What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grounds Maintenance Worker I/II position at Shasta County?
THE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE FACILITIES DIVISION OF THE SHASTA COUNTY
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
ORAL EXAM IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR MAY 2025
SEE “SPECIAL REQUIREMENT” SECTION REGARDING
POSSESSION OF A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE
RESPONSES TO SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS REQUIRED
FINAL FILING DATE: MAY 15, 2025 AT 12:00 PM
SALARY INFORMATION
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER I: $3,031- $3,869 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $17.49- $22.34 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER II: $3,343- $4,266 APPROXIMATE MONTHLY* / $19.28- $24.61 APPROXIMATE HOURLY*
*Please refer to the appropriate Bargaining Unit Memorandum of Understanding for potential future salary increases* Please visit https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel/page/labor-agreements-mous.
ABOUT SHASTA COUNTY
Shasta County offers all the amenities of the big city while retaining a comfortable small-town atmosphere. With its natural beauty, affordable housing, excellent educational system, abundance of recreational opportunities, and excellent quality of life, Shasta County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Public Works Department is responsible for construction and maintenance of County roads, bridges, and airports and for supervising several permanent road divisions that maintain private roads on behalf of the citizens in those districts. The department is responsible for overseeing capital improvement projects for County buildings and facilities. The department employs engineers who prepare construction plans as well as supervise construction of these facilities. The department also acts as the County's surveyor and processes subdivision and survey maps. It administers the County's solid waste management functions including an active landfill. The department also manages the County water agency.
In addition, the Public Works Department oversees the operation and maintenance of several County service areas. These County service areas include both water and sewer districts along with road, lighting, and flood maintenance districts.
The Facilities Management Division provides for the maintenance, repair, and minor renovation of County buildings, parks and grounds. In addition, the division also provides maintenance, custodial, and landscape services, and often uses general assistance recipients and jail inmates to assist full-time County employees in providing these services.
ABOUT THE POSITION
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER I: Under supervision, to perform routine and basic grounds and gardening tasks in maintaining lawns and landscaped areas around County buildings and in County parks; and to perform related work as required.
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER II: Under general supervision, to perform routine and basic grounds and gardening tasks in maintaining lawns and landscape areas around County buildings and in County parks; may lead and instruct a group of trustees or probationers assigned to parks and grounds who perform duties like mowing, edging, trimming, excavation, and cleanup; and to perform related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER I: This is the entry and first working level in the Grounds Maintenance Worker class series. Incumbents in this class work under close supervision until they develop the skills and knowledges required for routine grounds maintenance work. Incumbents may be assigned the duties of the Grounds Maintenance Worker II class on an emergency or training basis.
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER II: A position in this class is distinguished from a position in the next lower class of Grounds Maintenance Worker I by performing more skilled grounds keeping duties and is expected to maintain, operate, and service a variety of grounds equipment.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate for this position will have the physical ability to consistently and efficiently perform manual labor tasks necessary to landscape maintenance. The ability to run a weed eater, mowers (push and ride on), backpack blower, chainsaw, powered and hand pruners, dig with pick and digging bar, shovel large quantities of landscaping materials including gravel, lift heavy and awkward objects safely, load and back a trailer. Knowledge of seasonal care requirements for lawns, trees, and ornamental flora. Ability to identify and the knowledge to treat common plant diseases, nutrient deficiencies, and insect infestations found in landscaping. Knowledge of basic small engine repair and common tool maintenance. Attention to detail and the ability to work and make decisions with minimal supervision, be reliable and consistent in attendance and be able to efficiently manage time on multi-location service routes where time on site is tightly scheduled. Knowledge of and the ability to troubleshoot irrigation problems and equipment malfunctions. Ability to interact professionally and communicate effectively with County employees and members of the public. The ideal candidate will possess a current QAC (B and C) certification or to obtain one in the first year of employment.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER I: Mows and edges lawns, and trims hedges; rakes grounds and picks up rubbish and papers; plants, cultivates, and irrigates lawns, flower beds, and other areas; operates power mowers, edgers and hedge trimmers; prunes and trims trees and shrubs; as directed, applies insecticides and fertilizers; weeds assigned areas; may assist with the installation and repair sprinkler systems; cleans park restrooms, using cleaners and disinfectants, and replenishes paper supplies and soap; picks up and hauls garbage and trash from parks; may assist in the maintenance and repair of park facilities; maintains and performs minor repairs to gardening and grounds equipment.
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER II: Performs the more skilled tasks relating to planting, cultivating, and otherwise maintaining landscaped areas; applies pesticides and fertilizers; prepares soil for planting or transplanting of shrubs, hedges, trees, and flowers; operates, inspects, services, repairs, and otherwise maintains various types of grounds equipment including mowers, rototillers, edgers, and other power driven and mechanical equipment; inspects and repairs sprinkler system components and parts; periodically lubricates and services grounds equipment to insure proper and safe operating condition; operates trucks and related grounds equipment to prepare areas for landscaping or the planting of lawns; may assist in the maintenance and repair of equipment and structures such as park equipment, tables, benches, and restrooms; may relieve the Lead Grounds Maintenance Worker during the latter's absence; may have the responsibility for the maintenance of more than one County park or area.
QUALIFICATIONS
It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.
Any combination of education and experience sufficient to directly demonstrate possession and application of the following:
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER I:
Knowledge of: Basic gardening and groundskeeping tools, materials, and equipment.
Ability to: Learn gardening and groundskeeping methods; use gardening and groundskeeping tools, materials and equipment; operate hand and power gardening and grounds maintenance tools; perform general manual labor; understand oral and written instructions; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Six (6) months of experience using gardening and groundskeeping tools, material, and equipment.
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER II:
Knowledge of: Hand and power tools including blowers, chain saws, mowers, trimmers, weed eaters, high ladder work, and materials, equipment and standard practices of grounds maintenance work; general landscaping principles; care of flowers, ornamental trees, and shrubs; pesticides; installation, maintenance, operation, and repairs of manual and automatic irrigation systems; safe work practices
Ability to: Operate hand and power gardening and grounds maintenance tools as described; apply pesticides; install and repair manual and automatic irrigation systems; perform general manual labor; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; supervise others assigned to grounds maintenance tasks; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
One (1) year of experience in grounds maintenance and landscaping work equivalent to Grounds Maintenance Worker I with Shasta County.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER I/II:
- Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER II:
- Possession of a Qualified Applicator’s Certificate for Pesticides issued by the State of California Department of Pesticide Regulations. Incumbents will have one (1) year from date of appointment to this class to obtain the certification.
SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
Responses to the following must be submitted with a completed application.
1. Do you have Six (6) months of experience using gardening and groundskeeping tools, material, and equipment? If “Yes,” please provide details including, but not limited to, employers, dates of employment, and job duties. If “No,” please type “N/A.”
2. Do you have One (1) year of experience in grounds maintenance and landscaping work equivalent to Grounds Maintenance Worker I with Shasta County? If “Yes,” please provide details including, but not limited to, employers, dates of employment, and job duties. If “No,” please type “N/A.”
3. How many years of experience do you have performing grounds maintenance work?
a. No experience
b. Less than 1 year
c. 1 - 2 years
d. 2 - 3 years
e. 3 or more years
4. If you selected any option other than “a.” for question #3, please list in detail your previous landscaping or grounds maintenance experience relevant to this position, including but not limited to, employers, dates of employment and job duties.
5. Do you possess a Qualified Applicators Certificate for Pesticides" issued by the State of California Department of Pesticide Regulations? Yes / No
6. If you answered “No” to question #5, have you possessed a Qualified Applicators Certificate for Pesticides" issued by the State of California Department of Pesticide Regulations within the past?
a. Yes, within the last 1-3 years
b. Yes, within the last 3-6 years
c. Yes, 6 years ago
d. No
7. If you answered “No” to question #5, are you able to obtain a Qualified Applicators Certificate for Pesticides" issued by the State of California Department of Pesticide Regulations within one (1) year from date of appointment ? Yes / No
8. I acknowledge this position requires a valid California driver’s license. Yes / No
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to sit and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 95 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Employee may be required to walk up to 10 miles a day, and carry limbs, brush, heavy trashcans, and equipment for long distances.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat; and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Employee may be required to work on sloping roofs, high ladders and shovel snow. May work with public and released inmates.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
- All new employees are required to have their paycheck directly deposited to a bank account.
