2223-29 (OPEN & PROMOTIONAL- DUAL MERGED)

Under the direction of the Supervisor, Gardening and Grounds keeping, performs a variety of grounds maintenance and gardening duties in the beautification of assigned grounds and landscaped areas; maintains grounds for events and recreational activities as assigned; provides support to other grounds personnel in the performance of work assignments

An examination will be given to establish an eligibility list for the position of Gardener in order to fill current and future vacancies. These positions are 8 hours/day for 260 days/year. The eligibility list will be valid for 6 months.

Faxed materials are not acceptable.

Written Merit Exam: TBD (by invitation only)

The written Merit exam will take place at La Mesa – Spring Valley School District's Education Service Center, 4750 Date Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 (Phone: 619-668-5700) unless notified otherwise. Test starts promptly at the scheduled time. Latecomers will not be admitted. Candidates will be required to present valid photo identification prior to sign-in.

Those that achieve a passing score on the written exam will be invited to an oral exam.

Oral Exam: TBD (by invitation only)

ORAL BOARD EXAMINATION: The Oral Board/Performance-Based Examination will be given by appointment only to those candidates with the highest scores on the written examination. Following the conclusion of the Oral Board Examination, the candidates will be ranked and notified of their scores.

Applies pest control methods to eradicate weeds and other pests according to established procedures and under the guidance of IPM coordinator.

Communicates with various personnel and outside agencies to exchange information, coordinate activities and resolve issues or concerns; coordinates with various personnel to adjust irrigation schedules as assigned.

Install and maintain storm drain systems.

Maintains grounds maintenance equipment in safe operating condition; performs minor maintenance on equipment such as changing blades, greasing and changing oil.

Maintains routine records related to assigned activities.

Mows, edges, trims, and waters lawns, fields and other turf grounds; prepares and fertilizes soil; waters various grounds areas by hand or by operating the irrigation systems.

Operates a variety of power-driven equipment such as tractors, mowers, edgers, sweeper, skidsteer and attachments, blowers, chain saws, hedge trimmers and other equipment used in grounds work; utilizes standard gardening hand tools; drives a vehicle to conduct work as assigned by the position; assists with submitting orders for supplies as assigned by the position.

Performs duties in the maintenance and repair of irrigation systems as assigned by the position; assists with installing new irrigation system components as assigned.

Performs duties of other grounds maintenance staff and provides support to other grounds personnel in the performance of work assignments; assists with maintaining campus grounds in accordance with established standards.

Performs general grounds cleanup, including picking up paper, trash and debris on grounds areas, parking lots, playgrounds, athletic fields and other assigned areas; unclogs storm drains and performs related duties as assigned.

Performs various duties in maintaining grounds for events and recreational activities as assigned; performs routine work in the preparation, and dragging of athletic fields and related areas as assigned.

Plants, cultivates, prunes, sprays, fertilizes and irrigates flowers, trees, grass and shrubs; hoes and pull weeds and rake leaves; edges walkways; sweeps litter from walks and driveways.

Repairs small sections and areas of concrete, pavers, block wall to maintain safe and attractive grounds.

Responds to emergency situations related to assigned functions accordingly.

Use best management practices for erosion control installation.

Attends and participates in meetings, in-service trainings, workshops and conferences.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school or equivalent GED and one year of experience in gardening, nursery, or grounds-maintenance work.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Basic grounds maintenance procedures including mowing, edging, raking and weeding.
Basic record-keeping techniques.
Cultivating, fertilizing, watering and spraying of flowers, trees and shrubs.
Health and safety regulations.
Methods, equipment and materials used in gardening and grounds maintenance work.
Operation and maintenance of hand and power tools and equipment used in grounds maintenance.

ABILITY TO:
Assist other grounds maintenance personnel in various work assignments.
Learn methods and materials used in controlling weeds and other pests.
Maintain athletic areas in a safe condition.
Maintain routine records.
Mow, edge, water, weed, fertilize, rake and cultivate lawns, flower beds, athletic fields and other landscaped areas.
Observe health and safety regulations.
Operate hand and power tools and other equipment used in grounds maintenance.
Perform a variety of grounds maintenance and gardening duties in the beautification of assigned grounds and landscaped areas.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

• The District provides excellent benefits for regular employees who work 20 or more hours per week, including:

Substitute positions do not qualify for District covered benefits.

1. Medical: Choice of VEBA (Kaiser or United Health Care), paid for employee only; Premier coverage available at a cost.

2. Dental: Delta Dental or Delta Care HMO (District-paid for employee only)

3. Life: Life ($50,000) and Accidental Death & Dismemberment ($50,000). Also includes MEDEX Travel Assistance (for medical care situations 100 miles from home or international trips up to 90 days; with some exclusions)

4. Vacation: (10+); Sick (9.50+ days per year) - vacation/sick accumulation days increase with years of service

5. Employee Assistance Program: (at no cost to employee): through San Diego County EAP

6. VEBA Optum Health: Employee assistance program

• Note: Benefits are subject to change.

In addition, the district offers the following voluntary plans:

• Dependent life insurance coverage

• Disability plans through American Fidelity

• Vision: MES Vision $10.94/monthly paid by employee

• 403(b) Retirement

• MetLaw prepaid legal through Hyatt Legal Plans

In addition:

• Regular (bargaining unit) employees may elect to become a CSEA member.

• Benefited employees (20+ hours per week) pay 7% (6% as of 2013) of gross (pre-tax) to CalPERS retirement (2%@55; 2.5%@63); calculated as: 2(# of years of service) x Salary.