Lead Landscape/Chemical Specialist (Campus Grounds and Sports Field)

Posting Number:

CM-POST-000005

Posting Title:

Lead Landscape/Chemical Specialist (Campus Grounds and Sports Field)

Position Title:

Lead Landscape/Chemical Specialist (Campus Grounds and Sports Field)

Division:

Administrative Services

Department:

Grounds

FTE:

100

Term (month/year):

12 Months/Year

Primary Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 4:30am-1:00pm

Shift Differential:

Shift differential eligibility based on the current collective bargaining agreement.

Health & Welfare:

• Mt. San Antonio College offers a competitive and excellent benefits package providing medical, dental, and vision benefits to eligible employees and their dependents. Lifetime supplemental medical benefits are also available for eligible retirees.

• The College contributes an annual premium up to the family coverage amount equivalent to Kaiser Permanente $15 office visit medical, DeltaCare HMO dental, VSP vision and life insurance plans for eligible employees.

The District participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) retirement programs, and National Benefit Services.

*Note: The District does not cover Medicare expenses. Please visit the Mt. San Antonio College Benefits Website for further information. Salary and Health & Welfare Benefits are subject to change based on the Collective Bargaining Agreement or Meet-and-Confer agreements depending on job classification. Annual Salary Step Range:

$71,004.48 - $90,464.04 annually

Open Date:

05/21/2026

Initial Screening Date:

06/09/2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

District Rights:

We reserve the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.

Application Requirements:

First Review of Applications: Complete application packets will be accepted until the position is filled; however, applications submitted by 11:59 p.m. (PT) on the above listed Initial Screening Date are assured consideration.

Applicants must submit all of the following materials online, unless otherwise noted, at Mt. SAC Employment Website to be considered for this position:

1. A Mt. San Antonio College online application.

2. A cover letter describing how the applicant meets the required education and experience.

3. A detailed resume that summarizes educational preparation and professional experience for the position.

4. If applicable, all candidates, including current or former employees of the college, are required to show evidence of the awarded/conferred degree from the issuing college/university, and this evidence must be submitted with the online application to demonstrate that the required educational qualifications are met. Unofficial transcripts or a copy of the diploma are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be requested if an offer of employment is made.

5. Optional Three letters of recommendation that reflect relevant experience (do not use social media or professional networks as a means to provide letters of recommendation). Confidential letters of recommendation are not allowed for this position.

Special Note to Applicants:

To be guaranteed consideration, it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received before the initial screening date and time indicated on the job posting. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. All application materials will become College Property, will not be returned, and will not be copied. Please visit the Mt. SAC Employment Website to complete and submit your application for this position.

A confirmation number will be assigned when your application packet indicates the supplemental questions have been answered and a document has been attached to each required link. Assistance with the online application process is available through Human Resources at 1100 N. Grand Avenue, Walnut, CA 91789-1399. Human Resources telephone #: .... Human Resources e-mail: ... .

Do Not include photographs or personal information (e.g. DOB, place of birth, etc.) on your application or supporting documents.

Long Distance Travel for Interviews: If you are selected to participate in an interview and attendance will require you to travel in excess of 150 miles from your residence, please contact the Human Resources Technician listed on the interview invitation to discuss accommodation and/or travel reimbursement .

Foreign Transcripts:

Foreign Transcripts: Transcripts issued outside the United States require a course-by-course analysis with an equivalency statement from a certified transcript evaluation service verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. This report must be attached with the application and submitted by the filing deadline.

Selection Procedure:

A committee will evaluate applications, considering the breadth and depth of relevant education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities. The screening committee reserves the right to limit the number of interviews granted. Meeting the minimum qualifications for a position does not assure the applicant of an interview.

Interviews may include a writing sample, committee presentation, and/or performance test. The start date will follow Board approval and live scan clearance receipt.

Definition:

Under general supervision, leads, oversees, and trains grounds staff (ex. Grounds and Horticultural Technicians and Grounds Heavy Equipment Operators) and coordinates with contractors, as well as faculty and managers to identify and eradicate noxious pests, insects, plant diseases, and weeds on District grounds, apply fertilizers, and implements the Districts Integrated Pest Management (IPM) process and practices, in accordance with applicable state and federal law, and performs a variety of tasks and utilizes a variety of equipment in order to maintain the Districts grounds and athletic/sports fields in support of instructional and learning activities. (The individual who occupies this position classification is also designated as the IPM coordinator for the District).

Supervision Received and Exercised:

Receives general direction from the Director of Grounds & Transportation and supervision from the Supervisor, Grounds. Exercises technical and functional oversight over and provides training to assigned grounds maintenance staff.

Class Characteristics:

This is the advanced journey-level classification and is responsible for the full range of duties related to leading and implementing the Districts Integrated Pest Management processes and practices and weed and pest control and abatement. This position classification is distinguished from the Supervisor, Grounds in that the Supervisor, Grounds position is the full supervisory-level class in the series responsible for organizing, assigning, supervising, and reviewing the work of assigned staff involved in maintenance operations; whereas the Lead is responsible for overseeing day to day operational activities associated with the Districts weed and pest control and abatement programs. This position is distinguished from the Grounds and Horticultural Technician and the Grounds Heavy Equipment Operator position classifications by being directly responsible for the Districts weed and pest control and abatement programs and for ensuring pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemical substances utilized in maintaining campus grounds and athletic/sports fields are managed in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations.

Examples of Essential Functions(Illustrative Only):

1. Serves as the Districts IPM Coordinator; oversees the chemical program and coordinates with facilities staff, management; coordinates with and oversees contractors; coordinates with managers, staff, and faculty regarding pest abatement and chemical exposure issues associated with instructional and campus events.
2. Meets with inspectors and ensures that the chemical records, training, equipment, containment and practices are followed and meets standards according to federal and state laws and regulations.
3. Provides training, guidance, and instruction to staff for chemical usage and appropriate landscape and cultural practices to ensure healthy plants and safe grounds.
4. Provides training to staff regarding safety in the use of chemicals in accordance with state and federal regulations.
5. Provides training to staff on heavy equipment and safety.
6. Plans and provides training, direction, and guidance regarding campus landscape and athletics/sports field cultural practices.
7. Maintains staff training records regarding the chemical program and ensures they are available for the County Inspector per federal and state laws and regulations.
8. Communicates with managers, staff, and faculty and posts notices regarding pesticide application prior to treatment.
9. Maintains the Districts chemical and spray equipment inventory.
10. Orders chemicals appropriate for best safe practices for campus and sports field needs.
11. Maintains federal and state-mandated records and reports related to the application of highly toxic danger/poison, restricted and non-restricted chemical.
12. Mixes and applies accurate measurements of chemical pesticides such as insecticides, rodenticide, fungicides, growth regulators, and herbicides to District campus, athletic complex, sports fields, and greens in order to control and prevent pests, weeds, and plant diseases.
13. Applies fertilizers to District grounds and sport fields.
14. Instructs, trains, and operates grounds maintenance and heavy equipment such as dump trucks, heavy tractors, sweepers, skip loaders, backhoes, boom lift, bucket truck, large chemical boom rig, chemical sprayers complex hydraulic riding mowers, fork lifts and certain farm equipment and attachments for the grading, airification, veritical-cut, scraping, slicing, seeding, broadcasting and digging as required.
15. Operates power tools such as sprayers, chain saws, hedgers, blowers, mowers, and edgers.
16. Identifies equipment needs for each assigned project.
17. Maintains landscaped areas such as bushes, trees, flowers, and shrubs; trims and prunes bushes, trees, and shrubs to provide clearance of sidewalks and signs, as well as to ensure the continued health of the bushes, trees, or shrubs.
18. Removes fallen trees, stumps, fallen limbs, and clears debris from walks, fields, and other facilities.
19. Estimates labor, materials, and equipment needed for assigned projects; monitors inventory levels of materials and equipment; orders, receives, and maintains inventory of materials and equipment as needed.
20. Records and maintains work and material records.
21. Provides recommendations regarding needed parts and suppliers.
22. Observes safe work methods and makes appropriate use of related safety equipment as required.
23. Maintains work areas in a clean and orderly condition, including securing equipment at the close of the workday.
24. Provides needed information and demonstrations concerning how to perform certain work tasks to new employees.
25. Learns and applies emerging technologies and, as necessary, to perform duties in an efficient, organized, and timely manner.
26. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

