Maintenance Worker (Grounds)

Skagit County; Mount Vernon (WA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Skagit County is seeking a detail‑oriented Maintenance Worker (Grounds) to perform mowing, pruning, snow removal, painting and light carpentry across county facilities and grounds. You will follow safety rules, operate power tools, and coordinate with staff and contractors to keep areas safe, clean, and aesthetically pleasing for the public and employees.

The role requires a high school diploma, a valid WA driver's license, and basic maintenance knowledge. A background check will be conducted.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Demonstrated aptitude in facility maintenance or construction.
• Valid Washington State driver's license.
• Background check required.
• Ability to operate and maintain hand and power tools.

Responsibilities

• Mow, trim, prune, weed control as needed.
• Perform snow removal and seasonal safety tasks.
• Paint, repair, and light carpentry on facility components.
• Coordinate with staff and contractors for projects.
• Maintain clean, safe work areas and prepare reports.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Multi-tasking

Effective communication

Education

High school graduate or equivalent

Tools

Power tools

Lawn equipment

Carpentry basics

Job description

Performs a variety of routine, semi-skilled, and specialized work related to general grounds, facility, and equipment maintenance. Completes assigned tasks under minimal supervision while complying with established codes, ordinances, rules, and standards. Maintains professional relationships and communications with other staff and contractors, while working to ensure a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment for the general public and county employees.

This position primarily works day shift (8:00 am - 4:30 pm) although seasonal variations may be needed to accommodate groundskeeping, snow management, and other tasks that must be completed before or after normal business hours.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Detail-oriented laborer with a demonstrated aptitude or interest in maintenance. Will provide manual labor while performing a variety of semi-skilled maintenance tasks. Must adhere to safe operation of tools or equipment.

• Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 ($27.30/hr. - $29.28/hr.) dependent upon qualifications.

• Progressive increases are based on years of service with Skagit County, up to 8 total steps (top step $34.75/hr.). The Maintenance Worker (Grounds) is Range 11 of the Teamsters (Courts/Parks) salary schedule.

Performs mowing, trimming, pruning, weed control, fall cleanup, planting, mulching, snow removal, and repair of facility components in areas of light carpentry, material restoration, and painting. May be asked to assist in performing electrical, plumbing, and mechanical tasks or work best performed after normal business hours.

Purchases supplies and materials necessary to complete projects.

Cleans windows, walls, debris from roofs, and gutters as necessary.

Completes scheduled preventative inspections and maintenance on life safety equipment and other facility systems.

Performs pressure washing, interior and exterior painting using brushes, rollers, and airless equipment.

Conduct seasonal (snow & ice) and emergency (flooding) safety requirements in / around facilities.

Applies safe working techniques that comply with recognized county, state and federal standards.

Assist in small office furniture moves to include relocating desks, chairs, partitions, bulletin boards, etc.

Prepares and paints interior and exterior surfaces using airless paint equipment and carpentry.

Replaces ballasts and lamps in lighting fixtures.

Conducts proper tool cleaning and maintenance procedures to maximize service life.

Communicates to management and department staff via phone, email, and a work order management system.

SUPERVISORY:

May direct staff on specific projects but does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Coordinates project requirements and contractor work as assigned.

Assists with development of procedures and tasks as assigned.

Operate boom lift, scissor lift, lawn mowers, line trimmer, and other power tools required in accomplishment of tasks.

May assist Maintenance Worker (Facilities) with their assigned tasks and responsibilities.

Perform related duties as required that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:

High school graduate or equivalent required.

Demonstrated aptitude and interest in facility maintenance and repairs, based on training or experience working in construction or maintenance.

Position will require background check through Skagit County Sheriff, Washington State Patrol and FBI.

Requires knowledge of:

• Turf and plant care
• Proper techniques, standards, materials, and tools for use in general maintenance, and repairs.
• Basic mechanical, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, roofing, and painting maintenance / repairs.
• Safety awareness, precautions, and practices applicable to work being performed.
• Standard cleaning methods and equipment maintenance.
• Material Safety Data for all hazardous materials used.
• Basic mathematics, calculations, and measurement.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Electrical safety awareness and proper practices.

Requires ability to:

• Understand and carryout oral and written instructions
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing while using tact, discretion and respect to gain cooperation.
• Use hand and power garden or shop tools
• Estimate material needs utilizing mathematics for various landscaping or carpentry projects
• Multi-task and problem solve
• Work without direct supervision
• Be attentive to detail, particularly in documentation or recordkeeping.
• Work independently or cooperatively as a member of a team
• Maintain a clean and safe work area taking proper precaution to protect yourself and others who might enter work area.
• Perform custodial tasks as needed

LICENSES and/or CERTIFICATIONS:

Valid Washington State driver's license

Valid First Aid and CPR Certification (provided within first 12 months of employment)

Pesticides applicator’s license desired. Applicant has option to obtain license after hire date.

Class B CDL endorsement with air brakes desired but not required.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed in a variety of locations indoors and outdoors in all types of weather, occasionally in cramped dirty areas, or with exposure to heights, noise, or vibration. Settings may include outdoors, in office areas, or in county detention facilities with proximity to inmates. Prolonged periods of physical activity, including walking, standing, bending, stretching, crawling, climbing and routinely lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifts items weighing up to 100 pounds. Some work will be performed from ladders and high lift equipment. Requires driving to satellite sites with ability to connect and tow a trailer.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.