Grounds & Nursery

Pay Range:

$21.12 - $29.57

Salary

Note:

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

Western Colorado University is a residential, public university with an enrollment of 3,000 students who come from across Colorado and all fifty states. Faculty and staff members share a strong commitment to personalized education with the liberal arts as its core. They are student-oriented, collegial, energetic, and engaged in the campus and community. The curriculum provides flexibility where experiential learning and interdisciplinary approaches are valued.

The University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver. At an elevation of 7,700 feet in the southern Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Valley provides exceptional year-round outdoor recreational opportunities. Employees have chosen Western because of the quality of life combined with rewarding careers. To learn more about the University, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). . For a glimpse of Western's wonderful location in the Gunnison Valley, visit  .

• Colorado PERA retirement
• Voluntary participation in 401(k), 457, and 403(b) retirement plans
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (with generous employer premium contributions)
• Basic life insurance coverage (at no cost)
• Optional life insurance for employees and their families
• Short-term disability coverage (at no cost)
• Optional long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending plans
• Employer contributions to a qualified Health Savings Account
• 11 paid state holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• An annual campus health fair with free biometric/blood screenings, free flu shots, and other free screening services available
• Discounted memberships to the campus fieldhouse and fitness center
• Employee and dependent tuition benefits after one year of employment

The Grounds & Nursery work unit maintains, repairs, and improves University grounds, athletic fields, roads, parking lots, and sidewalks. The work unit operates the computerized irrigation system, provides operational support for special events, moves furnishings, removes snow, and repairs equipment and vehicles. This work unit is housed within the Campus Operations department, which is responsible for the creation and maintenance of on-campus environments that foster academic and research excellence.

• Operates heavy equipment including mowers, sweepers, tractors, backhoe, water trucks, dump trucks, & snowplows.
• Irrigates lawn and grounds. Sprays herbicides, insecticides, and chemical fertilizer. Repairs and maintains sprinkler system.
• Removes snow and ice from sidewalks, parking lots and any other area where snow and ice create a problem; sands drives and sidewalks for the safety of pedestrians and vehicles.
• Plants, prunes, weeds, sprays, and performs other upkeep duties on trees, shrubs, and other plants and flowers.
• Cleans parking lots, sidewalks, lawns, and athletic fields of trash and debris.
• Moves furniture, supplies, and equipment for campus events and staff. Assists in the moving of office furniture and desks.
• Patches asphalt and replaces concrete as necessary in sidewalks and drives.
• Sets up for football games, meets and other events.

Experience Only:
One (1) year of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

• High school degree or equivalent
• Strong overall computer literacy

When submitting the initial employment application/materials for this position, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an education institution or program.

Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program implemented on July 1, 2024, any State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification's pay range based on completed years in their current class series as of June 30. All current and former State employees must ensure that your entire work history within the State Classified System, including at Institutions of Higher Education, is indicated in your application so that your time-in-series can be calculated accurately.

• Must be a Colorado Resident at the time of application
• The selected candidate must pass a criminal background check
• The selected candidate must pass a pre-employment physical
• This position is designated as essential services (meaning it performs services directly necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of Western Colorado University facility users. As such, there may be times when the position is required to work unexp