Grounds & Nursery Services Specialist

Yakima, WA

This recruitment has been republished to increase the applicant pool. Applicants that previously applied do not need to reapply.

The Washington Military Department (WMD) is seeking a skilled Grounds and Nursery Services Specialist to join our construction and facilities team, located in Yakima, WA. This position plays a vital role in maintaining the appearance, safety, and overall condition of the Yakima campus. The ideal candidate enjoys working outside, takes pride in quality work, and is committed to maintaining high standards of landscape care and maintenance.

This position works under the general supervision of the Maintenance Mechanic 4 for the Yakima Region of the State Maintenance and Support Services (SMSS) Branch in the Construction and Facilities Management Office (CFMO). This position is responsible for performing general grounds care to include related maintenance and exterior custodial efforts.

This is a civilian position and does not require military service affiliation.

Protecting people is our passion. At the Washington Military Department, we combine our unique talents to create safer communities and ensure our neighbors and loved ones can recover from whatever emergency might arise. Our agency unites civilian employees with members of the Washington National Guard, creating a team that is deeply committed to public service. We go home at night knowing that our day-to-day work supports activities that truly make a difference.

Whether that's partnering with our communities to prepare for a disaster, leading an emergency response, hiring top‑notch talent or supporting at‑risk kids at our Washington Youth Challenge Academy - the Washington Military Department seeks to safeguard our way of life and those that call Washington home.

In addition to job fulfillment, the Washington Military Department offers an excellent benefits package which includes exceptional health care coverage, a retirement savings plan and job training opportunities.

To learn more about the Washington Military Department, visit: www.mil.wa.gov

• Mow, trim, and rake grounds using power equipment and hand tools.
• Blow off sidewalks, paths, and curbs using power equipment to remove debris and maintain clean pedestrian walkways.
• Weed and maintain landscaped areas by hand and with tools to ensure plant health and a professional appearance.
• Prune trees and shrubs using shears, saws and arial lift equipment.
• Apply mulch and fertilizer and plant grass and shrubs.
• Trim and remove vegetation from fencelines and around buildings.
• Plant grass, trees, and shrubs.
• Operate and repair a variety of ground mechanical equipment and pesticide application apparatus.
• Ensure all warranted efforts are timely generated, updated, and completed in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).

• Possess and maintain a Public Operator License from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).
• Generate, maintain, and submit accurate pesticide application records for regulatory agency requirements.
• Diagnose and treat plant diseases and pests.
• Calibrate, operate, maintain, and repair pesticide application equipment.
• Apply pesticide and/or fertilizer to lawns, hardscapes, gravel lots, roadways, and fencelines.

• Service motorized and non-motorized equipment.
• Repair broken or warn equipment components.
• Maintain equipment in a clean, properly functioning, and ready-to-use state through regular cleaning and inspections.
• Winterize and store equipment appropriately using protective coatings and climate-controlled storage.