Landscape Technician - Walla Walla, United States - Whitman College

Description

Job Description

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

Whitman College is a National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division III institution and North West Conference (NWC) member. This position is responsible for the care, maintenance, and renovation of all intercollegiate athletic fields and grounds as well as assisting with advanced-level work in the maintenance and care of other Whitman College landscapes. This technician regularly consults with the Grounds Manager on all matters involving the operation and maintenance of athletic fields and grounds.

HIRING SALARY RANGE

Successful applicants can expect to start between $39,000 and 41,000.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Mowing of all Athletic fields and Athletic grounds.
• Synthetic field maintenance.
• Make repairs to landscape associated systems and operate all landscape and grounds equipment as required.
• Be able to perform all cultural practice to the athletic surfaces such as topdressing, overseeding, aerification, verticutting and snow removal.
• Clean and upkeep sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, etc.
• Collaborate with varsity coaches to determine optimal playing conditions for each team and execute plan to achieve those conditions.
• Apply competition playing field markings per Conference and NCAA Div III rules.
• Operate turf equipment such as mowers, tractors, aerators, and utility vehicles to maintain sports fields.
• Calibrate seed and fertilizer spreaders to uniformly plant seed and fertilize turf throughout the year; calibrate and apply liquid fertilizer and seasonal herbicide control
• Adheres to all safety policies and procedures.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Individuals must be able to explain and demonstrate that they possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job described with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to perform physical labor in all types of weather.
• Ability to diagnose and repair irrigation systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to positively and actively contribute to the college's core values of diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Knowledge of proper pruning of all plant material, as needed, following current industry standards.
• Possess good judgment, an eye for detail, and a desire to achieve perfection for maximum
• landscape maintenance.
• Knowledge of groundskeeping and irrigation principle, tools and power landscape or other related equipment.
• Ability to climb and work from ladders at a considerable height under adverse conditions.
• Ability to move and handle 50 pounds.
• Current state certification or licensing as a pesticide applicator.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School graduation.
• 2 years of relevant turf experience including soccer/lacrosse field management and grounds experience.
• Must possess a Washington valid driver's license and pass employment physical.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree or Certification in Turfgrass Management, Agronomy, Plant Science, Horticulture, or equivalent discipline.
• Past experience in standard groundskeeping/horticulture 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.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

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 January 8, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.

START DATE

March 2024