Our Opportunity

*This Position is Open Until Filled*
Do you find satisfaction in work that takes place among nature and transforming a beautiful campus community? If yes, then we have an opportunity for you!
South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) seeks candidates for the position of Landscaping Specialist. The Landscaping Specialist maintains the grounds at both the Mottman and Lacey campuses, participating in special landscape projects, submitting requests for supplies, overseeing work by Corrections Crews, and evaluating landscape, plant and tree needs.
South Puget Sound Community College is committed to increasing its cultural diversity with an emphasis on equity and inclusion among its professional staff. A firm understanding of antiracist policy development coupled with the skills to eliminate barriers that harm underrepresented people is a college requirement. The students that we serve come from a variety of backgrounds. On average, 43% of SPSCC students are people of color. We strongly encourage members of the underrepresented groups, veterans, and bi- or multi-lingual individuals to apply for this position to help meet the needs of our diverse students and service district. And if that isn't enough? We also offer: A healthy work/life balance for our employees with the opportunity for flexible work schedules and remote work depending on position and college needsFine dining in the Percival Room, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices as part of our Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts programsThe Clipper Coffee Corner serving Batdorf & Bronson coffee and a selection of delicious food items from our baking/culinary studentsA brand new Health & Wellness CenterFREE Bus service every 15 minutes to downtown Olympia and beyondFREE parking on our campuses – permits are not requiredOn-campus child carePercival Creek which runs beneath our campus footbridge, provides year-round beauty and views of Chinook, Coho, and chum salmon pass through each fallMany walking paths that are marked and on nicely paved sidewalksSPSCC promotes wellness with a variety of different workshops and events on campusLots of activities with our Artist & Lecture series, which are FREE for staff and facultyMany community events in the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the ArtsEmployee Resource Groups (ERGs)that offer an opportunity for SPSCC employees to gather and connect around issues that define them personally, and which affect their work at the College and their professional development. Current Employee Resource Groups include:Staff and Faculty of Color (SFOC) ERG - an employee network which strives to create an intentional and relational foundation for community and trust building across different groups through shared values.The LGBTQIA+ ERG creates a space for LGBTQIA+ staff and faculty at the college to share resources, build support and community, and work towards greater equity and accessibility. What You'll Do

Perform duties related to care and maintenance of grounds:

• Maintains grounds at the Mottman and Lacey campuses
• Diagnoses and treats plant/tree diseases and pests
• Plants and prepares landscaped areas; feeds, waters, prunes, etc.
• Installs, maintains and repairs sprinkler systems and equipment
• Prepares recommendations for improvements to grounds
• Maintains and replaces signage

Maintains equipment and supplies:

• Maintains supplies and inventory
• Operates a variety of grounds equipment
• Oversees inventory, ensuring proper storage and handling
• Maintains the greenhouses and hoop house and surrounding area
• Participates in required safety training and departmental meetings

Other duties as assigned:

• Assist in oversight of Department of Corrections crews and projects
• Uses computer and work order system for communication regarding projects/tasks

Qualifications You Possess

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School graduation or equivalent
• Two years experience working with gardening or in grounds maintenance.
• Listening - The intention and ability to attend to what others are saying.
• Critical Thinking - The ability to use inductive and deductive reasoning to understand diverse perspectives

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong commitment to customer service.
• Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner, both verbally and written.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently, perform multiple tasks and accommodate interruptions.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Computer skills – Outlook; Megamations

To Apply

Applications must be completed online and include the following attachments:

1. Cover letter addressed to the Screening Committee highlighting your ability to perform the responsibilities and competencies described in the job posting.
2. Current resume/CV showing all educational and professional experience which demonstrates how you meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications.

Top candidates will be notified directly to interview for this position. Selection will be based on the applicant's knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties listed in this job posting as identified in the materials requested above. Applications with comments directing the reader to see attachments will be considered incomplete.

Veterans Preference
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and are wishing to claim Veterans Preference should redact their personally identifiable information from a copy of their United States Department of Veterans Affairs honorable discharge documentation and email to neaton2@spscc.edu with the job number for which they are applying in the subject line.

Background Check Condition of Employment
Employment with the college is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. Any adverse information will be considered on a case-by-case basis and does not automatically preclude a candidate from employment.

Bargaining UnitThis position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.
SPSCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientations, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over age 40, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. The College complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants needing accommodation in the application process in an alternative format may contact the Human Resources office at (360) 596-5500. The College is committed to enhancing the diversity of our faculty and staff, as well as our student population. We strongly encourage applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legal protected status. SPSCC is a drug-free workplace.