Landscape Maintenance Technician I/II

The City of Paso Robles is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Landscape Maintenance Technician to support the Landscape, Lighting and Trees Division in maintaining the City’s parks, landscaped areas, and public rights-of-way. This position performs a variety of landscape and grounds maintenance activities, including irrigation system maintenance and repair, tree and plant care, and the operation of specialized landscape and tree maintenance equipment. The ideal candidate enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in maintaining high-quality public spaces, and is committed to safe work practices while working both independently and as part of a team.

Wage Range
Landscape Maintenance Technician I: $25.24 - $30.29 per hour
Landscape Maintenance Technician II: $28.62 - $34.34 per hour

About Paso Robles

Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or “The Pass of the Oaks”—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.

Paso Robles’ central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers’ markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life.

Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm.

The Organization

The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.

The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.

The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.

The City operates with a total annual budget of $145.7 million for fiscal year 2025-26 and employs 314.44 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities

The Department

The Public Works Department is responsible for the construction and maintenance of City streets, traffic signals, medians, parkways, public parking lots, stormwater facilities, the Municipal Airport, and City-owned buildings. The Department also manages the City’s capital improvement projects and maintains the City’s fleet of vehicles and equipment.

The Landscape Maintenance Division oversees the health and maintenance of more than 15,000 City trees, nearly 200 acres of Landscape and Lighting District property, more than 165 acres of open space requiring weed abatement, and all City-owned medians and parkways. Division staff respond to service requests from both the public and internal City departments.

• Perform a variety of landscape maintenance activities on City properties, including maintaining lawns, shrubs, groundcover, trees, and other plant materials.
• Plant, cultivate, prune, water, and treat ornamental plants, shrubs, hedges, trees, and flowers; prepare and amend soil for planting.
• Perform preventative maintenance on trees, including trimming, shaping, planting, cultivating, and removing trees in parks, rights-of-way, and other City-maintained areas.
• Maintain, repair, and install irrigation systems, including sprinkler heads, lateral and main lines, valves, controllers, drip systems, and bubblers; program irrigation controllers to ensure efficient watering of landscaped areas.
• Prepare and apply pesticides and herbicides in accordance with safety guidelines and applicable regulations.
• Operate a variety of landscape and tree maintenance equipment, including mowers, aerators, tractors, loaders, augers, chippers, stump grinders, aerial lift bucket trucks, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, string trimmers, backpack blowers, dump trucks, dump trailers, and other related equipment.
• Inspect equipment for proper operation and perform routine preventative maintenance.
• Establish safe work zones and follow safe work practices, including the use of personal protective equipment; set up traffic control measures as needed to protect workers and the public.
• Load, unload, and transport tools, equipment, and materials needed for landscape maintenance activities.
• Respond to emergency service calls and support City special events as assigned.
• Assist with weed abatement and vegetation management in open space areas.
• Identify landscape maintenance issues and report irrigation leaks, tree hazards, or other safety concerns.
• Interact with the public by answering questions, explaining applicable rules and regulations, and addressing service requests or complaints.
• Maintain records of work performed and services completed.

• Standard landscape maintenance practices, techniques, equipment, and materials.
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions, including the use of personal protective equipment.
• Safe handling and application of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals.
• Rules and regulations for pest control.
• Principles and best practices of annual and periodic fertilization.
• Basic principles of irrigation system installation, maintenance, repair, and programming.
• Weed control methods, vegetation management, and open space maintenance practices.
• Operation, minor maintenance, and safe use of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and specialized landscape and tree maintenance equipment.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
• Basic recordkeeping, mathematics, and documentation of completed work.

• Perform physically demanding work in outdoor environments.
• Set up and operate traffic control zones, including cones, barricades, and flagging, to protect workers and the public.
• Effectively interact with the public to answer questions, explain applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and respond to complaints or service requests.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Determine materials, supplies, and equipment required for landscape maintenance and repair tasks.
• Skillfully and safely operate tools and equipment related to the work.
• Troubleshoot basic irrigation, equipment, and plant maintenance issues.
• Maintain accurate records, logs, and documentation of work performed.
• Work independently or as part of a team while maintaining effective working relationships.

• Graduation from high school or possession of a General Educational Development (GED) certificate; and
• Landscape Maintenance Technician I: One year of construction, maintenance, or repair experience related to landscapes, grounds, irrigation systems, or tree care.
• Landscape Maintenance Technician II: Three years of semi-skilled construction, maintenance, or repair experience related to landscapes, grounds, irrigation systems, or tree care.

Licenses and Certifications:
Requires possession of a valid California Class C driver license, a satisfactory driving record, and the following:

• Must obtain a Class A California driver license with appropriate endorsements within one year of appointment.

To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit an employment application by Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.