Gardening Specialist

Job Description:

Gardening Specialist

Description

• • Position Summary
  • Full-time position available on or after July 6, 2026 for Landscape and Laborer Services.
    
    This position’s responsibilities are carried out under general supervision. The incumbent is responsible for performing skilled and specialized gardening and grounds maintenance work, including irrigation system repair, pest control, and ornamental plant care, ensuring the health, safety, and aesthetic quality of assigned campus landscapes.
    
    
  • Job Duties
  • Duties include but are not limited to:
    
    • Perform skilled gardening work including planting, cultivating, fertilizing, watering, and spraying ornamental plants, shrubs, hedges, trees, lawns, and flowers.
    • Prepare and treat soils for planting, ensuring proper composition, drainage, and suitability for vegetation.
    • Maintain landscaped areas, ornamental gardens, and special planting areas within assigned campus locations.
    • Plan, develop, and maintain special planting areas or ornamental gardens; select plants and flowers for these areas.
    • Provide advice and assistance to others regarding proper care, pruning, and propagation of flowers and ornamental plants.
    • Operate and maintain gardening tools and equipment such as power mowers, trimmers, rototillers, sprayers, and other mechanical devices.
    • Maintain sprinklers, tools, and equipment in proper condition and repair.
    • Provide lead work direction to students, Groundsworkers, or others in related classifications as assigned.
    • Make recommendations for the planning and development of annual maintenance, fertilization, pest control.
    • Inspect, maintain, repair, and modify irrigation and sprinkler systems including lines, sprinkler heads, valves, timers, and control devices.
    • Clear blockages from valves and pipes and repair broken lines, fittings, and irrigation components.
    • Perform minor repairs on sprinkler control devices and maintain automatic sprinkler controls in working condition.
    • Establish and maintain sprinkler system preventive maintenance programs.
    • Perform minor installation and modification of irrigation and sprinkler systems as needed.
    • Review landscaped areas and coordinate the installation and modification of sprinkler systems, taking into consideration vegetation, soil conditions, water evaporation, and water retention factors.
    • Work closely with contractors installing sprinkler systems around new structures to assure proper irrigation coverage and functionality.
    • Recommend improvements for irrigation efficiency and water conservation based on system performance and landscape needs.
    • Perform horticultural spray and pest eradication work including the use of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides for the control of pests, fungi, insects, and weeds on plants, trees, shrubs, lawns, embankments, roads, parking lots, unimproved acreage, and buildings.
    • Apply chemicals safely and effectively to eradicate pests and diseases, selecting appropriate times to apply treatments based on weather conditions, environmental impact, and area usage.
    • Determine appropriate placement for traps and poisons and ensure proper monitoring and removal as needed.
    • Safely store and handle all chemicals and supplies used in spraying programs, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
    • Maintain records of pesticide usage, chemical applications, and safety compliance.
    • Operate horticultural spray equipment such as backpack and hydraulic sprayers.
    • Maintain knowledge of chemical properties, application methods, and safety standards in accordance with applicable regulations.
    • May be required to obtain additional training and/or certification as part of professional development, based on department and/or campus needs, to stay current with industry standards.
    • At the direction of appropriate administrator, may provide support to other areas as needed.
    • The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this classification.
    • Other duties as assigned.
  • Minimum Qualifications
  • Education: None
    Experience: Two years of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or general grounds. One year of which shall have been in either the maintenance, repair or modification of irrigation systems, specialized pest and/or spray control work, or cultivation and care of nursery plants.
    
