Physical Plant Laborer/Gardener (8097C) - Richmond Field Station

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

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We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

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Under the auspices of the College of Engineering Dean's Office, Richmond Field Station (RFS) Operations and facilities Management is responsible for maintenance of the physical plant at the Richmond site consisting of over 80 buildings and structures and involving approximately 500,000 assignable square feet. The staff of over 20+ includes the RFS manager, Superintendent, Management Services Officer, Skilled Craftspeople, Facilities Mgt Specialist 2, Laborers, Custodians and Student Workers. The operating budget is $3.3 million per year. Under the direction of the Custodian Supervisor and the Superintendent, the incumbent, is responsible for the interior upkeep of buildings, both inside and limited areas outside. The incumbent shall work in a manner that is both safe to self and building occupants.

This position provides support on a variety of landscape maintenance tasks, trash and recycling tasks and other duties as assigned. May work independently as part of a maintenance crew, or with skilled craft personnel and may also be assigned to perform tasks for the RFS manager.

Under general supervision, maintains campus grounds, roads, walkways, and exterior facilities. Duties include operating hand and powered equipment; performing landscaping, debris removal, minor concrete and earthwork; maintaining drainage systems and hardscapes; assisting skilled trades staff; and handling trash and recycling. The role follows established safety procedures and departmental policies, attends required trainings, and uses a computerized work order system to track and complete assigned tasks.

This is a 100% FTE, Limited term appointment. (A Limited appointment is expected to be on pay status for no more than 1,000 hours in a rolling 12-month period.)

The First Review Date for this job is: March 4, 2026 - Open Until Filled

25% Under supervision, perform manual tasks, use hand tools, powered equipment, powered leaf blowers, walk-behind mowers, edger, and line trimmers. Maintain and repair landscaping, roads, walk ways, and paved areas. Rake and sweep leaves and debris from grounds and around building entrances. Operate pneumatic tools, jack hammer, portable earth compactors, wood chipper, chainsaw, cement mixer. Trim trees shrubs from ground and from ladders. Operate gas powered equipment such as riding mower, forklift, street sweeper, boom lift and scissor lift. Clean roof gutters, drainage ditches and culverts. Sweep and power wash hardscapes and buildings. Collect trash and recycling dumpsters with forklift for disposal to appropriate landfill. Load and deliver metals to metal recycling bin, and trash to trash compactor.

25% As needed, performs the following duties: Dig and shovel earth, pour concrete, perform general gardening such as watering, weeding, pruning, picking up paper and debris, assist in conference room set ups, moving furniture, box moves, help skilled crafts staff with projects and moving materials including lifting up to 100 lbs.

25% Performs all work, on a daily basis, while conforming to RFS, Physical Plant-Campus Services, and University of California's policies and procedures, including code of conduct, IIPP (Safety and Health procedures), Hazardous materials communication program, Health and Safety manual, Facilities Emergency Plan, as well as other documents authorized by management to have bearing on employee safety and conduct. Attend safety, technical and general meetings.

25% Use and track work orders through computerized preventative maintenance program.

• Demonstrate customer service skills and team focused behaviors.
• Maintain good working relationships with customers, co-workers and staff.
• Record of reliability, good attendance, punctuality and follow-through on jobs.
• Work efficiently and follow all safety procedures
• Complete campus training for specific duties as needed.
• Lift and maneuver items weighing up to 100 lbs safely.
• Read, write and follow oral and written operational and safety instructions; read, write, and perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Track jobs for completion and to prepare detailed reports of work done, time spent and materials used.
• Ability to use and track work orders through computerized preventative maintenance program.
• Work within small, tight, and confined spaces.
• Possess a valid California Driver's License with a clean driving record.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $27.06 to $36.38 hourly. This is a 100% FTE Limited term position. This position is FLSA Non-exempt and paid biweekly.

Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.