What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grounds & Nursery Specialist 2 position at Walla Walla Community College?
Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) is seeking applicants for Grounds & Nursery Specialist 2 on the Walla Walla campus. WWCC will be hiring two (2) positions: one (1) full-time position, and one (1) cyclical position that will work 8-months out of the year from mid-March to mid-November.
At Walla Walla Community College, we inspire all students to discover their potential and achieve their goals by providing relevant, equitable, and innovative learning opportunities and services. As an organization, we value learning opportunities, a sense of community, diversity, health and humor, excellence, integrity, teamwork, innovation, personal and professional growth, and sustainability.
This position is open until filled. First consideration will be given to applicants whose complete application has been received by March 23, 2025 @ 11:59pm PST. See Required Application Materials section for more information
General Responsibilities:
Under general direction, this position is key in the efforts of ensuring management and appearance of all WWCC exterior landscape. Working in the Grounds Department of Facility Services, staff in this work unit assist with daily performance of snow removal, irrigation, lawn maintenance, mowing, edging, leaf collection, general equipment repair, overall cleanliness on campus, servicing of exterior trash containers, tree/bush trimming, fertilizing and spray application, etc. Grounds staff set the tone for the campus and the fruits of their labor is seen and critiqued by visitors on a daily basis. The cleanliness and well-maintained grounds help deliver a comfortable learning environment for students.
Essential Functions:
Field Work
Required Qualifications:
Any combination of education, experience, and/or training that provides the applicant with the knowledge and skills to perform the job may be considered by the college.
You don’t check every qualification listed? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that traditionally marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification - even if they might be a great fit for the role! If you’re excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every single qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider applying. This classified position is in a bargaining unit for which WPEA Higher Ed is the exclusive representative.
This position has a typical working environment that include outdoor activities, often in inclement weather. Risks include operating tools and machinery with moving parts, rotating equipment, chemical hazards, and other tools of the trade. Routine assignments also include working at heights and from ladders, and lifting and carrying items up to 50 pounds. Must be able to stand and/or walk 8 hours per day. This is a 40 hour per week position. Mon-Fri 6:00 am– 2:30 pm. During the summer, work schedule is Monday through Thursday 10-hours each day. WWCC grounds staff work a variety of shifts around the clock and must be able to work any days and shifts. Occasional overtime and callbacks may be required. Occasional travel for training or institutional purposes. Typical tools and equipment found in grounds/maintenance work. Direct contact with the public, students, and other institutional staff. Safety practices consistent with WISHA.
The college has an excellent benefit program including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; paid sick leave; paid vacation leave; and retirement plan. All full-time employees will automatically have 3% of taxable income deferred into the State of Washington Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) unless declined at time of hire. WWCC requires all employees to participate in direct deposit for payment of salary. The college is tobacco free.
Persons hired must be able to provide acceptable documentation of lawful authorization to work in the United States within three (3) days of employment, and successfully complete a probationary period. WWCC participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Candidates will be subject to a criminal history background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check may not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. This position is open until filled with priority consideration given to those applicants who submit a complete application by March 23, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST. To qualify for priority consideration, applicants must submit a complete application packet, which includes the following:
At Walla Walla Community College, we inspire all students to discover their potential and achieve their goals by providing relevant, equitable, and innovative learning opportunities and services. As an organization, we value learning opportunities, a sense of community, diversity, health and humor, excellence, integrity, teamwork, innovation, personal and professional growth, and sustainability.
This position is open until filled. First consideration will be given to applicants whose complete application has been received by March 23, 2025 @ 11:59pm PST. See Required Application Materials section for more information
General Responsibilities:
Under general direction, this position is key in the efforts of ensuring management and appearance of all WWCC exterior landscape. Working in the Grounds Department of Facility Services, staff in this work unit assist with daily performance of snow removal, irrigation, lawn maintenance, mowing, edging, leaf collection, general equipment repair, overall cleanliness on campus, servicing of exterior trash containers, tree/bush trimming, fertilizing and spray application, etc. Grounds staff set the tone for the campus and the fruits of their labor is seen and critiqued by visitors on a daily basis. The cleanliness and well-maintained grounds help deliver a comfortable learning environment for students.
