Groundskeeper l (Limited Duration)

Job Description:

Groundskeeper l (Limited Duration)

Description

Description

The City of Livermore is accepting applications for the position of Groundskeeper I. For more information, please refer to the job announcement .

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled general grounds maintenance work; operates equipment pertaining to tasks; and performs other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry level class in the Groundskeeper series. The incumbent is expected to perform hard physical labor in the performance of duties, work independently as needed, and to use good judgment in making decisions.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

General supervision is provided by a Supervising Groundskeeper and the Public Works Supervisor -Landscape Maintenance. May receive direction from a Landscape Maintenance Specialist or a crew leader.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

Examples of Important and Essential Functions

Landscape Care and Maintenance
Plants, cultivates, fertilizes, waters, sprays, and propagates plants, shrubs, trees, hedges, ground covers, and flowers; seeds or sods new lawns; fertilizes, maintains, and waters lawns; rakes, hoes, weeds, and performs general grounds maintenance and laboring tasks; spades and fertilizes flower beds and sets out plants; aids in keeping the grounds of public buildings clean, orderly, and free from pests, insects, diseases, and fungi; trims and prunes hedges, trees, shrubs, and stakes trees; and may provide direction to temporary employees and contract workers.

Equipment Care and Use

Maintains hand and power tools and equipment and keeps in good repair; assists in the repair, maintenance, and installation of irrigation systems; operates mowing equipment, and other related equipment; and drives trucks including small street sweepers and other essential vehicles.

Job Related and Essential Qualifications

Demonstrated Knowledge of:

Tools, materials, and equipment used in City maintenance and construction tasks; approved methods of planting, propagating, pruning, and maintaining hedges, trees, shrubs, lawns, and flowers; use and maintenance of gardening materials, tools, and equipment; common plant diseases, insects, and pests and approved methods and materials used for eradication and control; trees, plants, and weeds identification; safe methods of mixing and using chemicals and sprays; and safety procedures relating to the work environment and equipment.

Demonstrated Skills to:

Read, write, understand, and follow written and oral directions; work cooperatively with others; perform a variety of semi-skilled tasks in ground and garden maintenance; read and interpret pesticide labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), PCA written recommendations, and blueprint schematic drawings; apply pesticides in accordance with DRP Regulations; prune and plant trees in accordance with ISA standards; perform minor mechanical repairs; safely operate hand and power tools and equipment; communicate courteously and tactfully with the public; make quick decisions in emergencies; demonstrate dependability and good judgment; maintain a clean working area; and exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful, and effective customer service attitude with those contacted in the course of work.

Ability to:

Learn and apply the City’s policies, practices, and protocols; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; and meet the public with courtesy and tact.

Experience, Education, and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the best qualified candidates. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Experience : One year full-time paid experience in general grounds maintenance work.

Education :Equivalent to graduation of high school.

Training : Any recent training such as academic courses and certification programs which are relevant to this job classification.

License : Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record as determined by the City. Possession of a Commercial Class B driver’s license is desirable.

Certification :Possession of a Department of Pesticide Regulation’s Applicator Certificate and International Society of Arboriculture Certificate are desirable.

Other Requirements : Willingness and ability to work scheduled and emergency overtime; be available on call as required; wear a uniform and appropriate safety equipment; work outdoors under adverse conditions such as at night, at heights of 70 - 80 feet in the air, in confined and awkward spaces, on slopes, in heavy traffic, and in all weather conditions; and attend workshops and classes during work and non work hours as required.

Special Requirements : Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to read fine print on labels and in manuals, maps, diagrams and blueprints; drive vehicles; work with chemicals and pesticides used in the course of work; converse on the telephone, 2-way radio, and in person over the noise of machinery and traffic; detect subtle noises such as in machinery and running water; work on and around ladders and aerial lift trucks; crawl, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, stretch, and climb; safely manipulate tools and equipment; strength to safely lift and maneuver equipment and related supplies such as fertilizer bags, cement bags, tree grates, wire spools, and jackhammers weighing up to 90 pounds; and stand for long periods of time.

Additional Information

The City of Livermore is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.

