Groundskeeper

Join a team that plays a vital role in maintaining the safety, appearance, and functionality of County facilities and public spaces. As a Groundskeeper, you will contribute directly to creating clean, welcoming, and well-maintained environments that serve employees, residents, and visitors every day. This role offers the opportunity to build upon your landscaping and facilities maintenance experience while working with increasing independence and responsibility.

You'll perform meaningful, hands‑on work across a wide range of outdoor maintenance activities and contribute to seasonal operations. If you enjoy working outdoors, solving practical challenges, and making a visible impact on your community, this position provides an excellent opportunity to develop your skills while supporting the County's commitment to exceptional public service.

The Kitsap County Facilities Maintenance Department is responsible for the oversight and maintenance of County buildings and properties and provides maintenance and groundskeeping services for over 20 County buildings, including the main campus in Port Orchard, Givens Community Center, the Kitsap County Coroner's Office, and the Sheriff's Office Silverdale precinct.

• Maintain County campuses, parks, and other County-owned or occupied properties by mowing, edging, trimming, weeding, planting, pruning, fertilizing, watering, and maintaining healthy landscapes throughout the year.
• Operate a variety of powered and hand-operated landscaping equipment, including mowers, string trimmers, blowers, and other maintenance tools while ensuring safe and efficient operation.
• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides (when properly licensed), mulch, and other landscape treatments to promote healthy vegetation and maintain attractive public spaces.
• Inspect and maintain irrigation systems, landscaping equipment, and grounds maintenance tools to ensure reliable operation and minimize downtime.
• Perform snow and ice removal activities by shoveling, snow blowing, plowing, and applying ice melt to maintain safe walkways, parking areas, and public access during inclement weather.
• Support facility operations by moving furniture and equipment, assisting with office relocations, and performing interior painting projects during seasonal maintenance periods.
• Clean and maintain building exteriors through pressure washing, seasonal debris removal, litter collection, and ongoing grounds maintenance to ensure County facilities present a professional appearance.
• Monitor landscaped areas for weeds, plant diseases, insect activity, and maintenance needs, taking appropriate corrective action to preserve healthy and functional outdoor environments.
• Maintain inventories of equipment, materials, and supplies while identifying maintenance needs and assisting with ordering replacement items when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with County policies, safety procedures, quality standards, and departmental guidelines while maintaining accurate records and completing assigned responsibilities efficiently.
• Collaborate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and the public to provide responsive customer service and support a safe, clean, and welcoming environment across County facilities.
• Assist with additional operational and maintenance assignments as needed to support departmental priorities and organizational goals.

• Valid in-state driver's license required by the time of hire.

• Minimum of six (6) months of landscaping or grounds maintenance experience
  , including mowing, pruning, landscape maintenance (required).
• Experience operating powered landscaping equipment and maintaining grounds in a safe, efficient, and professional manner.

• Experience maintaining outdoor spaces through all seasons, including snow and ice removal.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision while exercising sound judgment in completing assigned work.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to understand work direction and clearly exchange information.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to interact professionally, courteously, and respectfully with coworkers, employees, visitors, and the public.

• Who May Apply
  :
  This position is open to the public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process.
• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME 1308.
  Internal applicants should be aware that a change in union status or bargaining unit may impact your benefits and accruals. Please contact Human Resources if you have questions. Employees who join the union will be required to pay union dues through payroll…