Groundskeeper (1 Vacancy + Eligibility List)

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of the Grounds Supervisor or Administrative Services Supervisor-CMC, perform general and varied groundskeeping gardening and maintenance work.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Plant, cultivate, prune, spray, fertilize and irrigate flowers, trees grass and shrubs; hoe weeds, rake leaves, sweep walks, pick up debris and other related duties as needed. E Mow, edge, trim, fertilize and rake lawns; irrigate and water various grounds areas by hand or by operating a sprinkler system. E Operate a variety of power driven equipment such as tractors, trucks, weed whips, mowers, fork lifts, sweepers, earth movers, power pressure sprayers, chain saws and other equipment used in grounds maintenance work; utilize standard gardening hand tools; assure equipment is in safe operating condition.

E Install or sod new lawns; sweep lawns, sidewalks, blacktop and other athletic facility areas; clean and wash down football stadium; aerate and fertilize turfed areas using special equipment. E Set-up and prepare seating, bleachers, tables and dividers for a variety of special events, such as concerts, athletic events, graduation and registration; dismantle, clean and repair fields and facilities. E Assist with and perform general grounds maintenance duties involved in repairing fences, mixing and pouring cement and other duties; haul sand and dirt as assigned. Assist in the maintenance and repair of automatic sprinkler systems; reline pipe and electric clock systems as required. Perform related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

: Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and one year experience as a groundskeeper.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

: Valid California driver's license and must have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier. Some positions in this class may be required to possess a Class B driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of :

Methods, materials and equipment used in athletic field maintenance work; basic methods, materials and equipment commonly used in propagating, cultivating, pruning and caring for plants, shrubs, flowers, trees and lawns; safe work practices and procedures; proper and safe operation, use and routine maintenance of power-driven grounds equipment and machinery; methods, use and care of materials used in controlling pests, insects and weeds; cultivating, fertilizing, watering and spraying of flowers, trees and shrubs and weed abatement materials; proper operation of heavy grounds equipment; maintenance and repair of irrigation systems; design, installation, maintenance and repair of irrigation systems; health and safety regulations and practices. Ability to : Perform responsible grounds maintenance duties involved in preparation and maintenance of District's athletic fields and related facilities; perform groundskeeping duties in the maintenance of lawns and landscaped areas; operate a variety of power equipment including tractors, mowers and other mechanical equipment used in grounds maintenance work; utilize line markers, dyes, drags and other related equipment in the preparation and maintenance of athletic fields; work cooperatively with others; work independently with little direction; meet schedules and time lines; observe health and safety regulations; lift, carry, push and pull heavy objects; bend at the waist, kneel or crouch; walk and stand for extended periods of time; climb ladders to trim trees.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Classified Bargaining Unit Position Classified Staff Salary Range 8

Retirement System:

CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria) Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget. This posting is for 1 current vacancy and to establish a 6-month eligibility list for current and future full-time Groundskeeper openings.

SCHEDULE & LOCATION

This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. The schedule is Monday - Friday from 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The primary location is Palm Desert Campus. The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment:

Outdoor work environment. Driving a vehicle to conduct work. Regular exposure to fumes and noise from equipment operation.

Hazards:

Working around and with machinery having moving parts. Exposure to chemicals used in controlling pests and weed abatement.

REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS

To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:

Online Application:

All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.

Resume:

Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.

REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION

List of References :

References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.

OPTIONAL UPLOADED DOCUMENTS

Cover Letter:

Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.

College Transcripts:

Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA. Employment is contingent on residence in California. Incomplete application packages will not be considered. All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only. Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position. Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted. All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense. Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted. For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https:// www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career-opportunities.php or call (760) 773-2529.

FAQs:

For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions .

TIMELINES

For consideration, please apply by Sunday, May 24, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted. Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person the week of June 22, 2026. Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.