Grounds & Nursery Services Specialist

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• All employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60‑days of hire. Please reach out to HR 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…