Grounds & Landscape Specialist

Definition

About Orange Coast College (OCC)
Orange Coast College's 164-acre campus is located in Costa Mesa just minutes from Southern California's beautiful beaches. Founded in 1947, with classes beginning in 1948, OCC has grown into one of the nation's largest -- and finest -- community colleges. OCC has an unwavering commitment to equitable outcomes; inclusive practices; and rich racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity. Ideal candidates for this position share OCC's devotion to educating and improving the lives of our representative student, employee, and community populations. Ideal candidates for this position share OCC's devotion to educating and improving the lives of our representative student, employee, and community populations. We currently enroll 18,705 students, the majority of whom are from racially minoritized populations: 34% of OCC's students are Latinx, 2% are African- American, 25% are Asian, less than 1% Native American, 30% are White, and 5% are multiracial. OCC engages in a variety of professional development opportunities and partnerships so that we can serve disproportionately impacted groups. Student-centered activities that support OCC's mission include campus-wide student success projects funded by the Office of Student Equity; partnerships with local Hispanic Serving four-year institutions; active programs that work to improve the academic achievement of racially minoritized students, such as PUENTE and UMOJA; Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) and Disabled Student Program and Services (DSPS).

Department Specifics
The Orange Coast College Horticulture department facilities and grounds provide spaces that support classes in horticulture science, nursery operations, propagation, plant identification, soil science, residential irrigation, landscape design, landscape maintenance, and opportunities for participation in Poinsettia Crop Management. Our newest facility, the Aquaponics greenhouse, provides students the opportunity to grow food crops that are used in the OCC food services department. The area comprises seven greenhouses with over 9,000 square feet of space; 4,000 square feet of shade structure; an aquaponic greenhouse; a tree arboretum; fruit tree orchard; a well-equipped classroom building set on beautifully landscaped grounds; and an Outdoor Laboratory (150+ 10x10 garden plots). In addition, we use the entire campus as a living laboratory for our classes.

Orange Coast College Employee-Student Demographic Information
Direct Link: Employee / Student Profile Comparison Dashboard

Summary
Performs a variety of work involving grounds and landscape maintenance of public access grounds, gardens, and athletic venues. Works under the general guidance of an assigned team leader or supervisor. Works primarily as a skilled crew member but on small assignments may work independently with little or no direction.

Distinguishing Career Features
The Grounds and Landscape Specialist is fully qualified in grounds maintenance, not to be mistaken for an entry-level position. Advancement to a Senior position that is capable of performing a versatile range of equipment operations sufficient to do site excavation, advanced athletic field conditioning, and horticulture.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties may vary among departments and jobs. Incumbents typically perform a substantial portion or all of the following kinds of duties:

• Removes weeds, blows, rakes, and removes trash and debris from walkways, culverts, stairways, roadways, planters, and parking. Mows, grooms, and replants lawn areas. Fertilizes turf and various landscaped areas. Maintains in-ground drains and culverts.
• Plants and cultivates trees, grass, flowers, and shrubs. Applies fertilizer as needed. Spades and otherwise prepares grounds for planting.
• Assists with maintenance, repair, replacement, and upgrading of irrigation systems and components. Digs trenches, unloads and relocates materials, and cleans tools and equipment.
• Installs, adjusts, maintains, and repairs electronic timers. Installs, inspects, and performs repairs to electronic and hydraulic valves and controllers.
• Cleans fields, seating areas, and facilities following events. Performs general grounds clean-up including picking up paper and trash on grounds areas. Performs maintenance and cleaning duties of sports facilities.
• Applies herbicides and pesticides to areas, as authorized. Places postings where pesticides are being applied. Applies biological/organic controls for pests and weeds.
• Assists with landscaping and sports/playfield projects. Constructs and contours raised beds, gardens, and drainage areas.
• Locates and repairs shutoff valves, irrigation valves, and physical layouts.
• Performs other related duties as assigned that support the objective of the position.
• Required to abide by all District policies and procedures including Board Policy 3050 – Code of Professional Ethics.

Qualifications and Physical Demands

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge and Skills

• The position requires working knowledge of the procedures, methods, techniques, and equipment used in grounds and landscape maintenance.
• Requires basic knowledge of plants and plant types used for beautification in high foot traffic areas.
• Requires knowledge of the procedures used in the proper application of fertilizers and other additives.
• Requires basic knowledge of routine maintenance of sprinkler and irrigation systems.
• Requires sufficient human relations skills to interact with co-workers and staff.
• Requires sufficient arithmetic skills to calculate weights, proportions, and sums.

Abilities

• Requires the ability to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the position.
• Requires the ability to plant, cultivate, prune, and care for plants and lawns.
• Requires the ability to learn and apply herbicides and pesticides safely.
• Requires the ability to assist with walkway repairs.
• Requires the ability to identify common turf and other plant diseases and pests and take steps to mitigate or eradicate them.
• Requires the ability to use and take care of hand tools, mechanical equipment and power tools, and rolling stock.
• Requires the ability to maintain accurate records and diagrams.
• Requires the ability to organize work assignments to meet timelines and deadlines

Physical Abilities

• The general physical demands, working conditions, and essential job functions associated with this classification will be kept on file with the Office of Human Resources.
• Essential functions will vary by position.
• As defined by Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”), the District shall engage in a timely, good-faith interactive process with employees or employment applicants who are requesting or are in need of reasonable accommodations and, provide reasonable accommodations for employees or employment applicants who, because of their disability, are limited in or unable to perform one or more of the essential functions of their job in accordance with applicable state and federal law.

Education and Experience and demonstrated evidence of D.E.I. (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion):

• Two years of experience in grounds keeping or landscaping or equivalent. Post-secondary education training in landscaping or a related area may substitute for some experience.
• OR, any combination of education and experience which would provide the required equivalent qualifications for the position.

AND

• Demonstrated evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the racial, ethnic, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic, academic, and cultural diversity within the community college student population, including students with different ability statuses (e.g., physical and/or learning) as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practice within the classroom.

Licenses and Certificates
Requires a valid driver's license.

Working Conditions
Work is performed mostly outdoors where significant health and safety considerations exist from physical labor and working with machinery.

Note: (D.E.I.A. - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access)
The Coast Community College District (Orange Coast College, Golden West College, and Coastline) continue to strengthen our efforts around diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. Orange Coast College is focused on creating a culture of inclusive excellence by uplifting employees and students through an environment that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible. We have a strong focus and importance on D.E.I.A. (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access) and will be actively listening, assessing, and evaluating this throughout each stage of the application, recruitment, and interview process.

• Orange Coast College - Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Conditions of Employment

This is a permanent, general-funded, full-time, 12-month per year classified position. The normal hours of work will be Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the flexibility to occasionally work extended hours and/or weekends, if necessary, to meet the needs of the department. The effective date of employment will be arranged with the supervisor. The District provides medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employee and eligible dependents and life insurance for the employee. (Salary Schedule: EE-112)

Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment. 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 Coast Community College District policies, procedures, and Title IX. (Reference: BP/AP 5910 ) The Coast Community College District celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Individuals interested in advancing the District's strategic diversity goals are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

Pay Philosophy:
Coast Community College District, through policies, practices, and other benefit programs, delivers a fair and equitable total compensation program that promotes equal employment opportunity, inclusion, and workforce vitality. In general, it is the policy of the District to place new employees at the first step of the salary grade. All movement on the salary schedule will occur on July 1 of each year for all classified employees.

Application Requirements:
The deadline to apply is August 12, 2022 . Application materials must be electronically submitted online at http://www.cccd.edu/employment to be considered for employment.

Incomplete applications, application materials submitted by mail, and documents not requested in the job announcement will not be considered. Please note that the district does not return materials submitted in the application process (copies of original supporting documents are acceptable).

A complete application packet includes:

A complete Coast Community College District Online Employment Application.

