Groundsperson - Open to Internal Candidates Only chez Orting School District

1. Understand and support the educational environment and the District’s mission, vision, and Strategic Plan.
2. Model appropriate and cooperative behavior while fostering and maintaining strong and productive relationships with District employees, community members, and identified stakeholders.
3. Participate in professional growth activities and reflect and respond to suggestions for professional improvement.
4. Participate in meetings and trainings that may involve a wide range of issues such as goals attainment, problem resolution, and District operations for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job duties.
5. Recommend solutions to a wide variety of issues for the purpose of addressing the short and long-term needs of the District

1. Grounds Maintenance: Monitor, prepare, and maintain track, field, and bleachers/grandstands to include - mow lawns, trim hedges, edge pathways, weeding, maintain flower beds. Rake, aerate, seed, and fertilize grass areas to ensure healthy turf.  Maintain rodent control on the athletic field area. Import, place and roll soils for the preparation of sports. Perform seasonal tasks such as leaf removal, snow shoveling, and ice control.
2. Landscaping and Plant Care: Plant, prune, water, and care for trees, shrubs, and flowers. Identify signs of plant disease or pest infestation and report or treat as necessary. Mulch beds and maintain garden aesthetics.
3. Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Safely operate and maintain tools and machinery such as mowers, blowers, trimmers, tractors, and utility vehicles. Conduct routine inspections and basic maintenance of equipment. Report mechanical issues to the supervisor or maintenance department. Maintain all existing fencing in good condition, perform minor repairs as needed and report significant issues to the supervisor
4. Safety and Compliance: Follow all health and safety regulations regarding the use of chemicals, equipment, and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). Clear walkways and public areas to prevent accidents. Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately.
5. Waste Management and Clean-Up: Collect and dispose of litter, debris, and green waste regularly. Maintain cleanliness of outdoor facilities such as sports fields, playgrounds, or garden furniture.
6. Irrigation System Management: Monitor and adjust irrigation systems for proper coverage and efficiency. Identify and report leaks, blockages, or malfunctions.
7. Event and Facility Support: Set up and dismantle outdoor furniture or equipment for events or activities. Assist with marking out sports fields or maintaining playgrounds and outdoor recreation areas. Maintain all backstops and goal posts. Set up PA systems, scoreboard, etc. for games.
8. Scheduling, Record Keeping and Communication: Schedule summer, spring, and fall maintenance activities on the field, including coordination with contractor for aeration, verti-cutting, plugging, etc. Maintain logs of completed tasks, inspections, and maintenance performed. Communicate effectively with supervisors, administrators, colleagues, and occasionally the public.
9. Other Duties as Assigned: Perform additional ground-related tasks as needed or requested by supervisors. During winter months or in emergency situations, assist in inside work as assigned.

• Knowledge of groundskeeping standards (school district related preferred)
• Skill in organizing and establishing priorities to complete job responsibilities to meet deadlines
• Ability to work with little or no supervision once direction is given
• Ability to understand and follow a work schedule
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff to achieve a safe and comfortable work environment and meet the goals and objectives of the District
• Ability to problem solve effectively
• Ability to perform physical labor regularly for up to eight (8) hours per day
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks, including lifting and carrying 50 pounds on a regular basis and 75-80 pounds occasionally
• Ability to stoop and bend frequently
• Ability to climb ladders to reach roofs, attics, etc. to a height of thirty (30) feet
• Ability to operate a lift gate and dock lift
• Ability to use ground maintenance equipment with skill and efficiency
• Ability to use computers and related equipment with a basic or greater skill level
• Ability to perform basic job-related competency levels in reading, writing, and math

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Work Year       260 days per year plus paid holidays
Hours              8.0 hours paid per day plus half-hour unpaid duty-free lunch
Schedule         6:00 am -2:30 pm, Monday through Friday, subject to change based on district needs
Salary:            2025-26 PSE Salary Schedule A
                       Groundsperson $28.05 - $30.99, depending on experience
                     
                    
BENEFITS:
Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours an employee is anticipated to work during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Employees anticipated to work 630 hours or more in a year are eligible for the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, long-term disability and the employee assistance program.
 
The district's healthcare benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Benefit eligible employees also qualify to optionally participate in deferred compensation/403B plans, dependent care flexible spending/health savings accounts, and additional life insurance and/or added long-term disability coverage through employee contributions.  Sick leave, vacation, personal leave, and any paid holidays are aligned with bargaining agreements by association, as listed on our website.
 
Other benefits include VEBA, which is a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) and serves as a way to contribute dollars on a pre-tax basis for out of pocket benefits costs, whether it be for medical, dental or vision premiums, or any other out of pocket medical expenses. This benefit is available, based on the outcome of annual voting of employees by group.
 
  
The preceding list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the scope of responsibility and the level of knowledge and skills typically required, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements, skills, or duties so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.  The District reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
 
Nondiscrimination in Education and Employment:
Orting School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, marital status, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination and their offices are located at 121 Whitesell St NE, Orting, WA 98360:

Civil Rights Compliance/Title IX/ADA Coordinator
Carrie Joy, Director of Human Resources
360-893-6500, ext. 4028
[email protected]

Section 504 Coordinator
Dr. Jennifer Westover, Executive Director for Student Support Services
360-893-6500, ext. 4027
[email protected]

Information about the nondiscrimination and sex-based discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint can be accessed here.

Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.