Utility Worker 2 - Grounds & Landscape

Columbia Basin College; Pasco (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Basin College seeks a Utility Worker 2 to perform skilled grounds maintenance, landscaping, and semi-skilled building work. The role supports nurseries, athletic fields, and facilities, reporting to the Buildings & Grounds Supervisor A.

The position requires a high school diploma, a year of manual maintenance work, and a pesticide applicator license or eligibility. It is full-time, with a 6:00 a.m. start, Monday–Friday, in Pasco, WA. Contact Denise Cook for details.

Qualifications

• Attendance and punctuality are essential; you must be reliable and responsible.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; ability to learn college software.
• Clear, persuasive communication and teamwork.
• Commitment to quality, safety and continuous improvement.
• Adherence to safety procedures and proper handling of equipment.
• Willingness to learn and share knowledge with peers.
• Demonstrated alignment with CBC commitments and inclusive values.

Responsibilities

• Apply pesticides and follow label instructions with accurate records.
• Perform ground maintenance: soil prep, planting, pruning, weed control, and lawn care.
• Assist heavy equipment operators and department work crews as needed.
• Operate trucks, mowers, and power tools; maintain and repair tools.
• May run sprinkler systems and assist with computer setup.
• Perform semi-skilled maintenance on buildings, fixtures, and grounds; repair systems.
• Snow removal operations including shoveling, plowing, and ice treatment.
• Load/unload materials; assemble new furniture; keep work area safe and organized.
• Perform duties of a Utility Worker 1 and other related tasks.

Skills

Attendance

Computer Skills

Oral Communication

Quality

Safety

Technical Skills

Diversity & Inclusion

CBC Shared Commitments

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Washington Pesticide License

Job description

Columbia Basin College ("CBC" or the "College") seeks a Utility Worker 2 to perform skilled work in the maintenance of institution grounds, landscapes, athletic fields, nursery and/or greenhouse. This position will also perform semi-skilled work in maintaining or repairing grounds, buildings, facilities and equipment. This position reports to the Buildings & Grounds Supervisor A.

This position closes on October 5, 2026 @ 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

If you have questions or need assistance during the application or search process, please contact the recruiter for this position, Denise Cook at [e-mail] or [phone].

• Apply pesticides and follow label instructions for all applications, maintaining accurate records;
• Perform all types of ground maintenance; prepare soil for planting; plant seeds, bulbs, plants, trees and shrubs; perform all duties related to creation and maintenance of lawns; transplant all types of nursery stock; rake and remove leaves; pull, hoe and control weeds; prune, spray and fertilize trees, shrubs and ground covers;
• May assist heavy equipment operators and with the direction of Department of Corrections work crew;
• Operate motorized equipment such as trucks, forklifts, tractors, mowers, and power tools for landscaping, snow removal, and construction/parking lot maintenance, while also cleaning, maintaining, and repairing tools and equipment;
• May run sprinkler system from computer; may assist with computer set up;
• Perform semi-skilled maintenance work on buildings, fixtures, grounds, fences, walkways and driveways; install and repair sprinkler system for buildings and sports fields; repair parking lots and sidewalks; clean roofs, gutters and grounds; change filters in HVAC equipment and assist with data and electrical installations;
• Perform snow removal operations including shoveling, plowing, applying ice melt and distributing traction sand;
• Load and unload trucks and move furniture, equipment, supplies and materials; assemble new furniture;
• Maintain a safe and organized work environment;
• Perform the duties of a Utility Worker 1; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

Attendance/Punctuality: Is consistently at work and on time; ensure work responsibilities are covered when absent; arrive at meetings and appointments on time;

Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; operate personal computer with general understanding of application software; ability to learn office and College-specific software;

Oral Communication: Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listen and get clarification; respond well to questions; demonstrate group presentation skills; participate in meetings;

Quality: Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; look for ways to improve and promote quality; apply feedback to improve performance; monitor own work to ensure quality;

Safety and Security: Observe safety and security procedures; determine appropriate action beyond guidelines; report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment and materials properly;

Technical Skills: Assess own strengths and weaknesses; pursue training and development opportunities; strive to continuously build knowledge and skills; share expertise with others;

CBC Shared Commitments: Demonstrates a willingness to work with and support others in completing assignments, accepts constructive feedback, and cooperates with coworkers and supervisors. Shows alignment with CBC Shared Commitments by treating others with respect, communicating and collaborating effectively, pursuing growth and learning, valuing and celebrating contributions, prioritizing wellness, and holding self and others accountable; and

Support for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Reflecting CBC's mission, vision and values, support initiatives that expand the human qualities that differentiate our workplace and educational setting; demonstrate and advocate an understanding of differences, open mindedness, compassion, sensitivity and interest in differing viewpoints given the diverse population and show a deep commitment to the involvement of colleagues, students and community members to student experience and success honoring freedom of expression as fundamental to personal, professional and organizational growth.

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• One (1) year of experience performing manual work in maintenance, repair, remodeling, construction of buildings, facilities, utility and sewer systems, equipment and/or grounds;
• Current Washington State Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator License (Public Operator with Weed Control) or attainable within six (6) months of hire;
• Valid U.S. driver's license or ability to obtain one before date of hire.

This position is a full-time, overtime eligible classified staff position. The typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; however, must be available to work a flexible schedule when prior notice is given by the College. This position is available immediately.

Process Note

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.

Conditions of Employment

In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Columbia Basin College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.

If you are hired, you will need to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986. Columbia Basin College is unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas (e.g., H-1B) at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.

CBC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the letter and spirit of all federal and state laws. CBC encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legal protected characteristics. Candidates who need any accommodation in the application process or in employment should contact the Office of Human Resources.

Other Job Elements

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met and may be encountered by an incumbent when performing the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with qualified disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, bend, kneel, stoop, communicate, reach, and manipulate objects. The position requires mobility, including frequent traveling between buildings on campus and driving employer vehicles off and around campus. Duties involve physical strength, agility and endurance to bend/reach, lift, pull or push objects weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis, 80 pounds with help from others or by mechanical means, and climb a ladder and work from heights no more than 80 feet off the ground. Manual dexterity and coordination are required while operating equipment such as standard office equipment and grounds/maintenance equipment.

Working Conditions

Work environment is performed in multiple locations such as a typical office environment, field and indoor/outdoor settings that includes some exposure to hazards or physical risks that require following safety and driving requirements. Interruptions occur on a regular basis. There can be exposure to adverse weather conditions and unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust and/or uneven surfaces, while performing the duties of this position.

Union Clause

This is a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA). Internal promotional, transfer and voluntary demotion applicants who have skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position will be considered prior to consideration of other applicants.