Grounds & Nursery Services Specialist 3

Western Washington U; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 43,122 - 52,206; Full time

Job summary

Western Washington University in Bellingham is seeking a Grounds & Nursery Services Specialist 3 to perform irrigation system maintenance. Responsibilities include installing, repairing, and managing campus irrigation systems, operating power tools, and coordinating tasks with supervisors. Applicants should have a high school diploma and experience with irrigation maintenance. The salary range is $3,864 - $4,678/month depending on qualifications and experience. This role is part of a bargaining unit covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years work experience involving irrigation maintenance and construction.
• Ability to read and understand written information and instructions.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Perform duties for campus irrigation systems maintenance.
• Operate power tools and equipment.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies related to position.

Skills

Irrigation maintenance

Communication

Ability to operate machinery

Time management

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture

Tools

Power tools

Snow removal equipment

Computer hardware and software

Job description

About the Position

Performs Grounds & Nursery Services Specialist 3 duties involving the maintenance and installation of the campus irrigation systems in a comprehensive grounds maintenance program. This includes but is not limited to maintaining, modifying, repairing, installing or adjusting campus irrigation systems as needed. Inspect and troubleshoot systems for leaks and proper operations. Monitor and program controllers as necessary to maintain optimal watering. Perform duties of Grounds & Nursery Services Specialist 2 and/or Utility Worker 2 as directed by supervisor.

Duty: Irrigation System Maintenance and Repair

• Ascertain material needs and communicate to supervisor for necessary requisition.
• Repair and maintain irrigation systems to keep them functioning properly. Deactivate and activate irrigation systems as required for freeze protection.
• Manage in-house crew and outside contractor projects that impact the campus irrigation systems.
• Coordinate daily tasks with supervisor.
• Update all zone maps for each system on campus that can be obtained in their respective controller.
• Work with electrical low voltage circuits and irrigation components including but not limited to controllers, electric valves, rotor heads, spray heads, etc.
• Perform job layout and planning.
• Read and interpret blueprints.
• Locate irrigation systems using locating equipment, as‑built drawings and experience of building systems.
• Work independently on most projects.
• Respond to after‑hours emergencies related to position.
• Perform Utility Worker duties during off‑season months.

Duty: Equipment Operation

• Operate power tools and equipment needed to perform duties such as drills, saws, trenchers, blowers, power trimmers, small tractors according to job specifications.
• Operate trucks and small tractor as needed.

Duty: Ice/Snow Removal

• Utilize snow removal equipment and tools.
• Remove snow from walkways.
• Apply de‑ice as needed to appropriate areas.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years work experience involving irrigation maintenance and construction in a commercial and/or institutional setting.
• Ability to operate gas powered machinery and small tractors.
• Ability to read and understand written information and instructions.
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to maintain and use hand and power tools safely as required for the trade.
• Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to starting work in order to drive a state‑owned vehicle for travel to work locations.
• Ability to physically perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work with computer hardware and software required to track work orders and record time worked.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a friendly and cooperative manner with students, staff, and faculty at all levels of the organization and in contacts with the public.
• Ability to manage time well and work under pressure situations with tight schedules and deadlines to complete projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience involving landscape maintenance and construction in a commercial and/or institutional setting.
• Knowledge of plant identification and their characteristics.
• Applicable experience working at Western Washington University and knowledge of the campus irrigation systems.
• Knowledge of WISHA/OSHA rules and regulations.
• Strong knowledge of applicable Washington Administrative Code (WAC) regulations and local building and plumbing codes.
• Strong knowledge of Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) rules and regulations, standard job safety rules, proper use of a face respirator.

Conditions of Employment, Salary, Bargaining Unit

• All employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60‑days of hire. Please reach out to [e-mail] if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations.
• Salary $3,864 - $4,678/month depending on qualifications and experience.
• Bargaining Unit: This position is part of bargaining unit B and is covered by the collective bargaining agreement with Washington Federation of State Employees.

Application Instructions

Application materials should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and the required and preferred qualifications.

Closing Date Notes

Position is open until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with applicable laws, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, citizenship or immigration status, pregnancy, use of protective leave, genetic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed, religion, veteran or military status, disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal (including a service animal in training) by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU’s Policies on Prohibiting Discrimination Based on A Protected Class and Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Sex. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); [e-mail]. WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3751 or 711 (Washington Relay). All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check will be conducted on all new hires which includes a sexual misconduct background check.