  • Preferred Qualifications
  • • Three or more years of experience performing skilled gardening, grounds, or landscape maintenance work in an institutional, educational, or large-scale public setting.
    • Experience with automated irrigation control systems, including programming, troubleshooting, and system efficiency adjustments for large landscaped or turf areas.
    • Prior experience leading or training others in landscape or grounds maintenance practices, such as directing student assistants, temporary staff, or crew members.
    • Experience with integrated pest management (IPM) programs and the safe application of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in compliance with regulatory requirements.
    • Training or certification in irrigation design, landscape management, or horticulture (e.g., certification from Cal/OSHA, DPR, or a recognized professional landscape/horticulture organization).
    • Experience coordinating work with contractors or vendors for irrigation system installation, repair, or landscape projects.
    • Demonstrated ability to plan, install, and maintain ornamental planting areas or specialized landscape features (e.g., gardens, arboretums, or campus displays).
    • Experience implementing preventive maintenance programs for irrigation systems, tools, and power gardening equipment.
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • • Thorough knowledge of the methods, plants, tools, and equipment used in planting, cultivating, and caring for flowers, shrubs, lawns, and trees.
    • General knowledge of the composition and structure of soil.
    • General knowledge of pH factors of soils.
    • General knowledge of compatibility and incompatibility factors between soil and plants.
    • General knowledge of the differences between plant mixes.
    • General knowledge of erosion control.
    • Ability to identify, diagnose, and treat plant diseases.
    • Ability to correct plant nutrient deficiencies.
    • Ability to prepare freehand sketches and make recommendations for possible improvements in landscaping within the assigned area.
    • Ability to read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position.
    • Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
    • A background check (which may include: fingerprinting, checks of employment records, education records, criminal records, civil records, motor vehicle records, professional licenses, and sex offender registries, as position requires) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can begin employment with the CSU.
  • Special Conditions
  • • Position requires travel.
  • License or Certifications
  • • Must hold the appropriate California Department of Pesticide Regulation license for pest control.
      • Possession of a Qualified Applicator Certificate or Qualified Applicator License issued by the Department of Pesticide Regulation in landscape maintenance (category B).
    • A valid California driver’s license.
  • Physical Requirements
  • The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Salary Range
  • Anticipated starting salary will be $4,292 (step 8) - $4,554 (step 11) per month plus excellent paid benefits. Future increases, including step advancement, are subject to contract negotiations. Full range Salary will depend on the qualifications of the successful finalist. Full $3,736 (step 1) - $ 5,232 (step 18) per month.
    
    
  • Compensation & Benefits
  • Commensurate with qualifications and experience. As a member of the 23-campus CSU System, we offer an extremely competitive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, outstanding vacation, health, dental, and vision plans; a fee waiver education program; membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); and 15 paid holidays a year. Link to (Bargaining Unit: 5) Benefits Summary: CSU Employee Benefit Summary
    
    
  • How to Apply
  • To be considered, qualified candidates must submit a completed Stanislaus State online employment application, cover letter, and resumé. Applications are accepted electronically only. Please note that failure to completely fill out each section of the online application may result in your application not receiving consideration. To apply online, please click the “Apply Now” button on this page.
    
    Applications will be processed in accordance with Article 9.3 of the CSU/CSUEU Memorandum of Understanding. Preference will be given to qualified individuals currently employed at CSU Stanislaus in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9 except when it is determined that it is necessary to appoint outside applicants to meet the best interest of the campus by obtaining specialized skills and abilities not available from current employees.
    
  • Application Deadline
  • June 3, 2026
    
    
  • Background Clearance Notice
  • Satisfactory completion of a background check (which includes checks of employment records, education records, criminal records, civil records; and may include motor vehicle records, professional licenses, and sex offender registries, as position requires) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
    
    Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
    
    
  • Additional Information
  • Campus & Area
    California State University, Stanislaus serves the San Joaquin Valley and is a critical educational resource for a six-county region of approximately 1.5 million people. The University is fully committed to creating a culture of diversity and inclusion - one in which every person in the University community feels safe to express their views without fear of reprisal. Widely recognized for its quality academic programs, the University has 10 nationally accredited programs and 662 faculty members. 94 percent of full-time faculty holds doctorates or terminal degrees in their fields. The University offers 43 undergraduate majors, 16 master's programs, 7 post-graduate credentials, a doctorate in education and serves more than 10,000 students. New instructional facilities have been built for the unique pedagogy of professional programs, laboratory sciences and performing arts.
    
    Stanislaus State continues to receive national recognition with its ranking as one of the best 384 colleges in the nation by The Princeton Review. The University was one of 12 public universities in the nation to be recognized by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities for demonstrating exceptional performance in retention and graduation rates. In addition, U.S. News and World Report ranks Stanislaus State in its top 10 among public universities in the West, while Washington Monthly honored Stanislaus State as the West’s No. 1 university for the money. Stanislaus State also is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education.
    
    Clery Act Disclosure
    
    Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the annual security report (ASR), is now available for viewing at https://www.csustan.edu/annual-campus-security-report . The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Stanislaus State for the previous three years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the office of the Clery Director located at One University Circle, Turlock, CA 95382.
    
    Equal Employment Opportunity
    
    The university is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083, revised 7/21/17, as a condition of employment.
    
    Applicants requiring necessary accommodations to the application process may contact the Human Resources Department at (209) 667-3351. California Relay Service is available at (800) 735-2922 voice and (800) 735-2929 TDD. As a federal contractor, we are committed to attracting a diverse applicant pool. Please consider completing the Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability form (your response will not be shared with the search committee) at: Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability PDF Form .
    
    CSU Stanislaus hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
    
    The CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. The CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California.
    
  • The individuals who appear to be the best qualified for this position will be contacted by telephone or email for an interview.
    
    INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
    
    

Advertised: May 20 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: Jun 03 2026 Pacific Daylight Time