Grounds & Nursery Services Specialist 3

State of Washington; Yakima (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington Military Department in Yakima, WA seeks a Grounds & Nursery Specialist 3 to maintain campus landscapes, ensure safety, and support exterior custodial tasks. The role emphasizes outdoor work, quality maintenance, and adherence to regulatory requirements.

The position reports to Maintenance Mechanic 4 for the Yakima Region and requires a WSDA Public Operator License within six months. Applicants should enjoy outdoor work and demonstrate a commitment to high standards in landscape care.

Qualifications

• Two years of grounds maintenance, gardening, plant care, cultivation, and/or landscape installation experience.
• Must obtain and maintain a Washington State Pesticide Applicator License within six months of hire.
• High school diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

• Mow, trim, and rake grounds using power equipment and hand tools.
• Weed and maintain landscaped areas to ensure plant health and a professional appearance.
• Prune trees and shrubs using appropriate tools.
• Operate and repair ground equipment and pesticide application apparatus.
• Maintain and update records in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Maintain irrigation systems and troubleshoot issues as needed.

Skills

Grounds maintenance

Outdoor work

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Grounds & Nursery Specialist 3

Yakima, WA

This recruitment has been republished to increase the applicant pool. Applicants that previously applied do not need to reapply.

The Washington Military Department (WMD) is seeking a skilled Grounds and Nursery Services Specialist to join our construction and facilities team, located in Yakima, WA. This position plays a vital role in maintaining the appearance, safety, and overall condition of the Yakima campus. The ideal candidate enjoys working outside, takes pride in quality work, and is committed to maintaining high standards of landscape care and maintenance.

This position works under the general supervision of the Maintenance Mechanic 4 for the Yakima Region of the State Maintenance and Support Services (SMSS) Branch in the Construction and Facilities Management Office (CFMO). This position is responsible for performing general grounds care to include related maintenance and exterior custodial efforts.

This is a civilian position and does not require military service affiliation.

About the Washington Military Department

Protecting people is our passion. At the Washington Military Department, we combine our unique talents to create safer communities and ensure our neighbors and loved ones can recover from whatever emergency might arise. Our agency unites civilian employees with members of the Washington National Guard, creating a team that is deeply committed to public service. We go home at night knowing that our day-to-day work supports activities that truly make a difference. Whether that's partnering with our communities to prepare for a disaster, leading an emergency response, hiring top‑notch talent or supporting at‑risk kids at our Washington Youth Challenge Academy - the Washington Military Department seeks to safeguard our way of life and those that call Washington home.

In addition to job fulfillment, the Washington Military Department offers an excellent benefits package which includes exceptional health care coverage, a retirement savings plan and job training opportunities.

To learn more about the Washington Military Department, visit: www.mil.wa.gov

Responsibilities

Landscape maintenance and development

• Mow, trim, and rake grounds using power equipment and hand tools.
• Blow off sidewalks, paths, and curbs using power equipment to remove debris and maintain clean pedestrian walkways.
• Weed and maintain landscaped areas by hand and with tools to ensure plant health and a professional appearance.
• Prune trees and shrubs using shears, saws and arial lift equipment.
• Apply mulch and fertilizer and plant grass and shrubs.
• Trim and remove vegetation from fencelines and around buildings.
• Plant grass, trees, and shrubs.
• Operate and repair a variety of ground mechanical equipment and pesticide application apparatus.
• Ensure all warranted efforts are timely generated, updated, and completed in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).

Vegetation Management

• Possess and maintain a Public Operator License from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).
• Generate, maintain, and submit accurate pesticide application records for regulatory agency requirements.
• Diagnose and treat plant diseases and pests.
• Calibrate, operate, maintain, and repair pesticide application equipment.
• Apply pesticide and/or fertilizer to lawns, hardscapes, gravel lots, roadways, and fencelines.

Maintain grounds maintenance equipment for regional inventory

• Service motorized and non-motorized equipment.
• Repair broken or warn equipment components.
• Maintain equipment in a clean, properly functioning, and ready-to-use state through regular cleaning and inspections.
• Winterize and store equipment appropriately using protective coatings and climate-controlled storage.

Irrigation troubleshooting and repair

• Review irrigation systems using visual inspections and pressure testing to ensure operation is optimal and efficient.
• Repair and replace damaged or in-operational controllers, sprinklers, pipes, or valves using plumbing tools and replacement parts to restore system functionality.
• Upgrade, install, or modify irrigation systems using specialized trenching and piping methods to match the needs of developed landscapes.
• Winterize irrigation systems using high-pressure air blow-out methods to prevent freeze damage.

Hardscape cleaning and maintenance

• Perform snow removal and apply ice melt on sidewalks, parking lots, and roadways.
• Pressure wash hard surfaces at ground level and/or building faces, structures, and walkways.
• Remove debris from assigned areas.

Required Qualifications

1. Two years of experience in grounds maintenance, gardening, plant care, cultivation, and/or landscape installation, and
2. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Washington State Pesticide Applicator License. This license must be obtained within six months of employment.

Desired Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or GED.

Experience

• Landscaping and hardscaping cleaning.
• Utilizing Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, or similar software) to develop program documents.

Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Read plans and blueprints for landscaping related efforts.
• Actively demonstrate a commitment to learning and growth.
• Demonstrate a willingness to understand and meet the needs of others.

Compensation

Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion.

Conditions of Employment

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Public Operator License - Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) - Must possess or have the ability to obtain within six months of hire, a valid Public Operators License.
• Requirement includes passing the Washington Laws and Safety exam and obtaining category-specific endorsements for Agricultural Weed Control and Right-of-Way Weed Control.
• Must comply with the 2026 Certification and Training (C&T) standards, including completion of the required course and/or quiz to maintain legal status for pesticide application on state-owned land.

Background Investigation

Must successfully complete the appropriate background checks required for employment and to obtain/maintain a DoD Common Access Card (CAC) in order to obtain/maintain a DoD Secret-level security clearance. Must be willing to sign releases of information and shall not have access to any investigative materials and files. The processing of background checks can take up to six months post-employment. Failure to successfully pass a background check may be cause for termination.

Union Shop Provision

This position is represented by Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).

Driver's License

1. Valid to drive in the State of Washington.
2. Must meet requirements of the REAL ID Act. This is required for base access and will be required upon hire.

Military Facility

Willingness to work on a Military Controlled Access Installation. Camp Murray and Yakima work location utilizes the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) for entry to the installation. Must meet access requirements / background check which can be found in the Camp Murray Access Requirements Policy (Unified Policy No. 18-01) This includes possession of an Enhanced Driver’s License, or other REAL ID Compliant Identification.

Work Hours

The standard schedule is Tuesday - Friday with Monday off for a 4/10 schedule.

Telework

This position is not eligible for telework.

Emergency Assignment

Upon activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) or Joint Field Office (JFO), incumbent may be required to work in an alternate location with rotating shifts, including weekends and evenings, in a highly stressful and fast-paced environment.

Travel

Occasional statewide travel may be required up to 5% to include overnight stays.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Washington Military Department is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruitment Section of State Human Resources at: Email: [e-mail], Call: [phone], or 711