Be a part of keeping the Washington State University (WSU) Vancouver campus beautiful! We’re looking for individuals who like to be hands on maintaining grounds and landscaping, and can lead and supervise the work of our groundskeeping team.
Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: January 4, 2026
As the Grounds & Nursery Services Specialist Supervisor (GNSS 4), you are responsible for leading and supervising the WSU Vancouver Grounds maintenance team. You will perform, assign, instruct and check the work of other grounds personnel and service providers in a variety of skilled duties in landscape construction and grounds maintenance to maintain safe, clean and attractive grounds on the WSU Vancouver campus.
You identify best practices to accomplish this mission. You will also take steps to mitigate the operation’s effect on the environment. Your duties include but are not limited to: turf maintenance, plant bedding installation and maintenance, tree planting, pruning and removal, trail, walkway and road surface maintenance, irrigation system operation, maintenance, repair and snow and ice control operations, stormwater system maintenance. You may serve as a subject matter expert with coworkers or representing the University to vendors serving the University.
Grounds & Nursery Services Specialist Supervisor essential duties include:
- Landscaping Maintenance
- Walkway Maintenance
- Equipment Operation and Maintenance
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Leadership
- Safety
- Other duties as assigned
Additional Information:
This position is full-time (100% FTE), permanent positions and is overtime eligible.
Monthly Salary: $3,581 to $4,771, Step A-M | Range 40.
Successful candidates typically begin at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357-28 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=357-28)
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent, or higher education.
- Two to three years of experience in gardening, plant care, landscape construction and grounds maintenance OR equivalent education/experience.
- One year of lead or supervisory experience.
- Demonstrated experience working with equipment required for grounds maintenance activities; variety of hand and motorized tools, such as: pruners, loppers, shovels, rakes, hoes, mowers, tractors, blowers, edgers, litter picker, chainsaw, trimmers, string trimmer and sprayers.
- Ability to work in all weather conditions typically starting early mornings, with occasional overtime opportunities evenings, and weekends.
- Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 (https://policies.wsu.edu/prf/index/manuals/safety-policies-procedures-manual/sppm-7-10/#four_3) and departmental driving standards.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire, a valid Washington State Pesticide Applicators License.
- Ability to work collaboratively across work groups to deliver positive outcomes.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience with computers working with Microsoft Office suite and computerized irrigation software programs.
- A professionally recognized certification in grounds maintenance (National Association for Landscape Professionals, Professional Grounds Maintenance Society, International Society of Arboriculture, etc.)
- Completion of WSU Master Gardener Program.
About WSU Vancouver's Campus:
WSU Vancouver campus is set within 350 acres of manicured, semi-manicured and natural grounds consisting of turf, forest, pollinator habitat, hardscape and six miles of Cougar Trails in a Salmon Safe habitat. First impressions of the grounds contribute to the successful enrollment of students, employment of faculty and staff, and the attitudes of visitors and donors. Creating a quality environment for learning and working is the mission of our groundskeeping staff.
Application Instructions:
Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.
1) Resume
2) Cover Letter
External candidates: upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.
Current WSU Employees (internal candidates): before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday (https://jira.esg.wsu.edu/servicedesk/customer/kb/view/156962755). Upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.
Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.
Professional reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.
Background Check:
This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34 (https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=74.34), engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.
Time Type:
Full time
Position Term:
12 Month
Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.
WSU 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.
WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs @ wsu.edu.
Notice of Non-Discrimination:
In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.
Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.