Grounds Specialist (Sub)

Saddleback College

Irvine, CA

ID: 7121732 (Ref.No. REQ10823)
Posted: January 20, 2023
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Title:

Grounds Specialist (Sub)

Job Category:

NBU

Job Opening Date:

January 20, 2023

Job Closing Date:

June 30, 2023

Locations:

Irvine Valley College

Pay Grade, for more information click on this link: 

https://www.socccd.edu/departments/human-resources/contracts-and-salary-schedules

Pay Type:

Hourly

Hours Per Week:

0

Job Description:

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision from higher level supervisory and/or management staff, performs a variety of specialized, semi-skilled, and skilled duties in the development, maintenance, and repair of landscaped areas, athletic fields, and related facilities and open spaces of a community college campus; installs and repairs, and maintains irrigation systems; operates and maintains a variety of hand and power tools and equipment; and performs a variety of general maintenance work relative to assigned area of responsibility.

May receive functional supervision, technical training and work direction from a higher-level groundskeeper.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed and the specialized nature of assigned duties. Incumbents perform the full range of duties assigned to positions in the Groundskeeper class and, in addition, have primary responsibility for performing specialized duties related to the installation, maintenance, and repair of irrigation systems. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Perform a variety of specialized, semi-skilled, and skilled duties in the development, maintenance, and repair of landscaped areas, athletic fields, and related facilities and open spaces of a community college campus.

Provide lead direction or complex assistance in the maintenance and repair of the irrigation system assuring the adherence to safety standards regarding reclaimed water; change and adjust heads; maintain controllers.

Provide lead direction in large irrigation system installation and maintenance projects; perform major main line installations and repairs; inspect main lines as necessary.

Participate in local water district and health department cross connection tests and irrigation inspections.

Participate in a variety of landscape maintenance duties including watering, mowing, weeding, trimming, edging, renovating and fertilizing lawns.

Participate in planting, watering and maintaining landscaped areas consisting of bushes, trees, flowers and shrubs; re-seed, plant and maintain new grass and plants; trim and prune bushes, trees and shrubs; stake trees as necessary.

Rake leaves and/or clear debris from walks, fields, courts, parking lots and other open areas using a blower; load, remove and dispose of trimmings and cuttings; empty trash receptacles and transport rubbish to the local landfill.

Safely apply herbicides, fungicides and pesticides according to established rules and procedures; maintain records of fertilizers and chemicals used.

Participate in preparing, maintaining and painting athletic fields for a variety of sporting events.

Operate a variety of heavy equipment and other maintenance equipment such as dump trunks, backhoes, front loaders, and power tools such as mowers, edgers and blowers; ensure adherence to established safety procedures.

Perform preventative maintenance to vehicles, equipment, and tools; make minor adjustments and repairs; report the need for major repairs and maintenance.

Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.

Utilize proper safety precautions related to all work performed.

Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Operations, services, and activities of a grounds maintenance program including irrigation systems.

Local water district standards and state regulations applicable to the use of reclaimed water.

Installation, maintenance and repair of water systems.

Methods, techniques, tools, and materials used in the installation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of landscaped irrigation systems.

Methods, tools, materials and equipment used in comprehensive grounds maintenance program.

Methods and techniques of mowing, edging, pruning and trimming a variety of lawns, shrubs and trees.

Operational characteristics of grounds maintenance equipment and tools used in the area of assignment.

Common insecticides, pesticides and herbicides and their application.

Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Basic sprinkler operation and maintenance.

Principles and practices of record keeping.

Pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations pertaining to the application of various insecticides, pesticides and herbicides.

Ability to:

Perform the more complex maintenance and repair work in the care and maintenance of campus grounds, including landscaped areas, athletic fields, lawns and related areas.

Perform skilled irrigation systems maintenance, installation and repair work.

Adhere to local water district and health department laws and guidelines involving reclaimed water usage.

Test and monitor potable and reclaimed water systems to ensure that no cross-contamination occurs.

Operate a variety of tools, equipment and vehicles used in grounds maintenance work.

Perform grounds maintenance work in accordance with established schedules and in preparation for special events.

Care for and maintain plants, shrubs, flowers, turf and trees.

Safely and effectively apply fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.

Apply NCAA Athletic Field rules and Measurements.

Perform heavy manual labor.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Mix, pour and finish concrete as needed.

Apply insecticides and herbicides to assure insect and weed control when authorized.

Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in general grounds maintenance and irrigation systems.

Experience:

Two years of grounds maintenance experience that includes irrigation system installation and maintenance related work.

License or Certificate:

Possession of a valid California driver’s license and proof of insurability.

Possession of a valid California Pesticide Applicator Certificate.

Some positions in this class may be required to attend Forklift Training and obtain certification.

Some positions in this class may be required to attend Heavy and Power Equipment Training and obtain certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed in an outdoor field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, noxious weeds and plants, dust, pollens, insect stings, noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, gases, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Occasional exposure to risks controlled by safety precautions.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a field environment; walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, and twist; push, pull, lift, and/or carry moderate to heavy amounts of weights; operate assigned equipment and vehicles; verbally communicate to exchange information. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Additional Information:

$27.46/hr

Up to 25 hours per week

Schedule TBD

On-site only

This position is a short-term, temporary, hourly, Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment, not to exceed 160 days per fiscal year (July 1-June 30). The assignment is on an as needed basis, and may be shortened or extended at any time, due to departmental needs, with little to no notice. This recruitment will remain open until filled or withdrawn. Once you have submitted an application electronically, the current status of your application will be available to view at any time upon signing in under your personal username and password. Please do not call the Human Resources Office regarding the status of your application.

Employment with the South Orange County Community College District is contingent upon successful completion of the Human Resources pre-employment (“onboarding”) process. The Human Resources onboarding process may include, but is not limited to, successful completion of Live Scan fingerprinting (approx.. $70), I-9 completion, background checks, reference checks, TB testing, COVID-19 vaccination, as well as completion of the online onboarding process. Failure to successfully complete any portion of the onboarding process will invalidate any conditional job offer received. Falsification of, or omission on, any SOCCCD pre-employment information may result in withdrawal of any conditional job offer or termination of employment. Short term, non-bargaining unit (NBU) positions may only be used on an intermittent/seasonal basis. Ed. Code sect. 88003 states "Short-term employee means any person who is employed to perform a service for the district, upon the completion of which, the service required or similar services will not be extended or needed on a continuing basis.”

 
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country.  Documentation according to USCIS I-9 guidelines (i.e. ID card and Social Security card) must be presented at the time of hire. Per IRS regulations, a Social Security card must be presented at the time of hire.

Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity: 

The South Orange County Community College District is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity and inclusion and equal opportunity for all, and ensures that students, faculty, management and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes our district a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds. 


Our District and our colleges are looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join our District, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, administration, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position with our District, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our District’s mission and goals for EEO, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Disability Accommodations:  If you require special accommodations in the application and/or selection process, please notify District Human Resources (DHR) at least two (2) business days prior to the Job Close Date/Initial Screening Date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu.

COVID-19 Vaccination: The Board of Trustees voted to require COVID-19 vaccinations for all students, employees, and volunteers with allowances for medical exemptions and sincerely held religious beliefs as defined by law. To apply for an exemption, please contact Leilani Anselmo at lanselmo@socccd.edu with your written request specifying which exemption you are seeking. If applying for an exemption, it must be approved by the District prior to your start date. You will need to upload your QR code for you vaccination during the onboarding process.

NBU at-will employment: After successful completion of the onboarding requirements, an individual may be employed by the South Orange County Community College District as a short-term, temporary NBU employee. Employment will be on an “if and as needed” basis, as determined by the District. NBU employment is at-will, and either party may terminate this working relationship at any time. Neither party shall be required to provide any reason for the separation. NBU employees shall not have reemployment rights or recourse to petition to be reinstated.

Worksite: NBU employees are limited to working in a single position in one department/site

Work schedules: Department/Division managers, administrators, and/or supervisors shall determine the work schedule of NBU employees to include the number of days and hours worked per week and the start and stop times.

160-day restriction: NBU employees will not work more than 160 days (in any combination of NBU positions) no matter how many hours per day they work.

Payroll reporting period: The payroll reporting period is from the 15th of the first month to the 14th of the next month.  NBU employees are paid on the 10th of the following month. Ex: Pay Period 01/15/23 through 02/14/23 will be paid on March 10th.

