Student Grounds Crew Lead

Whitworth University; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitworth University is seeking a Student Grounds Crew Lead to supervise a 10–15 student crew in maintaining campus turf, beds, and hardscapes. The role combines hands-on maintenance with leadership and training responsibilities to ensure a safe, welcoming campus.

You will train and mentor student workers, coordinate schedules, and assist with seasonal operations including snow removal. A valid driver’s license is required, and a pesticide license must be obtained within the first year.

Qualifications

• Able to lead a crew of 10–15 student employees.
• Experience directing outdoor maintenance or grounds crews is preferred.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Must obtain Washington State pesticide applicator license within the first year.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, mentor, and supervise student grounds employees.
• Coordinate work schedules around student availability.
• Assign and prioritize daily work.
• Work alongside student employees to provide hands-on instruction and leadership.
• Provide equipment, technical, and safety training.
• Monitor completed work for quality and provide coaching.
• Partner with the Grounds Supervisor to address concerns.
• Maintain turf, beds, and hardscapes; operate grounds equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Training

Mentoring

Scheduling

Equipment operation

Safety compliance

Team supervision

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Washington pesticide applicator license

Job description

You will join a team of groundskeepers who are passionate about providing a safe and beautiful outdoor learning space. You will have the opportunity to make a positive impact in students' lives and care for the environment. Learn more about the department HERE

The Student Grounds Crew Lead supports the care and maintenance of Whitworth University’s campus grounds, including turf, landscape beds, and hardscapes. This hands‑on role leads, trains, mentors, and supervises a crew of 10–15 student employees while working alongside them to maintain a safe, welcoming, and beautiful campus. The position also supports seasonal operations, including snow and ice removal during the winter months.

Student Crew Development | 40%

• Lead, train, mentor, and supervise student grounds employees.
• Coordinate work schedules around changing student availability.
• Assign and prioritize daily work.
• Work alongside student employees to provide hands‑on instruction and leadership.
• Provide equipment, technical, and safety training.
• Monitor completed work for quality and provide coaching.
• Partner with the Grounds Supervisor in addressing technical or interpersonal concerns.

Landscape and Grounds Maintenance | 40%

• Maintain campus turf, landscape beds, plantings, and hardscapes.
• Operate mowing, trimming, spraying, and other grounds equipment.
• Perform turf and plant care.
• Safely mix and apply herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers.
• Identify maintenance priorities through regular assessment of campus grounds.

Projects and Improvement | 10%

• Plan and complete small landscape improvement projects.
• Support irrigation renovation and installation.
• Assist with site preparation and demolition.
• Select and install plant materials.
• Assist with review of larger landscape installations.

Seasonal, Snow & Grounds Operations | 10%

• Safely and efficiently operate snow removal equipment including small snow plows, truck plows, de‑icing equipment and snow shovels.
• Direct student workers during daytime snow removal and de‑icing operations.
• Assist in maintaining and growing Whitworth Grounds social media presence.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. If you have experience working outdoors, operating equipment, maintaining turf and landscapes, or leading others, we encourage you to apply.

• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Washington State pesticide applicator license within the first year of employment.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including strenuous outdoor work in varying weather conditions, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, and operating riding equipment for up to two hours at a time.
• Personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the educational mission of Whitworth University as a Christian liberal arts university.
• A commitment to the educational mission of Whitworth University as a comprehensive Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church.

Core Competencies

• Ability to provide hands‑on direction, training, mentorship, and constructive feedback to student employees.
• Ability to assess grounds needs, organize daily work, adjust priorities, and coordinate work around changing schedules and seasonal demands.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices and the responsible use of grounds equipment, tools, and landscape products.
• Ability to build positive working relationships and contribute to a team focused on maintaining a safe, welcoming, and well‑cared‑for campus.

Preferred

• Experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, turf care, agriculture, construction, irrigation, athletic field maintenance, or a related field.
• Experience operating lawn mowers, tractors, or similar grounds or landscape equipment.
• Experience performing physically active work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Experience leading, supervising, training, or working alongside student, seasonal, or crew‑based employees.
• Current Washington State pesticide applicator license.

Schedule

Full-time (1.0 FTE) | 12 months | 40 hours per week
Whitworth grounds crew hours are 7 AM to 3:30 PM Monday – Friday

Whitworth University is a Christian liberal arts university. Our shared mission is to provide our diverse students with an education of mind and heart, equipping them to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity. We seek candidates who are willing to engage with the university’s mission and integrate their Christian faith into their work.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain valid work authorization throughout the duration of employment, including those on OPT. Whitworth University does not offer visa sponsorship for this position.