Entry-Level Groundskeeper

The University of Southern California (USC) department of Facilities Planning & Management (FPM) is seeking a Groundskeeper, Entry to join its team.

About USC FPM

FPM (formerly named Capital Construction & Development / Facilities Management Services) is responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining the breadth of the facilities at USC, and is also dedicated to creating a safe environment for our USC community. Woven into every service, safety is of upmost importance. As FPM, this group of innovative and talented professionals provide high quality facilities construction, operations and maintenance services at USC and serve as dedicated stewards of USC and FPM core values. FPM values employee recognition, accountability, collaboration, respect, and trust.

Come and join the FPM team - a team that works as trusted partners shaping an environment of innovation and excellence. Apply today!

The Groundskeeper, Entry:

Performs a variety of entry-level landscape maintenance tasks including waste disposal (e.g., trash, recycling, compost) and other responsibilities. Participates in the landscape and grounds Pay for Knowledge and Skills Program including on-the-job training. Performs all appropriately leveled tasks and demonstrates proficiency as indicated in the Skill-Based Progression, independently or as part of a team, as assigned by the supervisor. May perform higher-level Skill-Based Progression tasks. May be trained by team leads and other employees on specific skills and tasks as needed.

Job Accountabilities:

• Operates and maintains battery-operated tools and other equipment (e.g., leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, lawnmowers).

• May train with other employees in specific skills and tasks as required (e.g., safely operating battery-powered equipment).

• Performs a variety of entry-level landscape maintenance tasks. Maintains condition and appearance of campus landscape, performing weed maintenance and trash/recycling/compost service.

• Participates in plant installation. Installs plant material in variously sized pots and boxes, including California native plants.

• Utilizes Facilities maintenance management system through handheld device to log in to work orders, charge time and input notes.

• Encourages a workplace culture where all employees are valued, value others and have the opportunity to contribute through their ideas, words and actions, in accordance with the USC Code of Ethics.

• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 6-months of experience in groundskeeping or similar duties

• Basic knowledge of gardening and grounds maintenance.

• Minimal familiarity with common plant species, landscape and cultivation requirements.

• Familiarity with standard safety practices and equipment and other requirements for workplace safety.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Knowledge of applicable laws, policies and principles.

• Ability to collaborate with others and remain flexible to different tasks and responsibilities.

• Ability to operate handheld battery-powered tools and non-power tools.

• Ability to operate a computer and/or smart device for company applications.

• Defensive driving skills.

• Valid CA driver's license required with a minimum of 2 years’ driving experience. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment. For more information, please visit the policy website.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High school diploma, or equivalent

• 1+ years of experience in groundskeeping or similar duties

• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting battery-powered equipment, performing repairs such as changing edger blades and adding line trimmer strings.

• Previous experience working at a higher education institution.

• California Native Plant Landscaper.

Benefits

• USC’s Commitment to You: We offer an excellent package of benefits and programs including, but not limited to:

• Tuition assistance for you and your family

• Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance options

• 403b retirement account with matching 5% contribution by USC

• 50% subsidy off Metro, LADOT, and Metrolink passes

The hourly range for this position is $21.04 – $26.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
#LI-KI1

Minimum Qualifications:
6-months of experience in groundskeeping or similar duties
Basic knowledge of gardening and grounds maintenance.
Minimal familiarity with common plant species, landscape and cultivation requirements.
Familiarity with standard safety practices and equipment and other requirements for workplace safety.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Knowledge of applicable laws, policies and principles.
Ability to collaborate with others and remain flexible to different tasks and responsibilities.
Ability to operate handheld battery-powered tools and non-power tools.
Ability to operate a computer and/or smart device for company applications.
Defensive driving skills.
Valid CA driver's license required with a minimum of 2 years’ driving experience. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment. For more information, please visit the policy website.

Preferred Qualifications:
High school diploma, or equivalent
1+ years of experience in groundskeeping or similar duties
Experience maintaining and troubleshooting battery-powered equipment, performing repairs such as changing edger blades and adding line trimmer strings.
Previous experience working at a higher education institution.
California Native Plant Landscaper.

USC 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, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. 

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$154185.htmld