Grounds & Nursery I

Fort Lewis College; United States; On-site; USD 24,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Fort Lewis College is seeking a Grounds Maintenance professional to support campus grounds, nursery areas, and related facilities operations.

The role involves mowing, pruning, irrigation maintenance, snow removal, and event support, with an 80/10/5/5 distribution of duties. A starting hourly rate of $21.33 applies, with potential elevation for prior state service and weather contingency work.

Qualifications

• One year of grounds experience related to the duties of this position.
• 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.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Grounds Maintenance (80%): Provide services related to grounds and nursery maintenance, including policing grounds for trash, mowing, trimming, weeding, seeding, pruning, herbicide application, irrigation maintenance, athletic field upkeep, and operating power tools.
• Snow Removal (10%): Remove snow from roads, parking lots, sidewalks, equipment surroundings, and roofs using hand and power equipment; operate snow blowers, tractors, and skid steers with plows; apply ice melt.
• Physical Plant Services & Campus Support (5%): Support events, transport and set up equipment, move furniture, collect recyclables, service rental vehicles, and assist PPS staff.
• Training & Professional Development (5%): Complete required trainings, participate in meetings, and pursue development aligned with institutional goals.

Skills

Grounds experience

Customer service

Teamwork

Communication

Tools

Power tools

Job description

Pay Rate: 21.33 USD

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

Starting hourly rate is $21.33 per hour. 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

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 SDS sheets.

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.gov under Rules.

Equal Opportunity

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.

Fort Lewis College, a public institution located in Durango, Colorado, offers degree programs in arts, business, education, health fields, humanities, social and natural sciences, and teacher education.

Our inspiring mountain campus is located atop a scenic mesa overlooking historic Durango and situated between the San Juan Mountains and the desert Southwest.

We are committed to accessible and high-quality baccalaureate education, and our hallmarks are remarkably close relationships between students and faculty, the freedom of intellectual exploration, and the challenge of experiential learning.

Our 3,300 students come from 48 states, 17 countries, with 36% Native American and Alaska Native backgrounds, and 11% Hispanic backgrounds.

Durango is a thriving multicultural community of 18,500 set along the beautiful Animas River Valley.

Averaging 300 sunny days per year, the community is known for its outdoor lifestyle and friendly, festive atmosphere.

Durango is also the cultural and economic hub of the Four Corners region, rich in dining, shopping, and entertainment, and linked with airline service to hubs in Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas.