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Position Number: CLA21-401

College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita Community College District

announces an employment opportunity for

Grounds/Landscape Specialist

(Canyon Country Campus)

A Full-Time Classified Represented Position

Review Date: December 15, 2021

This position is a high priority for our District for the 2021-2022 year and is contingent upon continued available district, grant and state funding.

The Santa Clarita Community College District/College of the Canyons is seeking a full-time Grounds/Landscape Specialist in the Facilities Services division.   

Who We Are

The Santa Clarita Community District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As presented in our District Strategic Plan, which focuses on Access, Engagement, and Success, “Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not goals in themselves, but ideologies embedded in all actions and planning across all departments and functions of our college and its two campuses.” These areas of focus demonstrate a resolve to focus on student success and confirm that we are at the forefront of change with integrated planning efforts that both evolve and anticipate the needs of our students. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences — fostering healthy inclusion through inquiry, shared dialogue and reflection to ensure that we promote a sense of community, collegiality and cooperation. When you join our team at the Santa Clarita Community College District, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, creative, flexible, innovative and equity-focused community that engages students, each other, and the community in scholarly inquiry, creative partnerships, and the application of knowledge and success. 

The College and the District

College of the Canyons is part of the Santa Clarita Community College District and is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), enrolling approximately 32,000 students each academic year. College of the Canyons has a diverse student population that reflects our focus on enhancing the educational attainment and economic well-being of the community we proudly serve. Detailed information about our student population, including data related to student success, can be found on the College of Canyons Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness (IRPIE) website. Additionally, College of the Canyons, was recently honored as a 2021 Bellwether College Consortium award winner, was honored in 2018 and 2019 with the Champion of Higher Education award, was ranked #1 in Los Angeles County during 2019 as the best two-year college for adult learners, and is rated #1 in Los Angeles County for completion rates by college-prepared students. It is distinguished as one of the top transfer institutions in Los Angeles County. 

Who We Want

We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate must be an equity-minded individual committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students and community partners who share our commitment to closing equity gaps. The Santa Clarita Community College District seeks leaders possessing a strong grounding in academic and student services programs and a thorough understanding of the primary mission of the community college. We seek employees that value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, who are conscientious risk takers and transformational leaders guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals. 

"BIG PICTURE" RESPONSIBILITY:

Under the supervision of the Director, Facilities, and under the work direction of the Maintenance/Facilities Lead (VLC and CCC), skillfully operates a variety of heavy-duty grounds maintenance equipment and performs complex grounds maintenance and gardening functions and activities.  Performs other related duties as assigned.

Canyons Hall

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

  1. Operates a variety of power equipment, including large gang mowers, tractors, backhoe equipment, sweepers, light trucks, forklifts, scissor lifts, boom lifts, aerial lifts, motorized painting machines/sprayers, field groomers, fire hoses and other related motorized equipment. Performs a variety of specialized functions using a variety of tractor attachments; may drive a truck with a trailer attachment.
  2. Services grounds maintenance equipment and makes minor adjustments and repairs.  Assembles and marks new tools for identity and tracking purposes.  Performs a variety of preventive maintenance functions.
  3. Mows large fields and sweeps large areas of asphalt and concrete.  Uses both manual and motorized equipment to pick-up trash.  Digs trenches for new gas lines, water mains, and electrical lines and back fills the trenches.
  4. Fills, levels, smooths and prepares areas for sidewalks, approaches, slabs and in preparing landscaped areas for the planting of lawns and a variety of plants, shrubs and trees; may smooth and level athletic fields.
  5. Sprays for weeds and insect control.  Participates in training on proper use and handling of pesticides.
  6. Moves furniture and equipment.  Assists with setup/Civic Center functions.
  7. Plans, lays out, installs, maintains, and repairs sprinkling and irrigation systems.
  8. Measures, cuts, threads, and installs pipe, tubing, fixtures and devices to sprinkling system.
  9. Pours cement footings and lays bricks in the construction of retaining walls.
  10. Prunes trees, shrubs, and hedges.
  11. Responsible for grounds maintenance and upkeep to assigned area(s) on campus as well as other areas as needed. 
  12. Assignment may also include maintenance of artificial turf, tennis courts, and various athletic fields.  Uses necessary tools and equipment to maintain fields, assist in set-up and preparation of fields before sporting events, and taking down and cleaning area after the event.  Works with Maintenance/Facilities-Lead to complete grounds maintenance as required.  Reports damages to fields to the Manager. 
  13. Participates in department training and cross-training to ensure current knowledge of grounds maintenance as well as maintenance requirements of different athletic fields.
  14. Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience/Education:

Verifiable experience performing grounds maintenance and gardening work including the operation of large grounds equipment such as, tractors, trucks, large power mowers and motorized manlifts.  Must understand, speak and read English at a level required for successful job performance. 

