Plant Grounds Worker

Salary : $4,426.00 - $5,385.00 Monthly Location : Downey, CA Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 000390 - 2026 Department: DUSD Opening Date: 03/25/2026 Closing Date: 4/14/2026 4:30 PM Pacific SELECTION PROCEDURES Only online applications will be accepted: This is a PROMOTIONAL ONLY recruitment to establish an eligibility list and fill a vacancy. The eligibility list will be used to fill permanent vacancies which may occur during the life of the eligibility list. Promotional examinations shall be restricted to permanent employees of the District who meet the qualifications of the class. Positions in this classification are full-time, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. The recruitment process will consist of a written and/or performance examination and/or an oral technical interview, which is tentatively scheduled during the weeks of April 20 - May 8, 2026. Qualified applicants will be notified by email. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, TITLE IX, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER The Downey Unified School District does not engage in any employment practice that discriminates against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental or physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy and childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information (including family and medical history), marital status, political affiliation, military and veteran status, or retaliation; or on any other basis as protected by state, federal or local law, ordinance or regulation, in its educational program(s) or employment. No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position(s) or program for which application has been made. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, Downey Unified School District will provide you with one upon notice. BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of an assigned supervisor or administrator, develop and implement work schedule and perform groundskeeping duties to maintain landscaped and other areas of an assigned high school; determine appropriate types of plant material to utilize taking into account physical placement, plant characteristics and budgetary limitations. FUNCTION & DUTIES Develop and implement work schedule and perform groundskeeping duties to maintain landscaped and other areas of an assigned high school. E Determine appropriate types of plant material for assigned high school taking into account physical placement and budgetary limitations; prepare ground around plants and shrubs, including mixing and applying fertilizers; plant trees, grass, flowers, plants and shrubs. E Perform regular maintenance of synthetic turf by sweeping and cleaning to remove debris, leaves, dirt, and other foreign materials. Ensure the surface remains safe, clean, and visually appealing, and report any damages or wear that may require repair or replacement. E Control vertebrate pests and/or crawling insects on campus using traps or approved baits. E Prune trees and shrubs; trim small trees to maintain height. E Rake leaves and lawns; sweep sidewalks; pick up rubbish and paper and perform general grounds cleaning. E Operate small and large lawn mowers, edgers, sweepers, turf vac, blowers, weed whip and paint sprayer. E Check grounds for safety and maintenance issues such as broken glass, holes and vandalism; report concerns and hazards to appropriate personnel. E Prepare athletic fields for events; mark and line fields using diagrams when needed. E Must demonstrate attendance sufficient to complete the duties of the position as required. E Maintain and utilize the appropriate personal protective equipment used in groundskeeping work. E Operate a District vehicle to conduct work; clean and service assigned vehicle. E Adjust and replace sprinkler heads, making minor repairs as necessary. Operates and monitors irrigation system controllers to ensure proper scheduling and efficient watering of landscaped areas. E Train and provide work direction and guidance to student workers as assigned. Maintain routine records as assigned. Perform related duties as assigned. Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an "E" which identifies essential duties required of the classification. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES KNOWLEDGE OF: Methods used in planting, cultivating, pruning and caring for plants, flowers, shrubs, trees and lawns. Knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the maintenance and care of synthetic turf fields. A wide variety of plant types and related planting techniques including proper soil, sunlight, food and water. Tools and equipment utilized in groundskeeping duties. Methods of preparing athletic fields for various sports including reading and understanding diagrams to determine appropriate dimensions to mark and line fields. Requirements of maintaining school grounds in a safe, clean and orderly condition. Laws as they relate to driving a motor vehicle. Defensive driving methods. Health and safety regulations. Traps and approved baits used to control vertebrae pests and insects. Maintain routine records. ABILITY TO: Develop and implement work schedule and perform gardening duties to maintain landscaped and other areas of an assigned high school. Clean, groom, sweep, and maintain synthetic turf using specialized equipment and tools. Determine appropriate plant material to utilize taking into account physical placement and budgetary limitations. Operate small and large lawn mowers, edgers, sweepers, turf vacs, blowers, weed whip and paint sprayer. Learn to program, operate, and adjust irrigation system controllers to ensure proper watering schedules. Operate a District vehicle to conduct work. Utilize traps and approved baits for the control of vertebrae pests and insects. Recognize and correct or report potential health and safety hazards. Work cooperatively with others. Meet schedules and time lines. Work independently with little direction. Communicate effectively. