Job No: 514956; 08/08/2025 - Re-announced

GARDENING SPECIALIST
Facilities Services

Salary Range: $3,544 - $5,782/Monthly

Work Schedule: Full-Time, Monday - Friday 7.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.; non-exempt classification.

Essential Functions: Under the general supervision of the Grounds Manager or designee, the Gardening Specialist performs a wide variety of gardening work in an assigned area of a campus. The Gardening Specialist will perform the following activities: horticultural spray and pest eradication work; maintenance, repair, and modification of irrigation systems; plan, develop, and maintain special planting areas or ornamental gardens; on a regularly schedule basis, apply chemicals for the eradication of fungi, pests, insects, and weeds to plants, trees, shrubs, lawns, embankments, roads, parking lots, unimproved acreage, and buildings; select appropriate times to apply the chemicals, taking into consideration weather conditions and frequency of usage; determine where to place poisons and traps; safely stores chemicals and supplies used in spraying programs; repair broken sprinkler lines, sprinkler heads, valves, and related equipment; clear blockages from valves and pipes; inspect, install, service, and maintain automatic sprinkler control devices taking into consideration the vegetation, soil conditions, evaporation, water retention factors, while working with contractors to assure proper irrigating capabilities of the system; make recommendations for the planning and development of special planting areas within their assigned area; select plants and flowers for ornamental gardens; and provide advice and assistance to others regarding proper care of flowers and ornamental plants, pruning, and other technical skills. Gardening Specialist typically performs work involving some or all of the following duties: plant, cultivate, fertilize, water and spray ornamental plants, shrubs, hedges, trees, lawns and flowers; prepare and treat soils for planting; maintains sprinklers, tools and equipment in proper condition and repair; operates and performs maintenance on small power-operated power mowers, small riding mowers, and other gardening power equipment; may from time-to-time provides lead work direction to Groundsworkers or individuals in other grounds classifications; may drive automotive equipment in the performance of assigned duties.

Required Qualifications & 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. 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, Ph factors of soils, compatibility and incompatibility factors between soil and plants, difference between plant mixes, and erosion control. Ability to identify, diagnose, and treat plant disease, and correct plant nutrient deficiencies; prepare freehand sketches and make recommendations for possible improvements in landscaping within the assigned area; read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position; and follow oral and written instructions. Possession of the appropriate California Department of Pesticide Regulation license to perform pest control work. Some positions may require possession of a valid California driver's license.

California State University, Los Angeles, as part of the CSU system, is a State of California Employer. As such, the University requires all employees upon date of hire to reside in the State of California. As of January 1, 2022 the CSU Out-of-State Employment Policy prohibits the hiring of employees to perform CSU-related work outside the state of California.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience performing the duties described within a school or institutional environment. Possession of a valid California driver's license and appropriate safe driving record.

Closing Date: Review of applications will begin August 22, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled; however, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications are received. A COMPLETED ON-LINE CAL STATE LA EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION IS REQUIRED. RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF A COMPLETED APPLICATION.

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 July 21, 2017, as a condition of employment.

In addition to meeting fully its obligations under federal and state law, California State University, Los Angeles is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can live and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual. To that end, all qualified individuals will receive equal consideration without regard to economic status, race, ethnicity, color, religion, disability, national origin or cultural background, political views, sex or sexual orientation, gender, or other personal characteristics or beliefs.

Candidates must demonstrate ability and/or interest in working in a multicultural/multiethnic environment. Certain positions require fingerprinting. The University actively encourages qualified minorities, women, and persons with a disability to apply. Upon request, reasonable accommodation will be provided to individuals with protected disabilities to (a) complete the employment process and (b) perform essential job functions when this does not cause an undue hardship. We are an Equal Opportunity/Title IX Employer.

To obtain employment information for the impaired call:
TDD Line (323) 343-3670
24-hour Dial-A-Job Line (323) 343-3678