Landscape Specialist

Landscape Specialist
Whitman College

Compensation:

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman's vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college's working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO) .

POSITION PURPOSE

Perform advanced-level work in the maintenance and care of Whitman College landscapes. Make repairs to landscape associated systems and operate all landscape and grounds equipment as required. This specialist regularly consults with the Grounds Supervisor on all matters involving the operation and maintenance of related equipment and work scheduling. Evening and weekend work may be required on occasion.

HIRING SALARY RANGE
Successful applicants can expect to start between $37,500 and $38,600.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Mow, edge, aerate, renovate, overseed, fertilize, top dress, and maintain turf areas.
• Inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, repair, and adjust all irrigation systems.
• Possess knowledge of proper pruning of all plant material, as needed, following current industry standards.
• Perform weed, insect, and disease control using chemical, cultural, mechanical, or biological means when necessary.
• Be willing to train and work with student workers and assist in the guidance of their duties.
• Pick up trash, garbage and recycle material as directed.
• Clean and upkeep sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, etc.
• Report damages and maintenance repairs.
• Utilize Facility Services work order system correctly and regularly, as well as computers (e.g. email, creating reports).
• Work within the safety regulations for federal, state, and Whitman College. Actively participate in the accident prevention program, including attending safety program.
• Observe safety precautions and procedures at all times, being alert for unsafe conditions and report them to supervisor.
• Must be able to respond to campus emergencies throughout the year.
• Operate various types of equipment including power mowers, saws, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, sprayers, etc.
• Ensure grounds are free of weeds and dead plants.
  
  

Seasonal fluctuation will periodically require the following duties:

• Prepare soil for seeding, sodding, planting, and transplanting of plant materials.
• Seed, mow, irrigate, fertilize, and maintain landscape areas as directed.
• Rake leaves, pull, hoe, cut or remove weeds as directed.
• Remove debris, snow, and ice from steps, walks, and ramps, and parking lots.
• Plant seeds, flowers, bulbs, shrubs, trees, and transplant as directed.
• Assist mechanic with rental fleet and other duties as directed.
• Assist with recycling duties as needed. Picking up cardboard from around campus.
  
  

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to perform physical labor in all types of weather.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to positively and actively contribute to the college's core values of diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Possess good judgment, an eye for detail, and a desire to achieve perfection for maximum landscape maintenance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School graduation, two (2) years' experience in grounds keeping related to landscaping, park, golf course, arborist etc.
• Knowledge of landscape principles, tools and related equipment
• May substitute one-year industry experience with either residential, repair, and installation of irrigation systems
• Must possess a Washington valid driver's license, pass background check and employment physical

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Trade school training
• Past experience in standard groundskeeping practices and procedures in an organization with extended hours of operation and multiple high-traffic grounds/landscape areas such as, higher education, K-12 schools, healthcare

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS

Work environment is primarily outdoors including inclement weather conditions, which may include working in high places. This position may be exposed to dirt, dust and equipment solutions. Work may require periodic use of personal protective equipment (e.g. respirators, fall protection). Physical skill and sustained physical effort may be required for some of the ground's responsibilities. Job requires moderate strength and agility and typically requires balancing, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling,

reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping and repetitive motions. Lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds occurs with varied frequency.

BENEFITS

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.

Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

Paid Time Off: 10 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays.

Tuition Remission - Dependent Children

Employee tuition waiver for one Whitman course per semester.

Employee Assistance Program

Learn more about benefits eligibility here.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin June 7, 2023 and continue until the position is filled.

START DATE

July 2023


For full application instructions and position description, visit https://whitman.bamboohr.com/careers/279


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