WDVA Grounds & Nursery Services Specialist 2, Full-Time Permanent, Washington Veterans Home

• Prepare soil for planting of plants, transplants, and trees.
• Trim and water plants, trees, flowers, and shrubs.
• Apply pesticides and herbicides to flowers and shrubs.
• Seed and mow throughout the facility's campus and irrigate, fertilize, and maintain lawns.
• Use a variety of manual tools and equipment, such as but not limited to: rakes, pruning shears, hand edgers, loppers, shovels, wheelbarrows, and pesticide sprayers.
• Operate power and motorized equipment such as weed trimmers, chainsaws, backpack blowers, rototillers, light tractors, front-end loaders, small trucks, lawn mowers, sweepers, aerators, sod cutters, and snow blowers.
• Perform various grounds maintenance tasks such as weeding, edging, owing, pruning, raking, sweeping, blowing, seeding, sod work, lead pickup, planting, transplanting, applying bulk landscape materials, clearing drains, snow/ice removal and debris removal from grounds, roofs, and gutters.
• Clean, maintain, straighten, secure, align, and repair headstones and grave markers, to include pressure washing, removing weeds, and the realigning of headstones and grave markers using various hand tools to apply adhesives, grout, and cement.
• Receive and inspect markers for damage and accuracy.
• With assistance, set upright headstones weighing up to 150 lbs. and flat markers weighing up to 75 lbs.
• And more!

• One (1) year grounds maintenance experience, gardening, plant care, cultivation, and landscape installation; or equivalent education/experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Must be proficient in the English language.
• Ability to:
  • Use proper techniques for lifting, pushing, and moving, and capable of pushing and lifting with sufficient strength; frequent lifting, kneeling, reaching, and pushing, pulling, twisting, and bending.
  • Stand, bend, reach, lift, and work overhead for long periods of time, lifting 50 lbs., pushing, and pulling; may be required to carry objects weighing over 100 lbs. with assistance.
  • Demonstrate relationship-building skills.
  • Use critical thinking skills and attention to detail.
  • Demonstrate customer focus and build and maintain internal/external customer satisfaction with services offered.
  • Earn the trust, respect, and confidence of workers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism at all times in all interactions.

• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to:
  • Maintain safety and/or infection control as related to medical assistance.
  • Understand and apply rules and written/oral instructions.
  • Prepare messages and simple reports.
  • Maintain accurate records.
  • Read and understand written instructions, directions, and procedures.
  • Make simple arithmetic calculations.

Must be able to pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check prior to beginning services and every two (2) years in accordance with WDVA Policy 615.000 Background Checks.

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.

Application Process:

The Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview for this position.

Because the selection will be based on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills and abilities that address the mandatory and desirable qualifications described below.

Please include the following documents with your application: 1. A letter of interest describing specific qualifications. 2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.

Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Other Information:

• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

Here at YOUR Washington Department of Veterans Affairs our employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or Veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the mission of the agency.

Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge.

It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures on how we can provide the best customer service.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer.

Persons with a disability who need assistance in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call (360) 725-2183.

TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

If you have any questions regarding this announcement, program, or the agency, please contact us at recruiters@dva.wa.gov.