Groundskeeper at United Genetics Seeds Co.

Description

About United Genetics

United Genetics was founded in 1990 with headquarters in Hollister, California. What began as a family-owned seed company grew into an international vegetable seed organization with subsidiaries in Italy, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, India, and Jordan.

United Genetics proudly offers top quality processing tomato, fresh market tomato, hot pepper, sweet pepper, watermelon, squash, and cucumbers seed, among others. We focus on the needs of diverse customers along the vegetable supply chain, thinking of the grower by securing the versatility and robustness of the product performance, and the consumer, by focusing on the physical appeal, nutritional value and the taste of the outcome of our genetics. 

JOB PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

The Groundskeeper (Part-Time) is responsible for maintaining the appearance, cleanliness, and safety of outdoor areas across the Hollister R&D Farm and office grounds. This position performs light landscaping, seasonal maintenance, and facility support to ensure that the property remains clean, functional, and visually appealing. The role works closely with the R&D Farm team to assist with day-to-day facility upkeep and light farming support as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Grounds Maintenance (80%)

· Maintain lawns, landscaped areas, and walkways through periodic mowing, trimming, and debris removal.

· Perform seasonal planting, pruning, and general upkeep of shrubs, trees, and garden beds.

· Sweep or blow leaves and debris from parking lots, walkways, and building entrances.

· Inspect and maintain outdoor lighting, signage, and identify safety hazards such as uneven pavement or standing water.

· Maintain outdoor break areas, storage sheds, and ensure tools and equipment are stored properly.

· Support event setup and cleanup for company functions, safety days, and seasonal activities.

· Perform light maintenance on equipment or report service needs to the Facilities team.

Farm & Facility Support (20%)

· Assist the Farm Coordinator with greenhouse or field activities such as weeding, irrigation checks, and minor repairs.

· Support preventative maintenance tasks in outdoor offices, warehouses, and greenhouses as needed.

· Apply fertilizers or herbicides safely under supervision and in accordance with safety standards.

· Ensure compliance with all company safety protocols and environmental regulations (CCR Title 8, EPA, NFPA, etc.).

· Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

POSITION DIMENSIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education Level and Focus: High School Diploma. Knowledge of English and Spanish is desirable.

Years and Type of Related Experience Required: 0-3 years’ experience working with plants in the open field and/or greenhouse, preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

Interpersonal and Communication: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others and maintaining them at all times. Identify problems and review 

related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Manage own time and the time of others. The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. Should be able to work with the contract and seasonal workers. Give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, ask questions as appropriate. 

Technical and Analytical: Requires great attention to detail. Be able to develop detailed project schedules and foresee potential problems and solutions. Analytical mind to recognize and apply the fundamental skills and working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures necessary for fulfilling responsibilities. 

Administrative and Operations: Be able to manage time to accomplish daily/short term goals set by Farm Coordinator and breeding teams.

Physical Demands: Participate in constructive feedback. Deal calmly and effectively in a seasonally demanding work environment. Working flexible hours or over-time on short notice may be required. Must be able to work in the seed extraction area, equipment shed, and fields/greenhouses under extreme weather conditions. Must be physically fit to walk, bend, kneel, squat, bend your neck, and lift up to 50 lbs. Agro-industrial and lab chemicals are sustainably used on site in compliance and in accordance to regulations.

Work Environment: Outdoor and greenhouse work with temperatures close to 100 degrees, walk on uneven surface and often be exposed to chemical.

Benefits Summary:

Part-time employees are eligible for paid sick time and may qualify for additional benefits depending on weekly hours worked and company policy.