Rev. 2/98

City of San José

CLASS PURPOSE
   Under general supervision, performs semi-skilled and skilled grounds maintenance functions of routine difficulty. Performs related work as required.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• Maintains park grounds.
• Irrigates, cultivates, prunes, plants, and transplants a variety of turf, shrubs, trees, and plants.
• Operates mowing equipment in parks and athletic fields.
• Applies fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers.
• Operates triplex gang/rotary mowers, power edgers, tractors, rototillers, sprayers, dump and other trucks, power chain saws and other light power equipment, and hand tools used in grounds and maintenance work.
• Maintains and makes minor repairs to playground/picnic equipment and playgrounds, picnic areas, athletic fields and playing courts, park trails, and firebreaks.
• Makes minor repairs and adjustments to irrigation systems, mowers, and miscellaneous equipment.
• Performs cleanup and litter pickup functions.
• Cleans pools and fountains.
• Schedules automatic irrigation controllers.
• Maintains work-related records and makes corresponding reports.
• Explains programs and policies to the public.
• May provide lead guidance to less experienced workers.
• May assist in firefighting and rescue duties in wilderness park areas.
• May be responsible for vehicle and pedestrian traffic safety in work areas.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
   Incumbents report to higher-level gardeners and grounds maintenance personnel and may perform lead guidance to less experienced workers. They differ from other grounds maintenance and gardening classes in the wider range of duties and levels of skills involved.

QUALIFICATIONS
   Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of tools, methods, and materials used in grounds maintenance and methods used in planting, transplanting, cultivating, and caring for turf, shrubs, plants, and trees.
• Knowledge of common plant diseases, pests, and methods and materials used in their control.
• Ability to apply grounds maintenance principles to a variety of related activities and recognize common plants, shrubs, and trees.
• Ability to read and understand written instructions and directions and complete basic written forms.

• Knowledge of the operation and minor upkeep of trucks, tractors, power and related equipment and tools, and work and equipment safety practices and procedures.
• Ability to apply approved methods and materials for the control of common plant diseases and pests; perform general facilities maintenance and repair work; meet and deal effectively with the public and others; maintain routine records and make adequate reports.

Education
   Completion of high school or possession of a General Educational Development (GED) Certificate or California Proficiency Certificate.

Experience
   Two (2) years of grounds maintenance experience.

Acceptable Substitutions
   None.

Licenses/Certificates 
   Possession of a valid State of California Certified Commercial Applicator's License may be required.
   As a condition of employment in some designated positions, possession of a valid State of California Class A or B driver's license with applicable endorsements may be required in the performance of job duties.

(4/80), (Rev. 5/84), (Rev. 7/89), (Rev. 4/92), (Rev. 2/98)
3411s001.doc