Grounds Maintenance Worker I

This posting covers Madera County. The location shown is the county; the work may be anywhere in it.

Examples of Duties

The job functions listed below are not inclusive or exclusive and are intended only as illustrations or examples of the various types of work that may be performed in various divisions/departments. Types of work performed shall be within the scope and licensure (if required) for the classification. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law. Some duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Maintains County parks, grounds, and related areas in a clean and orderly condition; monitors and inspects areas for needed maintenance and repair work.
• Patrols parks and grounds removing debris and trash; cleans recreation areas and restroom facilities and replenishes supplies.
• Mows lawns with riding and push mowers; removes weeds and brush; trims bushes and trees; removes trees and brush and hauls debris to County disposal sites.
• Installs, maintains, and adjusts sprinkler systems; works to reduce water use and utilize minimal water needed to maintain healthy grounds.
• Sprays and applies chemicals to keep vegetation under control; controls rodents and other pests.
• Maintains and tests backflows for water systems.
• Observes and complies with County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Application Process

The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training and experience relative to the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.
 
Only qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the examination process which may be administered by a written examination, oral interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application.

Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for one or more of the assessments listed below. Of those passing the initial assessment, only the top 15 will move forward to the appraisal panel. Passing score is 70% out of 100% on each assessment section. If only one assessment is conducted, the weight for that assessment will be 100%.

THE APPRAISAL PANEL (100%) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2026

To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our website . All job postings are also included via the TDD phone at and the 24-hour job line at. Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded), licenses, and certificates to your application or your application may be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application. 
 
For an open recruitment, applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit a copy of their DD-214 form along with the application. Candidates who attain ranking on an eligible list and are involuntarily called to active duty may be considered for eligibility reinstatement upon their return. 
 
PLACEMENT ON THE ELIGIBLE LIST:

The Civil Service Commission may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the examination process. If two or more candidates have the same total final score on an examination, they shall be ranked in order of their scores in that portion of the examination which has the greatest weight. The names of two or more eligibles having final ratings which are identical shall be grouped on the eligible list as tie names with equal rank for certification and appointment purposes.
 
Candidates who are successful in all phases of the examination process will be placed on an eligible list, in rank order based on a calculation of their total score from the examination process. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of six (6) months or one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to section 6-4 (b) and may be extended for up to an additional year by the Commission. 
 
PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:
As a condition of employment with the County of Madera, a candidate must submit to a Tuberculosis (TB) screening, and related follow up testing as necessary. Designated classifications* are also subject to a medical examination, which includes a review of medical history. TB screenings and medical exams are administered by the Madera County Public Health Department and/or health care professional designated by the County. 
 
Designated classifications required to submit to an employment medical examination generally include those that are physical in nature or as may be required by law. If you have any questions about the pre-employment requirements, please contact the Department of Human Resources at or .
 
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT:
You will be required to submit verification of your identity and citizenship or legal right to work in the United States at the time of and as a condition of an offer of employment.

As a condition of employment, all prospective employees shall be required to be fingerprinted.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Madera County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, political affiliation, or any other basis protected by Federal or State law.

Qualifications

Employment Standards / Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge of: Procedures used in landscaping maintenance, tree trimming, and groundskeeping work
• Methods, equipment, and application of herbicides and pesticides used in grounds maintenance
• Environmental conditions and their effects on landscaping
• Fertilizers and their effects on vegetation Landscaping materials, supplies, and techniques
• Types of trees, shrubs, and plants including weeds
• Basic understanding of water deficiency in plants Irritation systems and operations
• Use and maintenance of a wide variety of hand, power, and landscape tools and equipment
• Safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff
• The structure and content of the English language to effectively perform the work
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed
• Ability to: Operate a variety of tools and equipment to effectively perform the work
• Install, repair, and maintain irrigation systems
• Recognize common plants, plant diseases, insects, and pests
• distinguish among varieties of turf
• Maintain accurate records
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, and procedural guidelines
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, at a level necessary to effectively perform the work
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Education and Experience Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying
• A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Formal or informal education or training which ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance
• Six (6) months of training or experience in general grounds or landscaping work
• Licenses and Certifications Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate California driver license
• Physical Demands Must possess mobility to work in the field
• to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces
• frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties
• to climb and descend ladders and work at heights, to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites
• strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confining spaces and around machines
• vision to read printed materials and a computer screen
• and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment
• Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff
• The work requires wear and use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Environmental Conditions Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes
• Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures

Work for Warriors is a no-cost employment program of the California Military Department for Service Members, Veterans, and military family members. The Veteran Staffing Consultant for Madera County is Martin Rivera.