Licenses Required:

Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license.

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Position requires knowledge of: 

  • Electronic and electro-mechanical irrigation controls.

 

Position requires ability to: 

  • Skillfully operate and maintain large grounds equipment.
  • Safely and skillfully use a variety of grounds maintenance and gardening tools.
  • Skillfully apply chemicals in the eradication and control of weeds, insects and pests.
  • Successfully pass and maintain various manlift certification trainings.
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
  • Work successfully in a multicultural environment.
  • Demonstrate clear evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, staff and community.

SALARY PLACEMENT

Salary placement will be on Range 20 of Classified Represented Salary Schedule B ($3,878.00 - $6,511.00 per month). 

Initial salary step placement for new employees is customarily at step 1, 2, or 3 ($3,878.00 / $4,113.00 / $4,341.00 per month) of this 20-step salary range. 

Probationary period for new Classified employees is one year. Work year is 12 calendar months. The normal workweek for this position is 40 hours. Paid holiday, discretionary, and sick time are provided. Ten vacation days accrue during the first year of employment. A regular work schedule will be assigned, with the ability to occasionally work a flexible schedule as needed with supervisor approval.

DISTRICT CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 

Full-time employees are provided with a diversified program that includes medical, dental and vision insurance including dependent coverage, disability and life insurance as well as Section 125 options.  These benefits commence on the first of the month following date of hire. Professional development opportunities are provided to all employees.  Educational incentive is available to eligible Classified Represented and Confidential employees.  

RETIREMENT: Classified employees contribute to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit retirement plan through the State of California.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires hand and digit dexterity to operate a variety of hand tools and power equipment; walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling; pushing and pulling equipment; working at heights of 50 feet or more on ladders or motorized equipment; bending at the waist; heavy lifting (regularly 50 pounds, occasionally 90 pounds); working outdoors in varying weather conditions; vision to read printed materials, directions and labels of various chemicals; hearing and speech for normal communications; and travel from site-to-site.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening. 
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109.
  • Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member.
  • Board of Trustees approval.
  • Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment.
  • Position is contingent upon funding and is subject to change.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

 

Santa Clarita Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to employing qualified employees 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.  The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not unlawfully discriminate in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law  or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. 

Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Human Resources office directly at (661) 362-3427.

Students

ABOUT THE DISTRICT

Innovative. Collaborative. Entrepreneurial. These characteristics not only define College of the Canyons, they are embodied by the faculty, staff and administrators who make this college unique among the 116 California Community Colleges.

Established in 1969, College of the Canyons is among the fastest-growing colleges in California and the nation. It is widely recognized as a model community college for enhancing student access, success and equity. Its completion rates rank among the highest in the state. The college has established a well-deserved reputation for bolstering economic development and offering innovative career technical education responsive to industry needs.

Guided by visionary leadership, the college serves a 367-square-mile area of northern Los Angeles County that includes the dynamic, growing Santa Clarita Valley. A steady influx of new residents and businesses creates a spirit of possibilities that inspires the college to be flexible, creative and attuned to the community’s evolving needs. The growing diversity of the community is mirrored by the college, which qualifies as a Latino-serving institution.

The college’s influence in the community is best illustrated by the dozens of collaborative partnerships it has forged with local school districts, government entities and service organizations. Examples include the Performing Arts Center’s K-12 Arts Education Outreach initiative, which allows thousands of children to experience the arts each year, and Academy of the Canyons, an early/middle college high school at the Valencia campus that is ranked among the top 10 percent of high schools in the nation.

With campuses in Valencia and Canyon Country, the college offers 96 associate degree programs, including 31 associate degree for transfer (AD-T) options, as well as 148 certificate programs. Classes are offered during traditional fall and spring semesters, as well as shorter, intensive summer and winter sessions. Additional educational opportunities exist at the University Center, whose four-year colleges and universities offer approximately 30 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, as well certificate and credential programs. 

