Grounds & Nursery I

Fort Lewis College; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado is seeking a Grounds Maintenance worker within Physical Plant Services to perform grounds and nursery maintenance, including mowing, pruning, irrigation upkeep and related duties essential to campus operations.

Starting hourly rate is $21.33 per hour, with potential shift differentials and overtime as approved; this is an essential services position, requiring the ability to work during inclement weather, campus events and emergencies.

Qualifications

• One year of grounds experience related to the duties of this position.

Responsibilities

• Grounds Maintenance: provide services related to grounds and nursery maintenance, including mowing, pruning, irrigation, equipment operation and maintenance.
• Snow Removal: remove snow from roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and around equipment; operate snow removal tools.
• Physical Plant Services & Campus Support: assist with event support, recycling, vehicle care, moving furniture and equipment, and general duties as assigned.
• Training & Professional Development: complete required trainings and participate in meetings and development.

Skills

Grounds experience

Customer service skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently

Teamwork

Flexibility

Driver's license

Job description

Pay Rate:

21.33 USD

Starting hourly rate is $21.33 per hour.

Position Summary:

This job announcement will be open for applications through 11:59 p.m. on October 6, 2026.

Prior confirmed State of Colorado state service in the Grounds & Nursery class series may entitle candidates to a higher hourly wage.
This position is entitled to a shift differential when applicable, overtime if preapproved by the manager and is a covered position under the Quality Jobs & Services Act.
This is an essential service position and required to work during inclement weather, campus events and emergencies.

Physical Plant Services (PPS) supports the educational and public service programs of Fort Lewis College through the delivery of effective operational support, maintenance services and the management of the College’s facilities construction program The services are coordinated through the Service Center and are accomplished by Custodial Services, Electrical Systems and Electronic Equipment Maintenance, Grounds and Equipment Maintenance, Mechanical Systems Maintenance and Structural Maintenance work units. The Project Management work unit plans projects and provides design and construction management services to support the facilities improvement and construction program.

Minimum Qualifications: One year of grounds experience related to the duties of this position.

Job Description

Job Duties

Grounds Maintenance 80%

• Provide services related to grounds and nursery maintenance. Including, but not limited to, policing grounds for trash and cleanliness, grass mowing, trimming, weeding, seeding, tree and shrub pruning, applying herbicides, maintenance and repair of irrigation systems, athletic field striping and maintenance.
• Operates and maintains power tools related to grounds maintenance. This position is an essential services position and is subject to call out in response to emergencies. An essential services designated position is subject to report for work when deemed necessary.

Snow Removal 10%

• Using hand and power equipment, perform snow removal from roads, parking lots, sidewalks, steps and on and around equipment such as transformers and fire hydrants and from the roofs of College buildings.
• Operate snow removal equipment such as snow blowers and pickup trucks, tractors, and skid steers equipped with snowplows.
• Applies granular or liquid ice melt. This position is an essential services position and is subject to call out in response to emergencies. An essential services designated position is subject to report for work when deemed necessary. This includes but not limited to early morning and/or late snow removal.

Physical Plant Services & Campus Support 5%

• Provide event support to include, transport, layout, set up and take down of tables, chairs, risers, platforms, curtains, tents, canopies, floor protectors, etc.
• Collect, sort and deliver recycling materials.
• Clean and service rental vehicles.
• Move furniture and equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Assist other PPS department personnel as needed. This position is an essential services position and is subject to call out in response to emergencies. An essential services designated position is subject to report for work when deemed necessary

Training & Professional Development 5%

• Employees must review and comprehend relevant employee handbooks and policies along with completing required training, including workplace safety, compliance, emergency procedures, and job-specific skills.
• Active participation in meetings, collaboration with colleagues, and professional development aligned with institutional goals are expected.

Minimum Qualifications: One year of grounds experience related to the duties of this position.

Required Competencies

• Basic computer skills for timesheet entry, online training courses, work orders, emails and SDSsheets
• Reading, writing and oral comprehension
• Strong customer service skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Active listening skills
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet ever changing demands
• Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel and crouch for extended periods of time
• Ability to tolerate noise, vibration and work in inclement weather
• Ability to respond appropriately to supervision
• Follows policy and procedures and fully cooperates with supervisors and coworkers
• Ability to work and communicate with internal and external customers to meet the needs in a polite, courteous and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service

Conditions of Employment

• A final job offer is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. All background checks will be conducted in accordance with Fort Lewis College policy.
• A final job offer is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a post offer evaluation of lifting abilities.
• This is an essential services position and required to work in case of emergencies, campus events and inclement weather.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
• Must possess and maintain a satisfactory driving record in accordance with the Fort Lewis College Authorized Driver Policy throughout employment in order to drive campus vehicles,

APPEAL RIGHTS

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email ([e-mail]), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at [phone]; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.govunder Rules.

Notice to Prospective Employees

The Fort Lewis College is required by the CleryAct of 1990 to notify prospective employees, current employees, students and applicants where to access our Campus Security Report. The report is updated and published annually in accordance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, Federal Student Right-to-Know, the Federal Drug-free Schools and Campuses Act of 1989. This report contains information about:

• Fort Lewis College’s alcohol and other drug policy
• Sexual assault policy
• Campus security policies
• Campus/community resources
• The Colorado Riot Offense Statute restriction on enrollment
• Where to find registered sex offender information
• Crime statistics for the previous three calendar years
• Reporting crimes

The Campus Security Report can be accessed in two ways

By going to the internet website at: www.fortlewis.edu/AnnualSecurityReport Fort Lewis College Student Affairs Office will also provide a paper copy of the annual security report upon request. You can reach them at [phone].

Equal Opportunity

Fort Lewis College does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, sex*, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, family or domestic status, political beliefs, veteran status, pregnancy, or genetic information. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment shall be extended to all persons. The College shall promote equal opportunity, equal treatment, and affirmative action efforts to increase the diversity of students, faculty, and staff. The College is dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty and staff committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment. To file a report, get resources, read policies, or make an appointment, See www.fortlewis.edu/CARE.

Other discrimination questions

Office of the Equal Opportunity Coordinator
David Pirrone
165 Education Business Hall
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, Colorado 81301
[phone] [e-mail]

Questions about Title IX sex discrimination

Office of the Title IX Coordinator
Madeleine Gillman, Assistant Director of Compliance and Title IX Coordinator
230 Skyhawk Station
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, Colorado 81301
[phone] [e-mail]

Information about Fort Lewis College’s alcohol and drug policy, sexual assault policy, campus security policies, campus crime statistics, fire safety procedures and fire statistics, and campus/community resources can be found in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. Hard copies are available upon request.

* Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Part 106 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, including in admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and CFR 106 to Fort Lewis College may be directed to FLC’s Title IX Coordinator and/or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the Department of Education.

ADAA Accommodations

Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact Kristin Polens by phone [phone] or email [e-mail] at least five business days before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.