Responses to Supplemental Questions (please provide clear and detailed responses, as they will be carefully evaluated to determine the most qualified candidate(s) to be invited for an interview; please do not paste your resume, put 'see resume' or 'N/A', or leave blank).

A Cover Letter highlighting your experiences relevant to this position and addressing the minimum and essential qualifications, including your demonstrated evidence of D.E.I.A. (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access) (upload as a separate attachment - PDF recommended).

A Current Resume of professional and educational background and experience (upload as a separate attachment - PDF recommended).

Submit an application online at:
http://www.cccd.edu/employment

Coast Community College District – Human Resources
1370 Adams Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92626



Individuals who need reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA should notify the Human Resources Office for assistance or call 714.438.4716.

Additional Information

Selection Procedure

• All online applications received by the application deadline will be screened to determine which applicants meet the minimum qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Please note: Possession of the minimum qualifications does not ensure an interview.

• Applicants wishing to apply for more than one position must submit separate application materials for each desired position.

• Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and who are also deemed to possess the highest committee evaluation will be invited to an interview.
• If any travel is required for an applicant to participate in person during the interview process, this will be done so at the candidate's own expense .

• During the interview, candidates may be asked to conduct a short oral demonstration/presentation on a previously announced topic as well as participate in a writing exercise, or hands-on practical.
• Consideration will also be given to factors in addition to education and experience, including but not limited to professional development, ability to work with others, and commitment to meet student needs.
• The search committee will rate the candidate's responses to the interview questions, the demonstration/presentation, and the applicable writing exercises and/or hands-on practicals. Based on this rating, a number of candidates will be recommended to move forward and will be invited for a second-level interview.
• The hiring manager will conduct reference checks on the final candidate. The district reserves the right to contact the current or most recent employer and to investigate past employment records of applicants selected for interviews.
• The campus President will make the final recommendation for employment to the Board of Trustees.
• The start date will be determined based on the needs of the campus and the conditions of employment as posted in the job announcement/recruitment.
• Applicants who are eliminated from consideration will be notified by email. All applicants are requested to provide an email address in their online application. Candidates should not expect official notification of the status of their candidacy until the Board of Trustees has acted upon the College's recommendation for employment.
• The District reserves the right to extend th e deadline, re-advertise the position, or delay filling this position based on the needs of the District and the student population we serve.

Employment Information

• Regular attendance is considered an essential job function; the inability to meet attendance requirements may preclude the employee from retaining employment.
• 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 Coast Community College District policies, procedures, and Title IX. (Reference: BP/AP 5910)
• The Coast Community College District celebrates all forms of diversity and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Individuals interested in advancing equity and inclusion goals are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.

The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:

• Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for the initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
• Provide a valid COVID-19 Vaccination card or Vaccination Exemption.
• Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate’s expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment)
• Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States including a Social Security Card; AND
• Participate in a new hire onboarding appointment with an Employment Services Representative.

Coast Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The Coast Community College District is committed to employing qualified administrators/managers, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. W e are committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and equal consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not discriminate unlawfully in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

The Coast Community College District is a multi-college district that includes Coastline, Community College, Golden West College , and Orange Coast College . The three colleges offer programs in transfer, general education, occupational/technical education, community services, and student support services.



Since its founding in 1947, the Coast Community College District has enjoyed a reputation as one of the leading community college districts in the United States. Governed by a locally elected Board of Trustees, the Coast Community College District plays an important role in the community by responding to the needs of a changing and increasingly diverse population.

Coast Community College District Title IX:

https://www.cccd.edu/employees/hr/title9/Pages/Staff-and-Faculty-Resources.aspx

This direct link 2021 Coast Community College District Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is the 2021 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report for Coast Colleges. The crime statistics for calendar years 2018, 2019, and 2020 were submitted to the U.S. Department of Education as required under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. A hard copy can be provided from one of the Campus Safety Offices. Please contact any of the Campus Safety Offices for any questions regarding the report.