Grounds & Nursery Services Specialist 3 Job Listing at Bellevue College in Bellevue, WA (Job ID 14035)

Description

Position Summary  

This position plays a crucial role in keeping the college campus clean and accessible for pedestrian and vehicular traffic; as well as maintaining well-kept public gathering spaces for the college community.

Additionally, this position maintains campus aesthetic and sustainability by renovating landscapes to harmonize with the native environment and reduce future maintenance needs. Through collaborating with various campus groups, this position ensures diverse perspectives are incorporated into interactive projects, fostering transparency, and alignment with the College's goals.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule  

Position Salary Range: $39,900/year - $52,848/year

The salary information shown above is a general guideline only. The salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Individuals newly hired to Classified position are placed in a salary range based on the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Competitive salary is within the Range stated above, and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Generous benefits package is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This is a Classified, overtime eligible position and represented by the Washington Federal State Employees (WFSE).

About The College  

Bellevue College is a diverse student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. Bellevue College is located just 10 miles east of Seattle where we serve a student population of over 54% students of color and over 1,300 international students. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that supports a diverse student body, faculty and staff. As an essential part of our mission and goals, diversity, equity and pluralism are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. By enriching student life through leadership opportunities, personal learning and cultural experiences, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse campus community that fosters creativity, innovation and student success.

For more information, visit BC Facts at a Glance @ Bellevue College.

About the Department  

Bellevue College Grounds Crew maintains landscapes and hardscapes at both Main and North Campus.  The Grounds Crew supports the College¿s mission and goals by carrying an awareness throughout their work with regards to safety, accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability.

Essential Functions  

Landscape Maintenance and Development

• Perform regular/routine mowing, trimming, blowing of lawns and planted areas
• Maintain cleanliness by blowing off parking lots/ roadways/sidewalks/paths/curbs
• Weed planted areas
• Perform tree pruning and care, bulb planting and flower care, planting bed and soil amendment
• Maintain and upkeep equipment essential for operations
• Trim bushes and shrub, apply/spread mulch
• Perform plant transplanting and installations, cultivate, and propagate plants, renovate planting bed, develop, and reconfigure planting area
• Aid/assist/contribute to landscape design and development of college grounds
• Actively engage with coworkers to ensure proper and safe work techniques during scheduled work
• Train and develop fellow employees in proper techniques and work procedures, assign tasks as needed and outlined, inspect work for adequate completion and results. 
• Maintain all equipment in safe working condition

Trash, Recycling, and Litter Control

• Collect loose trash around the exterior of campus
• Change trash and recycle receptacles around campus exterior
• Clean designated smoking areas
• Monitor main campus compactor, continual daily effort to minimize litter, and monitor waste receptacles  

Hardscape Cleaning and Foam streaming

• Pressure wash hard surfaces at ground level and/or on buildings faces/structures
• Pressure wash moss/mold off walking surfaces
• Remove/clean vandalism to college property
• Keep drains clear, 
• Treat garden beds with the foam stream to inhibit weed growth

Irrigation Troubleshooting and Repair

• Review irrigation systems to ensure operation is optimal and efficient
• Set and check irrigation clock timers
• Repair damages to sprinklers/pipes/valves/
• Winterize irrigation systems on campus
• Upgrade/install/or modify irrigation systems to suit the planted areas being watered

Noxious Weed Management

• Identify noxious weeds and infestations in the landscape,
• Determine and implement appropriate control methodology for noxious weeds with consultation of grounds supervisor
• Decide seasonal timing of herbicide application for optimal control with ground supervisor
• Lead the mixing and application of herbicides via backpack spraying
• Document application through official WSDA paperwork as per state regulations

Other

• Assist with college sponsored events, including traffic control
• Participate in department marketing, outreach, events and development such as Hayride, wreath making and other activities
• Perform various tasks as needed to aid in normal campus operations

Minimum Qualifications  

• Minimum two (2) years experience and/or equivalent education or training involving gardening, grounds maintenance, plant care. 
• Must have a valid driver's license with 2 years of driving experience.
• Possess Washing State Department of Agriculture certification for pesticide application or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, and customer service skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated capability and willingness to work outside in all types of weather conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting heavy objects up to 50 pounds, and frequent bending, kneeling, and/or crouching.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining grounds maintenance equipment including mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, and irrigation systems.
• Basic computer skills to read and respond to email and electronic work requests.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with students, staff and faculty of diverse backgrounds and   abilities.

Conditions of Employment  

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. 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.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law.

Check frequently in your inbox, spam, junk, clutter email folders for any communication regarding the next steps from Bellevue College and our background check partners.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties. 

Other Information  

• This position is NOT eligible for relocation allowance.
• This position is NOT eligible for sponsorship for employment-based visa.

How To Apply  

Applications received by 08/09/2024 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date may be considered until the position is filled. 

All individuals interested in this position are encouraged to apply. Your application must include a complete online application and all of the required documents below to be considered complete. Any application that does not provide all requested information will not be considered for the position (only submit required documents with the application, additional will not be reviewed.) Please review Application Tips before applying. Current Bellevue College employees should apply the position through Employee Self Service.

Required application materials:   

• Attach a Cover Letter (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.)
• Attach a Resume
• Attach a Diversity Statement (min 1 pg., max 2 pgs.) that addresses the following: Please provide specific examples of how your educational and/or professional experiences, demonstrate your commitment to diversity and equity
• Complete the Job Questionnaires if applicable

Contact: 
If you have questions with regards to the application or the hiring process, please contact Office of Human Resources at 425-564-2274 or email to jobs@bellevuecollege.edu. 

EEO Statement  

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126. 

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact hraccommodations@bellevuecollege.edu .

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