Grounds & Nursery I

Fort Lewis College•Durango, CO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Fort Lewis College is hiring a Grounds & Nursery I employee to provide grounds and nursery maintenance and support campus operations. The starting rate is $21.33 per hour. Prior confirmed Colorado state service in the Grounds & Nursery class series may qualify candidates for a higher hourly wage. The position may receive a shift differential when applicable and preapproved overtime. It is covered under the Quality Jobs & Services Act and is designated as an essential services position, requiring work during emergencies, campus events, and inclement weather, including call-outs when needed. The position is part of Physical Plant Services, which supports the College’s educational and public service programs through operational support, maintenance, and facilities construction management. Duties include grounds maintenance; snow and ice removal; campus event, recycling, vehicle, and furniture support; and required training and professional development. A final offer is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background check and post-offer evaluation of lifting abilities. The employee must maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record under the College’s Authorized Driver Policy.

Requirements

One year of grounds experience related to the duties of the position.
Basic computer skills for timesheet entry, online training courses, work orders, email, and safety data sheets (SDS).
Reading, writing, and oral comprehension skills.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team; active listening skills.
Flexibility and adaptability to changing demands.
Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, and crouch for extended periods.
Ability to tolerate noise and vibration and work in inclement weather.
Ability to respond appropriately to supervision, follow policies and procedures, and cooperate fully with supervisors and coworkers.
Ability to communicate and work politely, courteously, and cooperatively with internal and external customers while providing quality service.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Must maintain a satisfactory driving record in accordance with the Fort Lewis College Authorized Driver Policy in order to drive campus vehicles.
Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is required before a final job offer.
Satisfactory completion of a post-offer evaluation of lifting abilities is required before a final job offer.
Must work when required for emergencies, campus events, and inclement weather.

Responsibilities

Maintain grounds and nursery areas, including policing grounds for trash and cleanliness, mowing, trimming, weeding, seeding, pruning trees and shrubs, applying herbicides, repairing and maintaining irrigation systems, and striping and maintaining athletic fields.
Operate and maintain power tools used for grounds maintenance.
Respond to emergency call-outs and report for work when required as an essential services employee.
Remove snow from roads, parking lots, sidewalks, steps, around equipment such as transformers and fire hydrants, and College building roofs using hand and power equipment.
Operate snow-removal equipment, including snow blowers, pickup trucks, tractors, and skid steers equipped with snowplows.
Apply granular or liquid ice melt.
Support campus events by transporting, arranging, setting up, and taking down tables, chairs, risers, platforms, curtains, tents, canopies, floor protectors, and related items.
Collect, sort, and deliver recycling materials.
Clean and service rental vehicles.
Move furniture and equipment.
Assist other Physical Plant Services personnel as needed and perform other assigned duties.
Review and understand employee handbooks and policies; complete required workplace safety, compliance, emergency-procedure, and job-specific training.
Participate in meetings, collaborate with colleagues, and pursue professional development aligned with institutional goals.