1. Principles and practices used in the safe application of restricted and non-restricted pesticides, insecticides, rodenticides, growth regulators, herbicides, and fertilizers that contain restrictive chemicals.
2. State and federal laws and regulations pertaining to chemical programs and operations.
3. OSHA safety, County Agriculture commissioner standards and Department of Pesticide Regulations.
4. Intergraded Pest Management Program IPM.
5. Identification of plants, trees, turf, weeds, soils, diseases, pests, chemicals, and its active ingredients.
6. Proper use dilution and mixing of chemicals. Maintains knowledge of documentation requirements (MSDS/SDS).
7. Performs calculations related to proper dilution and mixing of chemicals; understands and interprets instructions provided on product labels in order to properly apply and use chemicals.
8. Principles, practices, methods, equipment, materials, and tools used in grounds maintenance.
9. Safe operation and routine maintenance of heavy equipment such as dump trucks, heavy tractors, sweepers, skip loaders, backhoes, boom trucks forklifts, large chemical boom rig, chemical sprayers complex hydraulic riding mowers, and certain farm equipment and attachments for the grading, airification, veritical-cut, scraping, slicing, seeding, broadcasting and digging and power tools used in ground maintenance.
10. Presentation and public speaking techniques for training and communication.
11. Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals.
12. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to area of responsibility.
13. Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work.
14. Safe work practices, including safe driving rules and practices.
15. English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
16. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, students, and District staff, including individuals of various ages, disabilities, socio-economic and ethnic groups.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Plan, organize, and provide training on regarding proper use of chemicals; maintenance of landscape, sports turf, and operation of heavy and light equipment
2. Identify potential soil, plant, turf, and tree diseases and pest infestations and nutrient deficiencies.
3. Perform skilled application of highly danger/poison restricted and non-restricted chemicals pesticides, fungicides, rodenticides herbicides, growth regulators and fertilizers.
4. Write reports for County Agriculture Commissioner and Department of Pesticide Regulation.
5. Understand and interpret federal and state laws and regulations related to chemical usage of restricted and non-restricted chemicals pesticides, fungicides, rodenticides herbicides, growth regulators, and fertilizers.
6. Keep accurate records and make them available for the County Inspector and facilities operation.
7. Implement programs for use of chemicals and IPM.
8. Research chemical materials and determine proper use; perform site specific tests in order to determine effective treatments.
9. Perform basic construction, modification, maintenance, and repair work.
10. Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials, costs, and supplies required for repairs and maintenance projects.
11. Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
12. Understand and follow written and verbal directions, instructions and safety rules and procedures.
13. Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written reports of work performed.
14. Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
15. Read and interpret manuals, diagrams, blue prints, and technical regulations.
16. Make accurate calculations.
17. Operate a truck, and observe legal and defensive driving practices.
18. Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
19. Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
20. Understand scope of authority in making independent decisions.
21. Review situations accurately and determine appropriate course of action using judgment according to established policies and procedures.
22. 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:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience and education in federal and state laws and regulations of chemical pesticide usage, including planning, training, guidance, on the application of toxic restricted material, pesticides, fungicides, rodenticides, herbicides, growth regulators, fertilizers, Intergraded Pest Management procedures and practices.

Pay Grade Eligibility:

N/A

Desirable Qualifications:

1. Experience which includes oversight of others and coordination of work, is preferred.

Licenses and Certificates:

1. Possession of and ability to maintain a valid California Drivers License.
2. California Qualified Applicators License.

Equivalencies:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications is listed in the Minimum Qualifications section.

Environmental Elements:

Employees work in the field and/or facilities and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, traffic, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, heavy equipment around students and staff, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with staff, students, clubs or organizations inquiring about chemical usage, and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Working with and mixing of toxic chemicals, including those chemicals that are considered to be restricted and those that are identified as toxic, poisonous, hazardous, or dangerous. Work with poison gases, and/or around poisonous fumes. Operate powerful moving heavy equipment, moving machinery, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, heights and unleveled surface. Work around heavy vehicle traffic.