- Some positions may require a valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record according to County policy.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made for those persons who are disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act to perform the essential functions of the position.
- As part of the selection process, all individuals provided with a preliminary offer of employment with Shasta County will be subject to a background investigation, including a criminal history check (primarily completed through the taking of fingerprints). An image of your fingerprints will be captured and sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history, (if any), will be evaluated along with the other information received in connection with your application. Except as otherwise required by law, a criminal conviction will not necessarily disqualify you from the position. The nature of the offense, the date of the offense, the surrounding circumstances, and the relevance of the offense to the position applied for may, however, be considered.
- Based on the results of the background investigation and criminal history check, applicants may then be provided with an offer of employment conditioned on the results of a medical examination, which includes drug/alcohol testing.
- Shasta County participates in E-Verify. For more information visit https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPoster.pdf (Download PDF reader). If you do not have internet access, contact Personnel at (530) 225-5515 to request a flyer.
- In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
- Positions in this classification are covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the County and the Trades and Crafts Unit.
- Employees in this classification are covered under the CalPERS retirement program. Depending on the provisions of the California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and other applicable laws, an employee in this classification will be covered under one of the following CalPERS retirement formulas: (1) 2% at 55, (2) 2% at 60, or (3) 2% at 62. An employee in this classification will also contribute up to 9.5% his/her pay to this plan or will contribute such other amount to the plan as authorized by PEPRA and other applicable laws. Please visit our employees benefit page at https://www.shastacounty.gov/personnel/page/employee-benefitsfor additional information regarding benefits and CalPERS coverage information. The provisions in this flyer and on the County website are for information purposes only. To the extent the provisions of the flyer or the County website are inconsistent with PEPRA and other applicable laws, PEPRA and other applicable laws shall govern.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES
Shasta County Personnel will accept applications and responses to the supplemental questions until 12:00 p.m., on May 15, 2025. A Resume and/or Cover Letter will be accepted in addition to the application form but will not serve as a substitute for a completed application. It is not acceptable to complete the application with statements such as, “Refer to Resume and/or Cover Letter,” or “See Attached Resume and/or Cover Letter” the employment application must be completed in its entirety prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Closing date postmarks or faxes will NOT be accepted. This recruitment will establish a list that may or may not be used by other departments. Prior applicants must reapply to be considered.
Applicants will be screened and those considered best qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the announced requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of additional application screening, written and/or practical exam(s), oral interview, or any combination thereof.
Veterans' Credit:Veterans (as defined by California Government Code section 18973) who have been discharged from military service under conditions other than dishonorable and who receive a passing score on all components of the employment examinations (up to and including oral examinations) shall receive credit for an additional five points to be added to their final examination score. To be considered for this credit, a veteran MUST provide a copy of his or her discharge document (DD-214 or equivalent) and information as to the type of discharge (honorable, dishonorable, etc.) WITH THE EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE THE FINAL FILING DATE.
Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line at www.ShastaCountyCareers.com or submit an application to the Shasta County Personnel Office.
Arrangements may be made to accommodate applicants with disabilities. Requests for accommodations may be made to the Shasta County Personnel Office by the filing deadline posted on this bulletin. Shasta County does not discriminate on the basis of disability. If you feel you are being denied service based on a disability, our ADA Coordinator may be reached at (530) 225-5515; relay service (800) 735-2922; fax (530) 225-5345.
Shasta County will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Shasta County is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.
SHASTA COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Shasta County Personnel
1450 Court Street, Suite 348; Redding, CA 96001; (530) 225-5515
Salary : $17 - $22
