Landscape Specialist

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.  

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

STARTING SALARY

The successful candidate can expect to start at $39,140 annually. 

POSITION PURPOSE

Under general direction of the Grounds Manager, perform advanced-level work in the maintenance and care of Whitman College landscapes, ensuring the campus grounds are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for all community members. Make repairs to landscape associated systems and operate all landscape and grounds equipment as required. Demonstrated experience in irrigation computer program control, installation, troubleshooting, and repair. This job requires good judgment, an eye for detail, and a desire to achieve perfection for maximum water efficiency and maximize the life of irrigation equipment. Emphasis is placed on preventive maintenance to prevent major failures and nuisance problems when equipment is needed most. This position will also be assigned landscape/grounds duties, and also in support of other Grounds team members as needed. This technician regularly consults with the Grounds Supervisor on all matters involving the operation and maintenance of related irrigation equipment and scheduling. Evening and weekend work may be required on occasion.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Mow, edge, aerate, renovate, overseed, fertilize, top dress, and maintain turf areas. 
• Inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, repair, and adjust all irrigation systems.
• Knowledge of proper pruning of all plant material, as needed, following current industry standards.
• Perform weed, insect, and disease control using chemical, cultural, mechanical, or biological means when necessary, considering the diverse needs of campus users, ensuring outdoor spaces are accessible, safe, and inviting.
• Be willing to train and work with student workers and assist in the guidance of their duties, ensuring inclusive and equitable practices.
• Pick up trash, garbage and recycle material as directed.
• Clean and upkeep sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, etc.
• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures.
• Operate various types of equipment including power mowers, saws, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, sprayers, etc.
• Ensure grounds are free of weeds and dead plants.
• Maintain the aesthetic and functional integrity of campus landscapes in a manner that considers the diverse needs of campus users, ensuring outdoor spaces are accessible, safe, and inviting.

Seasonal fluctuation will periodically require the following duties:

• Prepare soil for seeding, sodding, planting, and transplanting of plant materials. 
• Seed, mow, irrigate, fertilize, and maintain landscape areas as directed.
• Rake leaves, pull, hoe, cut or remove weeds as directed. 
• Remove debris, snow, and ice from steps, walks, and ramps, and parking lots. 
• Will plant seeds, flowers, bulbs, shrubs, trees, and transplant as directed.
• Assist mechanic with rental fleet and other duties as directed.
• Assist with recycling duties as needed, picking up cardboard from around campus.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

• Ability to comfortably lift and handle 50 pounds.
• Working knowledge of groundskeeping principals and power landscape equipment.
• Ability to climb and work from ladders.
• Ability to stand, squat, kneel, bend and work with hands extended above the head.
• Ability to work primarily outdoors in all types of weather.
• Ability to climb and work at considerable height under adverse conditions.
• Ability to perform physical labor in all types of weather.  
• Ability to communicate effectively, with an emphasis on inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives.
• Ability to positively and actively contribute to the College’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma AND 2 years of experience in groundskeeping/horticulture.
• 2 years of experience pruning, irrigation and mowing, utilizing common sense in making decisions.  
• Knowledge of irrigation principles, tools and related equipment.  
• May substitute one-year industry experience with either residential, repair, and installation of irrigation systems.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with three years of driving experience, and be able to pass a motor vehicle report, pass a background check and pre-employment physical.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates Degree OR Trade school training.
• Applicable professional certification.
• 5 years of experience in groundskeeping/horticulture.
• Experience in higher education.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work environment is primarily outdoors, which may include working in high places. This position may be exposed to dirt, dust and equipment solutions. Work may require periodic use of personal protective equipment (e.g., respirators, fall protection). Physical skill and sustained physical effort may be required for some of the ground’s responsibilities. Job requires moderate strength and agility and typically requires balancing, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping and repetitive motions. Lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds occurs with varied frequency.

BENEFITS 

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.

Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

Paid Time Off: 10 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays.

Tuition Remission – Dependent Children.

Employee tuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester.

Employee Assistance Program.

Learn more about benefits eligibility here. 

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin on January 17, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

March 2025

Salary : $39,140 - $41,000