Physical Demands:

Must possess mobility to work in the field as well as around various District facilities, to operate a motor vehicle and drive on surface streets; strength, stamina and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves field work requiring frequent walking at landscape site areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work and inspect work sites; lift, move, and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

Conditions of Employment:

The person holding this position is required to be present on Mt. San Antonio Colleges campus to perform all essential duties and responsibilities.

Official offers of employment are made by Mt. San Antonio College Human Resources and are made contingent upon Board approval. It is also required that a final offer of employment will only be made after the candidate has successfully been live-scanned and clearance for employment is authorized by Human Resources. Costs for live-scan services shall be borne by the candidate.

Notice to all prospective employees: 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 Administrative Procedure 3518, titled Child Abuse Reporting, as a condition of employment.

As required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Mt. San Antonio Community College Annual Security Report is available here: Mt. SAC Annual Security Report .

The person holding this position is considered a Responsible Employee under Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 and is required to report to the Colleges Title IX Coordinator all relevant details reported to him or her about an incident of alleged sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence and stalking.

Mission, Vision, and Equity Statement:

Our Mission: The mission of Mt. San Antonio College is to support all students in achieving their educational goals in an environment of academic excellence. Specifically, the College is committed to providing quality education, services, and workforce training so that students become productive members of a diverse, sustainable, global society. The College pledges to prepare students for lifelong learning through the mastery of basic skills, the achievement of associate degrees and certificates, and the completion of career and transfer pathways. The College will carry out this commitment by providing an engaging and supportive teaching and learning environment for students of diverse origins, experiences, needs, abilities, and goals. The College is dedicated to serving our community through improving economic achievement, advancing civic engagement, enhancing personal well-being, promoting critical thinking, and enriching aesthetic and cultural experiences.

Our Vision: Mt. San Antonio College strives to be regarded as one of the premier community colleges in the nation. We will be viewed as a leader in community college teaching, programs, and services. As a premier community college, we will provide access to quality educational programs and services, focusing on student success within a climate of integrity and respect. We will earn this reputation by consistently exceeding the expectations of our students, our staff, and our community.

Mt. San Antonio College Mission and Goals

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:

The College is an equal opportunity employer. The policy of the College is to encourage applications from ethnic and racial minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and Vietnam-era veterans. No person shall be denied employment because of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex (gender), age, sexual orientation, or the perception that a person has one or more of these characteristics.

Demographics:

We recruit and retain quality employees who are reflective of our students and the community we serve, in addition to providing all personnel with equity and diversity training.

The District is a proud Chicanx/Latinx, and Hispanic-Serving Institution, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and Minority Serving Institution, serving over 74,655 students based on the 2023-2024 academic year.

The student population is as follows:

• by Ethnicity 58.53% Latinx, 9.30% White, 20.85% Asian, 2.83% Filipino, 0.23% Pacific Islander, 3.64% Black/African American, 0.27% American Indian, 2.30% two or more races and 2.05% unknown;
• by Gender 54.96% Female, 43.11% Male, 0.66% Non-Binary, 1.27% unspecified;
• and by Age 47.71% ages 19 or younger, 19.37% ages 20-24, 8.53% ages 25-29, 5.51% ages 30-34, 3.90% ages 35-39, 5.16% ages 40-49, 9.79% ages 50 and older.

The current employee population is as follows:

• by Ethnicity 38% Latinx, 19% White, 15% Asian, 4% Black/African American, 2% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, 1% Two or More Races, 19% unknown;
• by Gender 54.59% Female, 43.64% Male, 1.77% unspecified;
• and by Age 3.57% under 20 years, 27.38% ages 20-29, 21.81% ages 30-39, 20.87% ages 40-49, 26.35% ages 50 and older.

Conflict of Interest:

Mt. San Antonio College employees and the Board of Trustees members shall not engage in any employment or activity that is inconsistent with, incompatible with, or in conflict with Mt. San Antonio Colleges Administrative Procedures (AP 2710 Conflict of Interest, AP 2712 Conflict of Interest Codes).

Inquiries/Contact:

Human Resources
1100 N. Grand Avenue, Walnut, CA 91789-1399
Phone: ...
E-mail: ...