California Sick leave: NBU employees are eligible for California Sick leave per AB1522.  Information regarding AB1522 is provided to all NBU new hires during the onboarding process.

Retirement information: NBU employees may not work more than 960 hours from July 1st-June 30th. NBU employees who work more than 1000 hours per fiscal year are required to contribute to the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), through payroll deduction of about 7-9%. The District does not intend to employ NBU employees for more than 1,000 hours during any fiscal year.

Sexual Harassment/Discrimination: The District is committed to providing an environment that respects the dignity of individuals and groups; is free of sexual harassment, exploitation, intimidation, violence, and other unlawful discrimination, preferential treatment, and harassment, including that which is based on any legally protected characteristic. 

Equal Employment Opportunity: It is the intent of the Board to establish and maintain within the District and all of its programs and activities a policy of equal opportunity in employment for all persons, and to prohibit discrimination, preferential treatment, or harassment based on sex, age, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, ethnic group identification, national origin, ancestry, religion, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status or sexual orientation or because an individual is perceived as having one or more of the above characteristics.

Confidentiality: Confidentiality of student and staff information is protected under federal law. Any information regarding students or staff that might be accessed in the course of a work assignment through a computer, student file, or other documentation, is to be used strictly to perform my job duties and may only be shared with those who are authorized to have such information.

Mandated reporter: Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting: The South Orange County Community College District recognizes the responsibility of its staff to report to the appropriate agency when there is a reasonable suspicion that an abuse or neglect of a child may have occurred. Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting: It is the policy of the South Orange County Community College District to treat reports of violence against elderly persons or dependent adults as high priority criminal activity that is to be fully investigated regardless of the relationship between the victim and the suspect(s).

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness: Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.saddleback.edu or www.ivc.edu.  Paper copies are available in Human Resources upon request.

Drug-Free Environment:  The District shall be free from all unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in all facilities under the control and use of the District. Any student or employee who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, consistent with local, state, or federal law, which may include the referral to an appropriate rehabilitation program, suspension, demotion, expulsion, or dismissal.

Smoke Free District: It is the intent of the South Orange County Community College District to maintain an educational and workplace environment that is conductive to the health and safety of our students and employees. Realizing the health hazards posed by smoking and by second-hand smoke, it is policy of the South Orange County Community College District to maintain a smoke free environment for all district sites.

SPECIAL COVID-19 NOTICE:

Interviews may be held in-person (following all necessary precautions) or in a virtual format. Employees must reside in California while employed with the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD), even during remote work. Thank you for your continued interest in working at the SOCCCD.

The SOCCCD is committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of students, faculty, staff, administrators, and the communities it serves. Beginning January 8, 2022, all employees and volunteers must be fully vaccinated (as defined by the Centers for Disease Control) against COVID-19 unless approved as exempt due to a verified disability/medical condition or sincerely held religious belief (as defined in federal or state laws and regulations). More information can be found on our District website by visiting https://www.socccd.edu/communications/covid-19-information.

NOTICE TO ALL CANDIDATES FOR EMPLOYMENT:

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. SOCCCD will not sponsor any visa applications.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or selection process, please notify District Human Resources (DHR) at least two (2) business days prior to the Job Close Date/Initial Screening Date, by either calling (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu.

CAMPUS CRIME AND SAFETY AWARENESS:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at www.saddleback.edu or www.ivc.edu. Paper copies are available in the District Human Resources (DHR) office upon request.

PLEASE NOTE:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with this District will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the District to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

The South Orange County Community College District is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity and inclusion and equal opportunity for all, and ensures that students, faculty, management and staff of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes our district a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

Our District and our colleges are looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join our District, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, administration, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position with our District, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our District’s mission and goals for EEO, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Important: You must make sure that you have completed your application for a posting by 11:59 p.m., Pacific Time, on the posting's Job Close Date, along with any required documents, in order to be considered for the position.



At the South Orange County Community College District, our goal as an academic community is to sustain a working environment that fosters and celebrates diversity, promotes and rewards excellence, and is welcoming to all. An exemplary academic community promotes an inclusive environment that best prepares our faculty, staff, and students to live, work, and contribute in a global society. The Plan reflects the District's commitment to equal employment opportunity and outlines the active steps that ensure nondiscriminatory practices.