Because of the college’s commitment to meeting the needs of the community, local voters have approved two bond measures valued at more than $470 million since 2001. The college also secures substantial funds from the state and millions of dollars in grants each year that allow new, cutting-edge programs to be developed and facilities built to accommodate them.

 

Given its commitment to growth and innovation, College of the Canyons sets a new standard for what a college can achieve. It is a vital cultural, educational and economic force in the region. Join us to discover unexpected possibilities, the freedom to innovate and an opportunity to shape the future.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications online at https://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources/. If you require assistance, please call the Human Resources office at (661)362-3427 or for the hearing impaired TTY/TDD Line at (661)362-5178.  Applicants may check the status of their application online and may expect to be notified within approximately 4 - 5 weeks following the Review Date as to the status of their application.

All application materials must be uploaded online or received in the Human Resources office by the end of the day on the Review Date in order to assure consideration for this position. Postmark is not acceptable for this purpose. Separate application materials must be submitted for each position applied for. Materials submitted become property of the District and will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings.  The Human Resources office is located in the University Center, Suite #360 at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA, 91355.

Your application is not complete until the following required materials have been uploaded online or received by the Human Resources office:

  • An Online District Classified application.
  • A current detailed resume, which includes month/year dates of employment and descriptions of responsibilities at each employer.
  • Letter of interest (cover letter). In your letter, please address your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the job duties and the abilities section of this announcement. 
  • Confidential Recruitment Source Information (Voluntary Survey). This is voluntary and is part of the online applicant profile separate from the application.
  • Supplemental Questionnaire. Please answer the following questions as part of your application application packet.
  1. Do you possess a valid California Driver’s License? (yes/no) If offered a position, you will be required to provide proof of your current, valid California Driver’s License to the Human Resources office.
  2. Please describe your experience performing grounds maintenance and gardening work, including the operation of large grounds equipment such as tractors, trucks, large power mowers and motorized manlifts. Include employer name(s), position title(s), dates of employment, full-time or part-time status (including number of hours per week), your roles and responsibilities. Please provide your total years of full-time equivalent experience in this field.
  3. Please describe any experience you have maintaining artificial turf, tennis courts, and various athletics fields.
  4. Please describe your experience with electronic and electro-mechanical irrigation controls.
  5. Do you prefer to work alone or as a team? Please explain why.
  6. Please describe your ability to work successfully in a multicultural environment.
  7. Why do you want to work as a “Grounds/Landscape Specialist” at College of the Canyons? 
  • Letters of reference are optional.

 

Please note:

  • Skills evaluation of candidates for interview may be required.
  • Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.
  • Hiring committees review all complete, qualified application packets. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview. 
  • “Experience” generally refers to relevant paid experience. In some instances, unpaid experience may be counted as experience towards meeting the minimum qualifications or requirements for the position only if it entailed responsibilities substantially similar to those of relevant paid positions in the field.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide sufficient information and details to the Human Resources office at the time of submission of their application packet.  Details should include the organization, contact name and contact information, start and end dates, hours per week, and a list of relevant unpaid/volunteer duties or responsibilities performed.  Not all unpaid experience may qualify.  Upon offer of employment, an applicant will be required to obtain written verification(s) of any relevant unpaid/volunteer experience.
  • Current COC employees who are applying for this position: Please be aware that materials from your personnel file are not included as part of the application file; therefore, please provide the same requested application materials as any other applicant.
  • Please be aware that, should you be considered as a finalist for this position, reference checks will include current supervisor(s).
  • Applicants are encouraged to apply online. If you need assistance with the application process, contact:

Human Resources Office

(661) 362-3427

TTY/TDD (661) 362-5178 or visit our website at

https://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources/

 

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials are fully and correctly submitted. All materials submitted are for this position only and become the property of the District.  Materials will not be returned, copied or considered for other openings. Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of the official application form.

The College is expecting to conduct initial interviews between the weeks of January 17, 2022 and January 31, 2022 and conduct final interviews between the weeks of January 24, 2022 and February 7, 2022. This is an estimated timeline, and is subject to change. Interviews may be conducted remotely via Zoom or in person.

Please note that the college will be closed for Winter Break from December 23, 2021 through January 2, 2022. The Human Resources Office will reopen on Monday, January 3, 2022.

Position is offered contingent on funding. We reserve the right to withdraw, extend the filing date, reopen, or delay filling this position. Recruitment may continue until the position is filled. This recruitment may be used for future vacancies.

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