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

The University of California, Berkeley is one of the world’s leading public research universities, renowned for its academic and research excellence, public mission, and commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice. Established in 1868, UC Berkeley has a rich history of driving innovation and creating global intellectual, economic, and social value. The university strives to foster an inclusive community where students, faculty, and staff feel welcome and supported to reach their full potential. Berkeley emphasizes a culture of openness, freedom, and belonging, which sets it apart as a special place for learning and collaboration. The university is dedicated to providing a professional and supportive environment, including employee resource groups that nurture a sense of community among its staff. Additionally, full-time employees benefit from at least 80 hours of paid time per year for professional development, helping them grow their careers within the Berkeley community.

Within this prestigious institution, the College of Engineering Dean's Office oversees the Richmond Field Station (RFS) Operations and Facilities Management. The RFS is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of a large physical campus area comprising over 80 buildings and structures that cover approximately 500,000 assignable square feet. The RFS team includes diverse roles such as managers, supervisors, skilled craftspeople, laborers, custodians, and student workers, all working together with an annual operating budget of $3.3 million to ensure smooth operations. The Facilities Maintenance position at RFS plays an integral role in supporting the daily upkeep of buildings and grounds, ensuring the safety and aesthetic quality of the campus environment.

This position specifically involves a range of interior and exterior maintenance tasks. The incumbent works under the guidance of the Custodian Supervisor and Superintendent and is responsible for performing landscaping, debris removal, minor concrete and earthwork, drainage maintenance, and trash and recycling management. The role requires operating various powered and hand tools, including leaf blowers, mowers, trimmers, pneumatic tools, jackhammers, wood chippers, and more. Additionally, the Facilities Maintenance staff aid skilled trades personnel and may work independently or in teams to complete assigned tasks. Safety is paramount, and the employee must adhere closely to University and departmental safety policies and procedures.

This is a full-time (100 percent FTE), limited-term appointment with an expected maximum of 1,000 hours over a rolling 12-month period. The employee is expected to follow all regulatory guidelines concerning safety and operational conduct while using work order tracking via a computerized preventative maintenance program. Among the duties are manual labor tasks like gardening, trash collection, sweeping, operation of gas-powered equipment, concrete pouring, general landscaping, and assisting with materials handling, sometimes involving lifting items up to 100 pounds. The role requires flexibility to work in various campus areas, sometimes within confined spaces, and the ability to operate forklifts and lifts when needed.

This opportunity at UC Berkeley’s Richmond Field Station offers a dynamic work environment within a distinguished educational institution committed to equity, diversity, and community support. The position supports the university’s mission of creating a safe, functional, and pleasant campus space where staff and students can thrive. The hourly salary range for this position is $27.06 to $36.38, in line with California employment laws and internal equity considerations. The university fosters professional development and offers comprehensive benefits. Candidates must hold a valid California driver’s license and maintain a clean driving record, complete background checks, and comply with misconduct disclosure requirements as conditions of employment. This role is ideal for individuals who want to contribute meaningfully to the Berkeley campus while working in a supportive, team-oriented setting that values safety, reliability, and customer service.