Athletics Lead Groundsworker

(Lead Groundsworker)

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $3,890 - $4,210 per month (Internal employees may be placed at a salary higher than the anticipated range as required by the collective bargaining agreement.)

Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,890 - $5,555 per month

• This is a full-time (equivalent to 40 hours per week), probationary, non-exempt position.

• Area of consideration is limited to on-campus, state funded employees only.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Athletics Lead Groundsworker oversees the work of employees engaged in general gardening and grounds maintenance work in assigned areas of the campus grounds; or oversees and assists in the work of employees engaged in more specialized work such as ornamental gardens and landscapes, performance turf and play field maintenance, irrigation system operations and maintenance, lawn maintenance, and pest control; or oversees and assists a crew of employees engaged in grounds projects such as planting major turf, flower or shrub areas, installing irrigation systems, or installing landscape/hardscape features.

This position may require working after hours and on weekends.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of:
  • The principles and practices of providing effective leadwork oversight. Know and understand Grounds Department guidelines and procedures for assigning work.
  • Thorough knowledge of methods, materials, and tools/equipment used in planting, cultivating, and caring for flowers, shrubs, lawns, and trees.
  • Good working knowledge of common plant diseases, pests, and weeds, along with approved methods and materials used in their control and eradication.
  • Planting and growing requirements of plants commonly grown in our region of California, with special attention to drought-tolerant plants.
• Skill/Ability to:
  • Ability to plan, coordinate, and oversee the work of others.
  • Provide training, interpret policies, and explain methods and procedures.
  • Inspect and evaluate the work of others.
  • Ability to develop and implement pest control programs, including IPM and Organic methods. Maintain chemical inventory, pesticide use reports, and compliance program.
  • Read and write at a level appropriate to the position.
  • Perform general gardening and grounds maintenance work.
  • Always maintain a professional-like attitude while on duty.
  • Interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and in a team-oriented environment.
    
    

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Two years of experience in planting, cultivating, and maintaining flowers and shrubs, or in skilled grounds maintenance work.
• Experience leading and assisting a team of workers engaged in horticultural work.
• Valid California Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
• Possession of the appropriate California Department of Pesticide Regulation license to perform pest control work (Qualified Applicator License or Qualified Applicator Certificate).
  • Preferred Skills:
    • Advanced level of skills, knowledge, and abilities that are required of specialists in sprinkler repair work, horticultural spray work, plant propagation, gardening, or nursery work.
    • Two years of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas in an institutional setting.
    • Four years of experience in a full range of horticultural work on performance turf and play fields or golf courses.
    • Knowledge of Mountain West Conference and NCAA regulations and standards regarding the setup and marking of athletic fields for games.
    • Knowledge of or ability to understand how to re-sod, re-grade, aerate, and topdress athletic fields.
    • Arborist Certification.
    • PCA License.

Department Summary

Fresno State Facilities Management is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and sustainable environment that supports the operational needs of our campus community.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by January 29, 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.  Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is 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.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)