GROUNDSKEEPER

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 01/22/2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) supports the University's mission by providing access to UC Santa Cruz, acting as fiscal stewards, and managing the sustainable planning, design, and operation of safe and equitable bicycle/pedestrian programs, transit services, parking, and other transportation-related needs. TAPS is dedicated to being innovative, sustainable, and customer-focused providers of access to UC Santa Cruz.

More information can be found at: https://https://transportation.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Field Operations Supervisor, this position performs maintenance of parking lots, bike paths, bike racks, transit shelters, and surrounding landscaped areas. Duties include landscaping, painting, curb and line marking, vegetation control, stormwater cleaning, general site upkeep, and assisting other TAPS departments as needed. The position also supports temporary traffic control during emergencies, campus closures, and commencement events.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $25/hour
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Sun, TBD
• Shift Includes: Day, Evening, Weekend

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: SX, Service Unit

Job Code Classification: GROUNDSKEEPER (008133)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

85% - Maintenance Operations

• Maintain and repair TAPS assets, including all parking lots, roads, walkways, bike paths, and transit shelters to ensure they are clean and safe (storm drains, debris, trash, spills). Repair and maintain parking lots, roads, walkways, and other paved or reinforced surfaces (such as asphalt, concrete, Trugrid, or other materials) as needed.
• Maintain Trugrid surfaces, including adding gravel or rock infill and leveling as needed.
• Patch asphalt and repair damaged areas.
• Maintain transit shelters and stops, including emptying trash, removing posted material, and minor repairs.
• Maintain bike paths, including debris removal, mowing edges, vegetation management, and hazard reporting.
• Maintain bike racks, checking security and repainting as needed.
• Maintain parking signs, remove graffiti, and report damaged or missing signs.
• Maintain natural landscaped areas using standard tools and equipment.
• Paint parking lot lines, curbs, markings, bollards, posts, bus stops, bike racks, shelters, and cover graffiti as needed.
• Provide regular condition updates to the supervisor.
• Supervise student and temporary maintenance workers when required.
• Assist other TAPS departments with site support or labor as needed.
• Conduct regular safety checks for hazards (loose railings, tripping hazards, broken glass, damaged surfaces).
• Clear debris after storms and inspect storm drains before and after heavy rain.
• Track supplies such as paint, cones, signs, and repair materials; request replacements as needed.
• Support campus events, including setup and cleanup affecting parking or paths.
• Perform minor site repairs (benches, signs, shelter components).
• Report unsafe conditions noticed during daily routes (fallen branches, damaged irrigation, leaning trees).
• Maintain daily work notes and enter information into maintenance tracking systems.
• Assist with temporary traffic control during emergencies, campus closures, and commencement when directed.
• Complete daily vehicle logs, keep vehicles clean, and report maintenance issues.

10% - Equipment Maintenance and Repair

• Perform minor servicing, adjustments, and repair to maintenance equipment (e.g., space line striper, chain saw, blowers, trimmers, mower, weed whip).
• Clean all tools and equipment after use and return to proper storage.
• Maintain work areas, power equipment, and hand tools.
• Report equipment malfunctions to the supervisor.
• Recommend new equipment and materials to the supervisor, as needed.

5% - Special Assignments

• Assist in the development of work plans and maintenance tracking.
• Assist with TAPS-related surveys or projects.
• Provide backup to Event Parking Field Operations by making, posting, or removing temporary event-related signs.
• Pick up and deliver supplies and equipment.
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience and skills in grounds and/or lot maintenance.
• Experience and/or skills in safely using hand or power tools and equipment such as hedge trimmers, weed eaters, mowers, rakes, hoes, etc., including the ability to perform minor repairs, modification and adjustments to tools and power equipment.
• Experience using sound judgment to solve problems.
• Good interpersonal skills sufficient to interact effectively with the campus community
• Computer skills sufficient to operate and maintain a database, use spreadsheets, word processing programs, timecard software, and UCPath.
• Ability to safely use power tools and landscaping equipment and recognize the need for training.
• Ability to read, write, follow oral and written instructions and demonstrate mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to safely drive a University vehicle.
• Ability to identify/correct hazardous problems and to report problems or safety hazards.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion in handling confidential situations or materials.
• Ability to exercise diplomacy in dealing with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to meet deadlines, working with changes in workloads, assignments, customer service needs, and interruptions.
• Ability to present a positive, service-oriented public image and maintain a courteous and harmonious working relationship with the campus community, other department staff, and members of the public.
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and relay procedural information with clarity and accuracy.
• Ability to follow through on assignments with minimal direction.
• Ability to work in a team environment and support coworkers and student staff.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the proper use of herbicides, including the ability to safely use herbicides in the control of pests and plants.
• Experience in large-scale parking lot striping and curb marking with mechanized equipment.
• Familiarity with UCSC campus roads and parking spaces.
  

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Interviewees will be required to provide a current DMV record.
• The ability to move materials weighing up to 75 lbs. with or without accommodation.
• Ability to learn and maintain current knowledge of campus roadways, parking lots, and buildings and the locations of various departments within thirty (30) days of employment.
• Ability to walk to and work in remote areas with rugged terrain, heavy brush, biting and stinging insects, bears and mountain lions.
• Poison Oak is present. Incumbent must be willing to take the measures required to work in contact with and cut/remove poison oak.
• Ability to do occasional work in confined spaces such as attics and trenches while bending, stooping and/or kneeling with the possibility of being exposed to live electrical circuits and machinery.
• Must have the ability to: operate a vacuum, floor scrubber, and polisher; use cleaning chemical compounds; perform essential custodial duties including dumping bags into dumpster or moving equipment and materials with or without accommodations.
• Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
• Ability to successfully work with and around a variety of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides.
• Ability to perform vertebrate pest control such as trapping, baiting, or other types of rodent control.
• Ability to perform grounds keeping duties outdoors through all seasons of weather in developed and undeveloped environments.
• Ability to ascend/descend ladders with or without accommodation.
• Ability to conduct outdoor site visits, including use of required personal protective equipment, as required to conduct investigations, inspections, or view work in place.
• Ability to sustain exposure to dusty, noisy environments and inclement weather as necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work overtime including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays to meet operational needs, and work an alternate work schedule shift as required.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California 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, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.