CITY OF LIVERMORE
BENEFITS SUMMARY
Association of Livermore Employees

Please click here for a copy of the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Association of Livermore Employees. The information contained here is a summary of benefits. For a more detailed summary of benefits for all employee groups, click here . Any errors or omissions do not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. Updated 1/2026

MOUTERM
10/01/2025 - 09/30/2029

SCHEDULED INCREASES
10/06/2025 5% + 1% (in recognition of rising medical costs)
10/05/2026 3% + 1% (in recognition of rising medical costs)
10/04/2027 3%
10/02/2028 3%

CAFETERIA PLAN (MEDICAL, DENTAL & VISION)
$1,950/month towards medical, dental, and vision; any unused portion of the employee's benefit amount will be added as taxable income to the employee's earnings. Effective 12/1/2025, ER will pay up to $100 per month towards the premiums for the dental and vision plans selected by the employee who is currently enrolled in a City medical plan.

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE & ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE (AD & D)
FT - $60,000 EE coverage or PT - $30,000 EE coverage, ER paid
$1,000 dependent coverage, ER paid

EE option to purchase $25,000 additional life insurance & supplemental life to $500,000 (not to exceed 5x annual earnings).

LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD)
ER paid
60% of base monthly earnings to $5,000/month max. (180 day waiting period)

PERS
New City of Livermore EEs are enrolled in the 2% at 60 formula or 2% at 62 formula, depending on eligibility, as per AB 340.

Classic PERS Misc Member - 2% at 60

• Member Rate = 7% EE paid
• Employer Rate = 11.92% ER paid
• 36 consecutive months Final Comp
• Sick Leave Credit
• 4th Level 59 Survivor Ben.
• Military Service Credit

New PERS Misc Member - 2% at 62

• Member Rate = 7.5% EE paid
• Employer Rate = 11.92% ER paid
• 36 consecutive months Final Comp
• Sick Leave Credit
• 4th Level 59 Survivor Ben.
• Military Service Credit

MEDICARE (Hired after 3/31/86)
EE paid 1.45%ER paid 1.45%

RETIREMENT HEALTH SAVINGS (RHS) ER contribution of 4% of base pay into RHS account.

VACATION ACCRUAL
Years of Service Accrual Per Year 1 80.6 2-5 120.12 6-10 135.98 11-15 160.94 16-19 180.18 20+ 192.4
Prorated for part-time EE.
Maximum accrual: 340 hours

HOLIDAYS & HOLIDAY-IN-LIEU PAY
Holidays: 12 observed holidays or in lieu day off or if work 2.5 times pay.
Holiday-In-Lieu Pay: EE's assigned receive 7.5% of base salary, paid per pay period

SICK LEAVE ACCRUAL
96.2 hours/year
Pro-rated for part-time EE

SICK LEAVE USAGE:

• FAMILY SICK LEAVE : For immediate Family Illness - ½ Annual Sick Leave Accrual.
• PARENTAL LEAVE : For non-birthing parent who becomes a parent due to adoption, foster care placement, or birth of a child - 48 hours
• BEREAVEMENT/ FUNERAL LEAVE (non-immediate family) : 3 regularly scheduled workdays of sick leave can be used for aunt or uncle.

BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
3 regularly scheduled workdays max for immediate family.

PERSONAL LEAVE
Full-Time: 16 hours per year
Pro-rated for part-time EE.

PREGNANCY LEAVE & FMLA/CFRA
EE may use accrued leaves in compliance with City Rules & Regs
Benefit provided as per regulations: Federal Family and Medical Leave Act, California Family Rights Act, and California Pregnancy Disability Act

DEFERRED COMPENSATION 457(b)
ER will contribute $75, $50, or $25 per pay period, with required matching contribution of $75, $50, or $25 by EE.

