Grounds & Nursery Services Specialist 3
Salary
$3,167.00 - $4,194.00 Monthly
Location
Yakima County - Yakima, WA
Job Type
Full Time - Permanent
Job Number
2026-04294
Department
Military Department
Opening Date
05/26/2026
Closing Date
6/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
Grounds & Nursery Specialist 3
Yakima, WA
The Washington Military Department (WMD) is seeking a skilled Grounds and Nursery Services Specialist to join our construction and facilities team, located in Yakima, WA. This position plays a vital role in maintaining the appearance, safety, and overall condition of the Yakima campus. The ideal candidate enjoys working outside, takes pride in quality work, and is committed to maintaining high standards of landscape care and maintenance.
This position works under the general supervision of the Maintenance Mechanic 4 for the Yakima Region of the State Maintenance and Support Services (SMSS) Branch in the Construction and Facilities Management Office (CFMO). This position is responsible for performing general grounds care to include related maintenance and exterior custodial efforts.
This is a civilian position and does not require military service affiliation.
About the Washington Military Department
Protecting people is our passion. At the Washington Military Department, we combine our unique talents to create safer communities and ensure our neighbors and loved ones can recover from whatever emergency might arise. Our agency unites civilian employees with members of the Washington National Guard, creating a team that is deeply committed to public service. We go home at night knowing that our day-to-day work supports activities that truly make a difference. Whether thats partnering with our communities to prepare for a disaster, leading an emergency response, hiring top-notch talent or supporting at-risk kids at our Washington Youth ChalleNGe Academy - the Washington Military Department seeks to safeguard our way of life and those that call Washington home.
To learn more about the Washington Military Department, visit: www.mil.wa.gov
In addition to job fulfillment, the Washington Military Department offers an excellent benefits package which includes exceptional health care coverage, a retirement savings plan and job training opportunities.
Duties
Responsibilities include:
Landscape maintenance and development
Vegetation Management
Maintain grounds maintenance equipment for regional inventory
Irrigation troubleshooting and repair
Hardscape cleaning and maintenance
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Experience:
Skills, abilities and competencies to:
Supplemental Information
Compensation: Wage/salary depends on qualifications or rules of promotion.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Required Licenses and Certifications:
Background Investigation: Must successfully complete the appropriate background checks required for employment and to obtain/maintain a DoD Common Access Card (CAC) in order to obtain/maintain a DoD Secret-level security clearance. Must be willing to sign releases of information and shall not have access to any investigative materials and files. The processing of background checks can take up to six months post-employment. Failure to successfully pass a background check may be cause for termination.
Union Shop Provision: This position is represented by Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA).
Drivers License:
Military Facility: Willingness to work on a Military Controlled Access Installation.
Camp Murray and Yakima work location utilizes the Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) for entry to the installation. Must meet access requirements / background check which can be found in the Camp Murray Access Requirements Policy (Unified Policy No. 18-01). This includes possession of an Enhanced Driver's License, or other REAL ID Compliant Identification.
Work Hours: The standard schedule is Tuesday - Friday with Monday off for a 4/10 schedule.
Telework: This position is not eligible for telework.
Emergency Assignment: Upon activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) or Joint Field Office (JFO), incumbent may be required to work in an alternate location with rotating shifts, including weekends and evenings, in a highly stressful and fast-paced environment.
Travel: Occasional statewide travel may be required up to 5% to include overnight stays.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically via www.careers.wa.gov. It is very important that the "Work Experience" and "Supplemental Questionnaire" portion of the application is completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
NOTE: This information may be entered in the "References" section of the online application or can be an attached document.
A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
The information provided in your application must support your supplemental questionnaire responses. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.
If you have questions about the application process or this recruitment, please email Mistina Venesky at mistina.venesky@mil.wa.gov
Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.
The Washington Military Department is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruitment Section of State Human Resources at: Email: mistina.venesky@mil.wa.gov, Call: (253) 512-7389, or 711
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
I have read and understand the working conditions listed in the Supplemental Information - Conditions of Employment section of the job posting and Im able and willing to work under those conditions.
02
Do you have at least two years of experience in grounds maintenance, gardening, plant care, cultivation, and/or landscape installation?
03
Do you have a current Washington State Pesticide Applicator License? Note: A Washington State Pesticide Applicator License will be required within six months of appointment date.
04
How did you learn about this job opportunity?
Required Question
Employer State of Washington
Address View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website http://www.careers.wa.gov