Landscape & Irrigation Maintenance Worker

Under general direction of an assigned supervisor, incumbents will work independently performing a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks related to landscape maintenance and repair of irrigation equipment; operate a variety of park maintenance equipment and to participate in the beautification of parks, playground, and public facilities.  May perform other tasks as assigned to a maintenance crew and performs other related duties as required.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled grounds, gardening and turf maintenance duties involved in the development, maintenance, and repair of landscaped areas, parks, playgrounds, and public facilities;
• Perform routine maintenance duties such as mowing and edging grass, operating a weed eater, blowing leaves on sidewalks and parking lots, removing and trimming shrubbery, raking leaves and debris, and removing graffiti/vandalism;
• Perform a variety of duties in the maintenance and repair of irrigation systems; adjust and maintain timers and controllers; repair sprinkler heads and lines; locate and repair water breaks; as required;
• Plant, water and maintain landscaped areas consisting of turf, bushes, trees, flowers, and shrubs; trim and prune bushes, trees and shrubs; water, mow, weed, renovate, and fertilize lawns;
• Identify turf, shrub, and tree diseases, parasites and other problems;
• Perform maintenance and repairs on various equipment including playground equipment, picnic tables, gates, fences, and tree stakes;
• Perform routine maintenance and repair activities for park facilities; clean restrooms and stock materials and supplies; assist in building repairs including carpentry, painting and plumbing repairs;
• Perform general grounds cleaning; clean and maintain assigned areas; pick up and discard trash and litter;
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner;
• Operate and maintain a variety of landscaping equipment including sprayers, edgers, blowers, hedge trimmers, weed eaters and related equipment;
• Operate a variety of hand and small power tools and equipment such as push mowers, riding mowers, shovels, rakes, chainsaws, and other equipment in support of parks maintenance and repair operations;
• Maintain records of time spent performing various maintenance functions; provide assistance in preparing records and files;
• As assigned perform grounds maintenance chemical application duties; store, mix and spray herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides; ensure proper application of all materials; ensure equipment is operating properly; perform all duties in compliance with City and other mandated health and safety rules and regulations;
• Drive vehicles used to transport materials, tools, and equipment as required;
• May be assigned a variety of duties to assist in street, flood control, and other public works maintenance and repair projects; and
• Perform related duties as required.

Any combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification. An example would be: 

Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent, and;

Experience: One year of recent, entry-level experience performing simple irrigation and landscape work. 

*Completion of specialized training in the maintenance, repair, and installation of manual and automatic irrigation systems is highly desirable.

*Supplemental course work in Ornamental Horticulture or a related field is highly desirable.

*Experience with CALSENSE Irrigation systems is highly desirable. 

"Recent" experience is defined as within the last four (4) years.

EVALUATION PROCESS:  This recruitment is open until filled, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

First review of applications may take place on Monday, April 14, 2025.

Interested applicants must submit an online application and a completed supplemental questionnaire.  Candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in the examination process for this position which may consist of any or all of the following components:  Appraisal interview, a written exercise, or a practical skills assessment.
 
Panel Interview:  Tentatively scheduled in early May 2025.
Certifications: 
The following certification is desirable but not required at the time of application. Upon hire, the incumbent will be required to obtain the certification within the specific time frame:
Reclaimed Water Site Supervisor Certification within six months of hire.

Licenses:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class C California driver's license at time of appointment. A safe driving record is required and must be maintained during period of employment. If selected for this position, a copy of your DMV driving record must be presented prior to the first day of employment. The applicant selected will be given a conditional offer of employment pending the outcome of a post-offer physical.

This position will be required to comply with the City's Stand-by/Call-Back policy and requires the individual to be available on a rotating basis to carry the duty phone and work after hours on weekends and holidays.

Background Investigation:
The applicant selected will be subject to a criminal history investigation through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and thorough employment reference checks. A waiver for reference and background information must be completed.

City of Santee employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect.  Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Salary : $52,925 - $64,331