2026 Maximum :
Normal = $24,500
Age 50+ = $8,000
Catchup Limits = $49,000
Voluntary EE Participation

SECTION 125 PLAN
No ER contribution
2026 Maximum
Dependent Care*: Up to $5,000/year -- *See IRS Pub #503
Unreimbursed Medical: Up to $3,300/year

• Pre-tax Health Care Premiums
• FSA's for Dependent Care
• Unreimbursed Medical Expenses
• Other options offered by plan administrator

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE
$850 per year/ paid in equal amounts per pay period
For Public Safety Dispatchers, Senior Public Safety Dispatchers, Supervising Public Safety Dispatchers, Police Clerks, Senior Police Clerk, Supervising Police Clerk, Animal Control Officers, Police Identification Technician, Supervising Property and Evidence Specialist, Property and Evidence Specialist, Community Service Specialists, Crime & Intelligence Analysts, Supervising Crime & Intelligence Analyst, Crime Prevention Specialist, and Crisis Intervention Specialist.

SAFETY SHOE ALLOWANCE
Public Works Department employees that are required to wear safety shoes or boots, and employees in the Engineering Technician, Neighborhood Preservation Officer, and Building Inspector series who perform field work, shall be eligible for an annual Safety Shoe reimbursement of up to $225 per calendar year for the purchase of safety shoes.

PRESCRIPTION SAFETY GLASSES
Reimbursement of up to $150/year for purchase of safety prescription glasses for EEs working in locations where there is a risk of eye injuries.

SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
EEs regularly assigned to city facilities operating 24/7 - $2.50/hour for all hours worked when assigned to a shift requiring EE work at least 4 hours between 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 a.m.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION
Public Works EEs: $12.00/day for EE who operates Class A vehicle, min of 50%+ operation/day.

STANDBY PAY
2 hours straight-time for standby on regularly scheduled work day
3 hours straight-time for standby on regularly scheduled days off and fixed City holidays

CALL BACK PAY
3 hours min @ OT rate for FLSA nonexempt. First 3 hours can't be taken as comp time but paid to EE.

WORK IN A HIGHER CLASS
If work min of 3 consecutive workdays, paid @ 5% differential or the minimum of the salary range of the higher classification.

COURT PAY/COURT CANCELLATION PAY
If in connection with EE's usual official duties, 3 hrs min @ OT, or 4 hrs min @ OT for those required to appear on normal day off or on graveyard shift.

SUPPORT SERVICES TRAINING OFFICER PAY
$90/pay period for full pay period while assigned.

BILINGUAL PAY
$75/pay period for those certified as competent at the conversational and written level. Must be identified by Department Head and approved by Admin Services Director, and used on the job.

$60/pay period for those certified as competent at the conversational level. Must be identified by Department Head and approved by Admin Services Director.

TELEPHONE PAY
20 minutes and for each minute exceeding 20 minutes at OT rate.

CELL PHONE ALLOWANCE
Standard = $40/month (if authorized)
See Administrative Regulation 36 for details.

COMMERCIAL DRIVERS' LICENSE PAY
$35/pay period with valid CA Commercial Driver's License and valid DOT medical card.

OT COMP & COMP TIME OFF
OT for > 40 hrs/week or > 8 hrs/day in a reg scheduled day or hrs in excess of those normally scheduled & worked/day @ 1 ½ x reg. pay or Comp Time in lieu of OT for FLSA nonexempt. Accrued Comp Time in excess of 100 hours must be paid out.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
75% reimbursement for tuition & books
For undergraduate studies, $4,000 FY max; $16,000 lifetime max
For graduate studies, $5,000 FY max; $10,000 lifetime max

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
100% reimbursement for required licenses and certifications

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Three (3) sessions per incident per family member. Unlimited telephonic consultations.

FLSA WORK PERIOD
168 hour pay period beginning Monday at 12:01 a.m., ending 7 days later on Sunday at 12:00 midnight. If an EE is not on this work week schedule, something must be in writing documenting EE's work week.

For WR Operator series : 168 hour period beginning Sunday at 12:00 midnight,
ending 7 days later on Saturday at 11:59 p.m.

PAY PERIODS
26 pay periods per year

Benefits listed are for regular full-time employees. Benefits are prorated for 30-hour and 20-hour employees.

ER = Employer
EE = Employee
FT = Full-Time
PT = Part-Time

Closing Date/Time: 7/31/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$6,145.84 - $7,410.08 Monthly