Essential Functions:
Field Work
- Working with other Grounds department staff and under direction of supervisor, performs: planting, mowing, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, tree/shrub management, irrigation repair, and equipment maintenance.
- Contributes to cultural turf management practices including aerating, seeding, topdressing, and fertilizing.
- Assist with soil preparation, sod installation and mowing, as well as growing in new areas of turf by helping with fertilizer applications, monitoring irrigation, assessing conditions, and recommending adjustments to irrigation.
- Tools used for this work will include, but is not limited to, chemical applications, biological control methods, hand tools, string trimmers, blade cutters, or brush mowers, riding mowers, and leaf blowers.
- Operates snow clearing equipment to clear snow from sidewalks, streets, parking lots, steps, ADA ramps, and entry ways in a timely manner
- Conduct snow removal and ice abatement to reduce campus liability.
- Responds on weekends and before or after shifts to perform snow removal as required based on university needs and activities.
- Contribute to a safe working environment for self, co-workers and the public. Adheres to all Federal, State, Local, and Department safety guidelines, including any concerning chemical applications and disposal. Reports unsafe conditions or accidents to supervisor. Attends and participates in safety trainings.
- Additional miscellaneous duties as needed to support department and campus operations or special events
- Ability to work independently or as a member of a team.
- Ability to set own work priorities.
- Acceptance of the responsibility to promote the welfare and best interests of students at all times.
- A demonstrable understanding and acceptance of the mission, values, goals and objectives of WWCC.
- The ability to perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations and goals of the institution, community and technical college system.
- Demonstrate commitment to fostering and supporting a teaching, learning and working environment that honors diversity, equity and inclusion.
Required Qualifications:
Any combination of education, experience, and/or training that provides the applicant with the knowledge and skills to perform the job may be considered by the college.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Current driver’s license.
- Physically able to lift 50 pounds, able to do the required grounds work that includes repeated stooping, bending, operating heavy custodial equipment, climbing and working from height of an eight-foot ladder, stand and walk continuously during your entire assigned shift.
- Ability to communicate in English.
- One year of experience or training involving grounds maintenance, gardening, plant care, cultivation and landscape installation.
- WA Public Operator Pesticide License, or willing to obtain within 1 year of hiring.
You don’t check every qualification listed? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that traditionally marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification - even if they might be a great fit for the role! If you’re excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every single qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider applying. This classified position is in a bargaining unit for which WPEA Higher Ed is the exclusive representative.
This position has a typical working environment that include outdoor activities, often in inclement weather. Risks include operating tools and machinery with moving parts, rotating equipment, chemical hazards, and other tools of the trade. Routine assignments also include working at heights and from ladders, and lifting and carrying items up to 50 pounds. Must be able to stand and/or walk 8 hours per day. This is a 40 hour per week position. Mon-Fri 6:00 am– 2:30 pm. During the summer, work schedule is Monday through Thursday 10-hours each day. WWCC grounds staff work a variety of shifts around the clock and must be able to work any days and shifts. Occasional overtime and callbacks may be required. Occasional travel for training or institutional purposes. Typical tools and equipment found in grounds/maintenance work. Direct contact with the public, students, and other institutional staff. Safety practices consistent with WISHA.
The college has an excellent benefit program including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; paid sick leave; paid vacation leave; and retirement plan. All full-time employees will automatically have 3% of taxable income deferred into the State of Washington Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) unless declined at time of hire. WWCC requires all employees to participate in direct deposit for payment of salary. The college is tobacco free.
Persons hired must be able to provide acceptable documentation of lawful authorization to work in the United States within three (3) days of employment, and successfully complete a probationary period. WWCC participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Candidates will be subject to a criminal history background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check may not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. This position is open until filled with priority consideration given to those applicants who submit a complete application by March 23, 2025 at 11:59 PM PST. To qualify for priority consideration, applicants must submit a complete application packet, which includes the following:
- Online application
- Resume
- Names and contact information for three professional references.
- Answers to one (1) supplemental question
- Unofficial transcripts for application purposes; official transcripts are required prior to an official start date.
Salary : $3,028 - $3,910
