WDVA Grounds and Nursery Services Specialist 4, Full-Time - Permanent, Washington Soldiers Home

About The Role The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a skilled Grounds and Nursery Services Specialist 4 to support the upkeep of the grounds at the Washington Soldiers Home. This role involves performing experienced gardening and landscaping work, caring for all grounds, landscapes, nurseries, and greenhouse areas to create and maintain safe, welcoming, and beautiful outdoor spaces. The expected shift is 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Key Responsibilities - Perform and lead others in preparing and maintaining outdoor floral beds, display areas, soil improvements, and planting floral displays. - Monitor floral displays for disease and pest control utilizing chemical, biological, and other control measures. - Cultivate, water, fertilize, prune, and mulch floral displays and perennials. - Maintain turf grass areas including fertilizing, pest management, irrigation, and mowing. - Maintain extensive hedge material through shearing, shaping, and meeting cultural requirements. - Mow lawns, trim grass near fences and buildings, and remove leaves using tractors and power blowers. - Rake, pick up debris, and keep campus lawns attractive. - Irrigate lawns, trees, and shrubs using sprinklers, hoses, and water breakers. - Identify and control lawn disease and insect damage. - Apply fertilizers, calibrate sprayers and spreaders, and remove or replace soil for seeding. - Restore bare spots in lawns by reseeding, resodding, and dethatching. - Operate and service power equipment such as lawn aerators, fertilizer spreaders, and tractors. - Effectively use hand tools like brooms, shovels, rakes, and post hole diggers. Minimum Qualifications 1. Two years of experience in gardening, plant care, landscape construction, and grounds maintenance. 2. A college degree involving major study in agronomy, botany, horticulture, soils, or a closely allied field may be substituted for gardening experience. 3. A combination of education and experience may be considered on a year-for-year basis. 4. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English to facilitate effective performance of job duties. 5. Agency Required Competencies: The ability to take action to learn and grow, and the ability to take action to meet the needs of others. 6. Preferred: Experience in performing grounds and maintenance for a large-scale facility. Special Requirements 1. Must pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check prior to beginning services and every two years. 2. Must comply with annual Tuberculin Screening. 3. Must be able to lift up to 60 lbs, reach a minimum of 36 inches, push or pull with sufficient strength, and walk, sit, and bend unrestricted during the entire workday. 4. Must maintain regular and reliable attendance. 5. Must successfully complete all mandatory orientation and training within mandated timeframes. 6. Must comply with all DVA policies, procedures, and Collective Bargaining Agreements. 7. Must sign the confidentiality statement for all employees. 8. Positions requiring travel must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and be insured if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business. 9. Must possess work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship for a visa now or in the future. Selection Process - Top candidates will be contacted directly to interview. - Selection is based on information provided; candidates should identify knowledge, skills, and abilities addressing mandatory and desirable qualifications. - Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers. How To Apply - Include a letter of interest describing specific qualifications. - Include a current resume detailing applicable experience and education. - For questions, contact recruiters@dva.wa.gov. - Persons with a disability needing assistance may call (360) 725-2183 or TTY 711. Employment Details - Location: Pierce County - Orting, WA (Washington Soldiers Home) - Job Type: Full Time - Permanent - Department: Dept. of Veterans Affairs - Division: Washington Soldiers Home - Union: Washington Federation of State Employees - Employer: State of Washington - The State of Washington is an equal opportunity and diversity, equity, and inclusion employer.