Grounds & Nursery Services Specialist 6

Description

Columbia Basin College ('CBC' or the 'College') seeks a Grounds & Nursey Services Specialist 6 who will be directly responsible for the systematic plan of development, maintenance and goals of the College’s landscaping program. The Specialist will train, supervise, and assist assigned personnel in landscape maintenance and equipment use and care for the Plant Operations Department of Columbia Basin College. This position will be the first line supervisor for all grounds department workers. This position reports to the Assistant Director for Central Services.

This position is open until filled. First consideration will be given to applicants whose complete application has been received by May 30, 2021 @ 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.1 (Download PDF reader) , state employees and employees of educational institutions must be fully vaccinated no later than October 18, 2021. If hired, your vaccine status will be verified during onboarding unless you apply and qualify for a religious or medical exemption and can be accommodated to perform the essential functions of the position. Need more information? Please contact covidvaccinemandate@columbiabasin.edu .

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and develop campus landscaping and gardening projects;
• Monitor and assist in landscape installations and other special projects such as sidewalks, parking lots and drywells;
• Participate in the construction and design of new and renovated buildings, walkways, parking lots and underground utilities;
• Assist in development and monitor budget for supplies and equipment, including, insecticide, sprays, plants and machinery; initiate and/or give input with regard to major purchases and repair services;
• Maintain departmental records; write reports on maintenance/grounds operations;
• Assist in developing departmental policies and procedures;
• Inspect campus grounds to assure safe and appropriate conditions;
• Deploy staff to support the College during emergency events;
• Recommend hiring, evaluating, correcting, disciplining and terminating employees;
• Assign work, instruct and check the work of Utility Workers I-III, student workers and seasonal full time/temporary mowers;
• Supervise, assist and assign work for inmates from Coyote Ridge Corrections Center;
• Read and interpret blueprints; determine scope of work, materials needed, costs, and write specs;
• Utilize GroupWise and the internet for research;
• Run, maintain, and adjust computer system that waters the campus grounds and estimate costs of gardening and landscaping projects;
• Interview and recommend selection of applicants, conduct training, assign and schedule work, act upon leave requests, conduct annual performance evaluations and recommend disciplinary action;
• Coordinate with appropriate staff on the underground utility distribution and services;
• Perform duties of Grounds and Nursery Specialists and Utility Workers; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Two (2) years of experience as a supervisor in a maintenance and/or grounds field;
• Have WSDA Pesticide License or acquire within 6 months of hire; and
• Have and be able to maintain a valid U.S. driver's license.

Skills & Abilities

Interpersonal Skills : Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming others; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control; and remains open to others' ideas and tries new things;

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; and participates in meetings;

Problem Solving Skills : Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; and uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics;

Motivational Skills : Sets and achieves challenging goals; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; and measures self against standard of excellence; and

Professionalism : Ability to approach others in a tactful manner; react well under pressure; treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accept responsibility for own actions; and follow through on commitments.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This position is a twelve-month (12), full-time, overtime exempt, classified staff position. The typical work hours are Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; however, must be available to work a flexible schedule due to work demands and some evening/weekend work 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.

**Please note that selected interview candidates will be subject to supplemental testing that will measure skills and abilities related to this position (e.g., Communication, Problem Solving, MS Office Simulation [Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word], etc.).

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 operates under an approved affirmative action plan and encourages applications from persons of color, women, veterans and persons of disability. The Human Resources Office is accessible to those with disabilities. If you need accommodation in application or employment, contact the Human Resources Office at (509) 542-4740.

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.