Groundsworker

Job no: 553697,
Work type: Staff,
Location: Humboldt,
Categories: Unit 5 - CSUEU - Operations and Support Services, Custodial/Facilities, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Grounds worker

Facilities Management – Grounds

Job #553697

First Review Date: 01/21/2026

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future.

Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands‑on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability.

Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down‑to‑earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field.

Position Summary: The Grounds worker performs general gardening work and maintenance of the campus grounds in an assigned area. This particular Grounds worker is trained to support Grounds Maintenance in every zone on campus, rotating between the Gardening Specialists on a weekly basis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plant, cultivate, fertilize, water, and spray ornamental plants, shrubs, hedges, trees, lawns, and flowers.
• Prepare and treat soils for planting.
• Trim trees, hedges, and shrubs and erect tree supports.
• Assisting a qualified specialist in sprinkler repair, spraying, tree trimming, or nursery functions as needed.
• Drive pick‑ups and other automotive equipment in performance of assigned duties.

Routine Grounds cleanup and maintenance

• Rake/Blow leaves/duff.
• Weed removal.
• Clean trash from assigned areas including parking lots.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment.

Specialized Grounds work

• Street Sweeping.
• Maintain hoses, sprinklers, tools, supplies, and equipment in proper condition and repair (clean, service, maintain tools).
• Operate and perform maintenance on small power‑operated pavement sweepers, power mowers, small riding mowers, and other gardening power equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of general gardening and grounds maintenance methods.
• General knowledge of proper methods of planting, cultivating, and caring for hedges, ornamental trees, shrubs, lawns, and flowers.
• Knowledge of the use and care of gardening materials, tools, and equipment.
• Ability to recognize common species of ornamental shrubs, trees, and flowers grown in California.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical work as described in this classification.
• Mechanical aptitude and motor coordination, including use of two‑way radios or other communication devices.
• Skill to operate small trucks and power‑driven grounds equipment.
• Reading, writing, and preparing standard reports or filling out forms; using maintenance management and work reporting systems.
• Following simple oral and written instructions; working independently with general supervision; managing multiple tasks and working proactively.
• Analyzing and responding to emergency situations.
• Effectiveness working in a diverse team.
• Observing safety requirements and personal protective equipment usage.

Minimum Qualifications:

• One year of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or general grounds maintenance work, or related manual labor.
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 6 months experience working in a similar position within a college, university, or institutional environment.

Application Procedure: To apply, submit the following materials electronically by clicking the “Apply Now” button:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for at least three professional references

Final date to receive applications: 11:55 p.m. on 02/03/2026

For inquiries, contact careers or Cal Poly…