Laborer/Gardener - Pressure Washer (8097C), Facilities Services - #77633

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Facilities Services works to continuously improve the campus in partnership with all members of the University community to ensure that classrooms, laboratories, and offices support teaching, learning and research. Through the efforts of over 400 dedicated staff members and serving over 10M building square feet and 1100 acres, Facilities Services includes the asset management program, custodial services, maintenance operations, engineering and technical services, environmental services, grounds operations, the Cal Zero Waste program.

Position Summary

Clean drain covers and catch basins; clean building entrances and pathways, power washing hardscape, operate power mowers, and clean window wells. Perform creek-bed clean-up; road cleaning; hillside maintenance (brush and weed cutting and litter pickup); fire trail maintenance; log splitting and other related tasks. Assist tree crew in emergency situations.

The Laborer/Gardener B maintains the landscape of the campus and surrounding university properties.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 04/25/2025.

Responsibilities

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

• Perform weeding: cultivation: ground cover pruning: vine and shrub pruning: mulching: leaf pickup; watering by manual sprinklers, hose and spike, portable sprinklers and supplementing automatic systems.
• Assist tree crew with sucker removal: brush pickup and chipping.
• Assist mowing crew with power mowers, edging and blowing clippings off hardscape.

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION/REPAIR

• Perform demolition: soil preparation, including amendment, rototilling and grading; install plant material; install and/or repair header boards; renovate turf-scalp, over seed top dress and/or lay sod.
• Assist with installation, repair and/or relocation of grounds furnishings; erosion control.
• Assist with installation and repair of irrigation systems.

BEAT POLICING/INSPECTION

• Pick up and remove litter and debris: empty trash boxes and replace as necessary: strip poster and flyers, etc. from all non-designated structures.
• Inspect and observe beat and report problems to proper personnel regarding: irrigation, pest infestations, tree hazards; surfaces and furnishings in need of repair and/or replacement; safety hazards; general landscape problems (stressed or declining plants including trees, erosion, etc.); and vandalism/graffiti.

IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE

• Perform head/valve cleaning.
• Fill in holes and low spots around heads.
• Perform minor head adjustments and/or repairs.

TREE MAINTENANCE

• Perform tree trimming and thinning, up to 25', utilizing ladders and appropriate safety equipment; tree pollarding (i.e. sycamores); small tree removal and brush chipping and removal.

MISCELLANEOUS DUTIES

• Clean drain covers and catch basins; clean building entrances and pathways, power washing hardscape, operate power mowers, and clean window wells.
• Perform creek-bed clean-up; road cleaning; hillside maintenance (brush and weed cutting and litter pickup); fire trail maintenance; log splitting and other related tasks.
• Assist tree crew in emergency situations.

SAFETY

• Adhere to all university and departmental safety guidelines.
• Attend job-related and safety training as required.

OTHER

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge and ability to properly operate, and provide daily/weekly basic maintenance of landscape maintenance equipment such as: lawnmower, edger, weed whip, blower, vacuum, hedge trimmers, splitter, stump grinder, sprayers, aerator, verticutter, turf aerator, sod cutter, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to read, write and follow oral/written instructions provided in English.
• Ability to interact in a positive manner with campus community, including students, building managers, academic personnel, and craft personnel, in a multi-cultural environment.
• Knowledge of ANSI A 300 Part 1-Standard Pruning Practices.
• Demonstrated knowledge of methods, materials, tools, equipment used in grounds work and safe work practices.
• Must be able to drive small trucks.
• Must be able to work cooperatively in a group setting.
• Ability to work outdoors in fluctuating and/or extreme weather conditions.
• Must be available to respond to emergencies and work occasional overtime and on weekends/holidays.
• Adhere to Facilities Services work rules and Code of Conduct.
• Employee is personally responsible for following health and safety guidelines/instructions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Twelve months of experience in a ground's operation; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted hourly rate that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $25.77 (Step 1).

• This is a full-time, Career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.
• This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Driving Required

• Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

Other Information

This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Service Unit (SX) between the University of California and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/sx/index.html

• This is not a visa opportunity.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Physical Exam

• Employment is contingent upon passing a physical exam.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 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

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

The University of California's Affirmative action policy.

The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy.