Groundskeeper in Riverside, California at University of California, Riverside
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Job Description
Overview
Job ID 37731255
Category Campus Facilities and Support Services
Organization Palm Desert Center
Department Building Maintenance for PDGC
Location Coachella Valley
Salary $52,555 - $73,539
Date Posted July 20, 2026
Application Deadline Open Until Filled
Schedule 8AM - 5PM
Full/Part Time Part time
Level of Supervision Supervision
Personnel Program Code Professional & Support Staff
Other Information Qualifies for Employee Referral Bonus: No
UC Internal Job: No
Position Information
UC Riverside's Palm Desert Campus is recruiting for a Groundskeeper. The full salary range for the Groundskeeper is $25.17 to $35.22 hourly. However, the expected pay scale for this position is up to $27.23 hourly. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs.Under the general supervision of the Facilities Director, the Groundskeeper performs routine and specialized grounds maintenance activities to support a safe, attractive, and sustainable campus environment. The incumbent contributes to the preservation and enhancement of university landscapes through the maintenance of turf, trees, shrubs, irrigation systems, and outdoor facilities, ensuring campus grounds meet operational and aesthetic standards.This is a limited appointment at 45% time (18 hours per week) and is expected to continue through June 30, 2027. Continuation of the appointment is subject to operational needs and the availability of funding.As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff.
Requirements
Educational Requirements
| Degree | Requirement |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | Preferred |
| Experience | Requirement |
|---|---|
| One year of experience in grounds maintenance or landscaping; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. | Required |
| Experience to safely use and maintain landscaping hand and power tools/equipment, such as mowers (including riding mowers, self-propelled and push mowers), edgers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, power blowers, vacuum, rototillers, saws, clippers, seed and fertilize spreaders, and high pressure washers. | Required |
| Experience in using mechanical tools required to maintain all landscaping related equipment such as hand wrenches, gas/oil mixing and hand files. | Required |
| Experience using irrigation systems and completing minor repairs on systems. | Required |
| Prior experience and ability to prioritizing work orders, routine work, emergency requests, combined with the knowledge to choose the proper materials and equipment to accomplish the work in the most expeditious and safe manner. | Preferred |
| Experience working with a diverse student, staff, faculty and visitor population and ability to provide exemplary customer service. | Preferred |
| Experience using desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices, and using e-mail. | Preferred |
| License | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Valid Driver License | Required |
| Special Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Hired candidate must successfully pass a background check through the DOJ and FBI prior to appointment start date. | Required |
| Must successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination prior to appointment start date. | 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. | Required |
| Must wear University issued ID badge and uniform. | Required |
| Overtime | Required |
| Work Schedule: Approximately 18 hours per week, typically three days per week at six hours per day. Schedule may vary based on operational needs. | Required |
| Knowledge, skill and ability to safely use and maintain landscaping hand and power tools/equipment, such as mowers (including riding mowers, self-propelled and push mowers), edgers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, power blowers, vacuum, rototillers, saws, clippers, seed and fertilize spreaders, and high pressure washers. |
| Skill, knowledge and ability in using mechanical tools required to maintain all landscaping related equipment such as hand wrenches, gas/oil mixing and hand files. |
| Ability to read write and communicate effectively in the English language with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. |
| Ability to work independently and as part of a team. |
| Ability to work effectively; following through on assignments with minimal direction and fluctuating workload. |
| Knowledge, skill and ability using irrigation systems and completing minor repairs on systems. |
| Willingness and ability to work scheduled, unscheduled and emergency overtime. |
| Ability to work a flexible schedule (weekends and holidays; early mornings, mornings, evening or graveyard shifts), as needed to accommodate campus event schedules. |
| Knowledge and skill to use MS Office programs and email. |
| Knowledge and ability to use desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices. |
| Knowledge of UCR/UC policies, procedures and systems. |
| Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations governing areas related to the responsibilities of the job, including SB-198 Illness and Injury Prevention Program (IIPP). |
Additional Information
In the Heart of Inland Southern California, UC Riverside is located on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Southern California; the park-like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant and growing Inland region. The campus is a living laboratory for the exploration of issues critical to growing communities' air, water, energy, transportation, politics, the arts, history, and culture. UCR gives every student, faculty and staff member the resources to explore, engage, imagine and excel.
UC Riverside is recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse research universities in the country boasting several key rankings of which we are extremely proud.
- UC Riverside is proud to be ranked No. 12 among all U.S. universities, according to Money Magazine's 2020 rankings, and among the top 1 percent of universities worldwide, according to the 2019-20 Center for World University rankings.
- UC Riverside is the top university in the United States for social mobility. - U.S. News 2020
- UCR is a member of the University Innovation Alliance, the leading national coalition of public research universities committed to improving student success for low-income, first-generation, and students of color.
- Among top-tier universities, UC Riverside ranks No. 2 in financial aid. - Business Insider 2019
- Ranked No. 2 in the world for research, UCR's Department of Entomology maintains one of the largest collections of insect specimens the nation. - Center for World University Rankings
- UCR's distinguished faculty boasts 2 Nobel Laureates, and 13 members of the National Academies of Science and Medicine.
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 under state or federal law. 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.
For information about our generous employee benefits package, visit: Employee Benefits Overview