Join our team! We are currently hiring for Seasonal Groundskeepers (6 months) to join our fantastic Facilities team. This position performs grounds maintenance including mowing, trimming, edging, and irrigation of turf areas and pruning, planting and irrigation of trees, shrubs, flowers, etc. Other duties include trash and debris removal and custodial duties as assigned.
ABOUT US
The Port of Bellingham is a Washington State special purpose municipal corporation serving all of Whatcom County. It is a unique organization that makes significant contributions to the local community through leveraging its resources by directly participating in revenue-earning lines of business, as well as by capitalizing on its strategic assets through special public agency powers.
By using combined expertise in both the business and government sectors, the Port has a role in job preservation and job creation, as well as a role in the operation of transportation facilities for seaports and airports. This combination is distinct from that of either the private sector or other government entities.
The Port of Bellingham’s mission is:
“Promote sustainable economic development, optimize transportation gateways, and manage publicly owned land and facilities to benefit Whatcom County.”
JOB SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, Seasonal Groundskeeper performs grounds maintenance activities to include mowing, trimming, edging and irrigation of turf areas and pruning, planting and irrigation of trees, shrubs, flowers, etc. Sanitation duties include trash and debris removal, custodial duties as assigned.
This position performs a variety of grounds maintenance work in several program areas. Program assignments may change depending upon department needs. Works under general supervision to complete tasks. May be assigned to work independently or as part of a crew.
Employees in this classification typically perform work in the following areas depending upon seasonal and on-going work needs. The work activities are not all inclusive and the work may be assigned as necessary.
Schedule: Monday -Friday 7:00 am-3:30 pm for 6 months.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Operates a variety of riding mowing equipment to mow turf areas and a variety of power hand equipment such as hand mowers, weed eaters, edgers and blowers.
2. Operates automotive equipment such as pickup trucks with trailer attachments and small utility tractors.
3. Prunes or removes trees and shrubs using pruners, loppers, bow saws and power chain saws. Operates motor driven chipper equipment.
4. Performs turf repairs, renovations and installations. Plants, fertilizes and irrigates turf, trees and shrubs.
5. Maintains shrub bed areas including edging, hand weeding and application of mulch as well as planting. Maintains ornamental and flower displays.
6. Rakes leaves and debris, operates power driven blowers, vacuums, and high pressure washers.
Additional Work Performed:
1. Cleans buildings and structures, empties trash containers and picks up litter.
2. Assists with repairs, alterations and installation work to park buildings, structures and equipment involving carpentry, painting, masonry and other manual building trades skills.
Qualifications
One-year paid grounds maintenance experience preferred.
Knowledge of horticultural equipment operation preferred.
Valid Washington State Drivers License by time of hire. Good driving record.
Physical Characteristics:
This position involves heavy physical labor, including walking, standing, crawling, squatting, lifting, bending, and pushing/pulling. Incumbent must be able to lift and carry up to 60 pounds on a regular basis. Incumbent must be able to work outside in all weather conditions.
Salary & Benefits
Hourly rate: $18.50 – $19.50/hr
Washington Paid Sick Leave – 1 hour for every 40 hours worked
Washington State Public Employees Retirement System
Apply online at https://www.portofbellingham.com/1057/Employment.