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Demonstrate mental acuity sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position. Be motivated to produce high quality work product. Work within stressful situations. Must demonstrate ability to accept and carry out responsibility for directions, control and planning. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE, LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS Any combination equivalent to: sufficient training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above and two years' experience in grounds work in a large institutional or multi-facility setting. LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: May require a valid California driver's license and the availability of private transportation or the ability to obtain transportation between job sites. May be required to drive between sites. WORKING CONDITIONS: ENVIRONMENT: Outdoor work environment, subject to seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions; subject to noise from equipment operation, regular exposure to fumes, dust and odors, and driving a vehicle to conduct work. PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Standing for extended periods of time; bending at the waist; climbing; heavy lifting and carrying items weighing up to 45-100 pounds; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate grounds maintenance hand and power tools and equipment; kneeling or crouching; digging; and walking over rough or uneven surfaces. HAZARDS: Exhaust vapors from power equipment, chemical vapors, dust, pollen, working at heights, and working around and with machinery having moving parts. Full-time Employees earn up to: 12 paid vacation days per year 12 paid sick days per year with unlimited accumulation 13 paid holidays The District offers two excellent medical plans, Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente; two dental plans, Delta Dental and MetLife SafeGuard; and vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP). Currently full-time employees (employees working 6 hours or more per day) pay 20% of the premium cost for these plans. All plans are available to the employees and their dependents. This coverage is available to employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week. Retirement benefits include membership in CalPERS (California Public Employee's Retirement System) and Social Security (OASDI). This is a joint contribution plan. To qualify for CalPERS an employee must work a minimum of 20 hours per week or already be a member, if not the employee is eligible for an alternative retirement plan. Additionally, the District encourages employees to pursue professional growth, and provides financial incentive for classified employees completing professional growth programs. Additional benefits available to employees to which the District does not contribute include life insurance, a Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan, an income protection plan, and a credit union. Substitute employees are not eligible for vacation or holiday pay but are eligible to earn sick leave at the rate of one hour per 30 hours worked, not to exceed 48 hours. Further, substitute employees are not automatically eligible for CalPERS or District health benefits. 01 The information you provide on the general and supplemental applications will be used to evaluate whether you meet the minimum requirements for this position. All experience, education, training, and certification must be included in your application in order to be considered. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the position will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Supplemental questions that are not answered fully and completely will be considered incomplete and may cause you to not be considered further in the recruitment process. All experience mentioned in the Supplemental Questions must also be included in the Work Experience section of the application in order to be considered complete. Resumes are not required or reviewed during the application process; therefore, you must ensure the application is complete.Did you read and understand this information? Yes No 02 This position is a promotional only position. Are you a Downey Unified School District employee? Yes No 03 The ideal candidate will possess two (2) years of experience in grounds work in a large institutional or multi-facility setting. Do you have two years' experience of grounds work in a large institutional or multi-facility setting? Yes No 04 If you answered yes to the above question, please describe your grounds work experience working in a large institutional or multi-facility setting?In your response include the place you worked, your job title, the job duties you performed, and the dates your worked in each position.The response should also be detailed in your application work experience.If you answered no to the above question, please indicate N/A. 05 CERTIFICATIONBy typing your name below, I hereby certify that all statements made in this supplemental application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge, and that any misstatement of material facts will subject me to disqualification or dismissal. Required Question

Created: 2026-04-07