Assistant Steward

NOTIFICATIONS

Work days start and end at Strathearn Ranch Reserve, which is located approximately 45 minute drive from Hollister , CA.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 04-07-2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The University of California Natural Reserve System (NRS) is a unique assemblage of 42 protected sites throughout California. The reserves encompass nearly all of the state's major ecosystems, preserved in as undisturbed a condition as possible to support University-level research and teaching programs. The NRS is a Trustee Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act, and UC manages the NRS resources in the Public Trust. The five NRS sites that form the UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) unit are spread along 60 miles of the central coast: Ano Nuevo Island Reserve (25 acres), Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve (8,000 acres), Fort Ord Natural Reserve (606 acres), Younger Lagoon Reserve (47 acres) and Strathearn Ranch in the Diablo Mountains in San Benito County. The UCSC NRS also administers the UCSC Campus Natural Reserve (400 acres) and the Santa Cruz Mountains Reserve. Each reserve has unique research and teaching opportunities, physical conditions and constraints, regional and local political considerations, and funding and administration issues. The mission of the Natural Reserve System is to contribute to the understanding and wise management of the Earth and its natural systems by supporting university-level teaching, research, and public service at protected natural areas throughout California. Strathearn Ranch Reserve is located approximately 40 minutes east of Tres Pinos, CA.. It consists of approximately 2700 acres of oak woodland and grassland habitat.

More information can be found at: https://ucnrs.org/

JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a hard working individual to perform a variety of groundskeeping, landscaping, and ranch related activities at Strathearn Ranch Natural Reserve east of Tres Pinos, CA. This position will work independently most of the time as well as with with a small team of personnel on occasion. The workplace is located approximately 10 miles east of Tres Pinos, CA but an approximate 40 minute drive. We are looking for someone who can wear different hats on a day-to-day basis, has experience with rural property maintenance, landscaping, ranching, etc. and is inspired is able to work along for most days. The majority of the work will be outdoors working on a variety of groundskeeping, land management, and facility maintenance efforts; however, office and shop work and driving to purchase supplies will be necessary from time to time. This position requires someone who can work effectively with diverse groups of people in a cohesive, efficient, and productive manner but also someone who is comfortable and able to work independently as they will often be the only person on site. Strong interpersonal, communication and organization skills are essential. This full-time career position at the University of California includes competitive health and retirement benefits and 14 paid holidays a year.

Under supervision of the Administrative Director, this position is an on-the-ground job conducting a variety of core duties in support of ranch and reserve operations at Strathearn Ranch Reserve, including the maintenance of grounds, trails, roads, tools, fences, facilities and infrastructure. Incumbent will be required to drive a vehicle throughout the reserve on steep, narrow dirt roads. May run errands to the Hollister, Santa Cruz or San Jose areas. The rugged and remote living and working conditions require a high level of personal integrity including the ability to sustain professionalism and strong work ethic and able to work along and stay on task. Of critical importance is a heightened awareness of safety as this is essential when working independently in a location far from emergency services.

This full-time position has a weekly work schedule that may fluctuate throughout the year; incumbent will be expected to work with the Administrative Director to develop specific work schedules that, at times, may include weekends. Work starts at Strathearn Ranch Reserve on scheduled work days. Basic overnight accommodations are not available; however, may be available in the future.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $22.38/hour. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Mid-level benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri, with occasional weekends
• Shift Includes: Days, Weekends

Employee Classification: Limited appointment

Job End Date: 5 months from hire date, with possibility of extension

Work Location: Off-Campus - Strathearn Ranch Natural Reserve

Union Representation: SX Union

Job Code Classification: GROUNDSKEEPER (008133)

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

70% - Vegetation and Landscape Maintenance

• Maintains access on trails and roads by removing vegetation, weeds and repairing tread using hand tools (i.e. shovel, Pulaski, McLeod, hoe, hand saw, loppers, etc.), power tools (i.e. chainsaw, string trimmer, hedge cutter, etc.). Conducts landscaping and orchard maintenance around facilities (e.g. weeding, using mowers, pruning, etc.). Installing and repairing fences. Performs invasive species management using hand tools, power tools and herbicide-application equipment. May use tractors to mow areas and maintain roads. May utilize a University vehicle to transport tools and equipment to different areas of the reserve on steep, narrow dirt roads.

20% - Building and Infrastructure Maintenance

• Monitors and performs basic maintenance and cleaning of battery systems, generators, springs, and water supplies. Directly assists with rough carpentry, plumbing and electrical repairs and alterations to buildings. Loads and unloads materials. Clears vegetative fuels around facilities for fire safety. Performs basic custodial tasks (e.g. cleaning, removing trash, etc.) and special facilities projects, as needed. Act as a professional point of contact for visitors to facilitate their use of the reserve's facilities.

10% - Tool, Equipment and Vehicle Maintenance

• Performs or provides for the basic maintenance (i.e. scheduled fluids and parts changes) of small engines, tools, equipment, and off-highway vehicles. Monitors and keeps vehicles free of rodents, cleaning when necessary. Maintains work records and maintenance logs. May run errands to the Monterey, Santa Cruz, or San Luis Obispo area using a University vehicle.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior related experience in groundskeeping, farm, building, ranch, natural resource maintenance, or similar fields.
• Mechanical aptitude (e.g. experience with the functioning, use and maintenance of small engines, generators, tools and vehicles, etc.).
• Experience with the safe operation and maintenance of a chainsaw.
• Experience with the safe operation and maintenance of hand and power tools for trail and road work, such as Pulaskis, McLeods, hoes, string trimmers, and hedge cutters.
• Ability to exercise initiative and good judgment, especially with regard to safety.
• Ability to effectively communicate in written form.
• Ability to work accurately, with interruptions, to meet deadlines.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma.
• Familiarity with the scientific and educational mission of the Natural Reserve System or equivalent experience with maintaining client visitor services.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and be able to participate in the Department of
  Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Ability to work long periods of time in wilderness conditions and to travel to remote areas.
• Ability to perform work in a rugged physical environment and inclement weather with challenging infrastructure requirements.
• Ability to walk to and work in remote areas with rugged terrain, heavy brush, biting and stinging insects, bears and mountain lions.
• Poison Oak is present. Incumbent must be willing to take the measures required to work in contact with and cut/remove poison oak.
• Ability to perform grounds keeping duties outdoors through all seasons of weather in developed and undeveloped environments.
• Ability to sustain exposure to dusty, noisy environments and inclement weather as necessary to carry out assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Ability to occasionally work overtime with little or no advance notice.
• Ability to respond to emergencies after hours as necessary.
• Ability to work overtime including evenings, nights, weekends and holidays to meet operational needs, and work an alternate work schedule shift as required.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel within a defined regional or service area.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

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.

a. "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

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination