open eligibility list as prescribed by Education Code Section 45296. A disabled veteran as used in this article means any veteran who is currently declared by the United States Veterans Administration to be ten percent (10%) or more disabled as a result of service in the Armed Forces of the United States. Proof of disability shall be deemed conclusive if it is of record in the United States Veterans Administration.

Additional eligibility may be granted based on future changes to the law and verification from the Veterans Administration or the United States Office of Personnel Management.

In order to obtain credit the applicant shall furnish satisfactory proof of qualifying military service prior to establishment of the eligibility list. No adjustment of rank on the list shall be made when such proof is presented thereafter.

A veteran may be credited veterans preference points only to obtain initial employment in the district. Thereafter the only additional points for an open examination shall be seniority points granted in accord with section 4220.3(C)2.

HIRING PROCEDURES: Garden Grove is a merit system (civil service) school district. Employment and promotions are based upon merit fitness and qualifications. The person selected to fill any regular position will be from among the top three ranks on the eligibility list approved by the Personnel Commission. All regular employees will serve a six (6) month probation.

EXAMINATION FOR TUBERCULOSIS:Proof of freedom from active tuberculosis must be furnished prior to employment and must be based upon an intradermal Mantoux tuberculin skin test completed within the last 60 days.

FINGERPRINTING: All new employees will be fingerprinted.

BENEFITS: All classified employees receive the following:

• Up to 22 paid vacation days per year
• Up to 14 paid holidays per year
• Up to 12 sick leave days per year with unlimited accumulation
• Social Security coverage

• Medical Dental and Vision Insurance for the employee
• Family Life Insurance for the employee
• Generous Retirement Plan (CalPERS)