Gardening Specialist, Short-term, Temporary

Gardening Specialist, Short-term, Temporary Job no: 557379 Work type: Staff

Location:

Sonoma

Categories:

Unit 5 - CSUEU - Operations and Support Services, Custodial/Facilities, Temporary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location) Application Process This position is open until filled. For full consideration, please submit application, along with cover letter and resume, by 8am on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Please review the position description listed above for full scope of responsibilities and qualifications. Evidence of degree(s) or certificate(s) and/or license(s) required at time of hire. Job Summary This is a 3-month appointment. Reappointment or extension of this position is dependent upon the individual's performance as well as administrative and budgetary considerations. Reporting to and under the general supervision of the Landscape Manager, and with additional lead work direction provided from other members of the Facilities Management team, the Gardening Specialist performs a wide variety of gardening work and performs a combination of specialized work in an assigned area which encompasses sprinkler repair work, horticultural spray work, and plant propagation, and gardening or nursery work on campus properties. This position emphasizes sustainable horticultural practices, including the application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles to ensure plant health and ecological balance. The Gardening Specialist works both independently and in a work team environment, as assigned by the Landscape Manager. Key Qualifications This position requires 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. Experience in the safe use and handling of pesticides and other pest control substances is required. Beginning proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) required. Knowledge of Google Suite, computerized work control system and PeopleSoft preferred. The incumbent must successfully complete a pre-placement exam and must possess and/or obtain and tafter maintain a California Driver's License valid for the operation of any vehicle or equipment required to maintain and operate. The incumbent must also possess and/or obtain and tafter maintain a pest control license or certification (Pest Control Adviser, Qualified Applicator License or Qualified Applicator Certificate from the California Department of Pesticide Regulations). Salary and Benefits This is a full time, temporary, non-exempt position. The CSU Classification Step Range for this position is $3,736 - $5,232 per month (step 1 - step 18). Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience. Step placement upon appointment is not expected to exceed Step 3 ($3,887 a month). Reappointment to this position is dependent upon the individual's performance as well as administrative and budgetary considerations. The university reserves the right to terminate this appointment earlier than the scheduled expiration date. For eligible employees, CSUEU collective bargaining agreement Article 17.10 will be honored. Supplemental Information

About Sonoma State University:

Sonoma State University is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. In line with our Strategic Plan and our Seawolf Commitment, our values include diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity. We strive to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosp of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community.

Equal Opportunity & Mandated Reporting:

The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status.

Mandated Reporting:

This position may be 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 as a condition of employment.

Employment Eligibility & Conditions: