Maintenance - General Maintenance / Grounds @ Maintenance Department

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Classified Salary Range

Benefits Available

8.00 hours per day/260 work days per year

Shift time is subject to building needs.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The General Maintenance/Grounds employee plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, clean, functional, and welcoming environment for students, staff, families, and community members. This position is responsible for the maintenance, appearance, and operational readiness of all District grounds, athletic facilities, landscaped areas, parking lots, sidewalks, playgrounds, and other exterior spaces. Through routine inspections, preventative maintenance, timely repairs, and seasonal upkeep, the employee helps ensure District facilities remain safe, accessible, and compliant with applicable health and safety standards.

This position directly supports the District''s educational mission by providing safe outdoor learning environments, well-maintained athletic facilities, secure pedestrian and vehicle access, and attractive campuses that reflect pride in the community. The General Maintenance/Grounds employee responds proactively to changing weather conditions, identifies and addresses potential hazards before they become safety concerns, and collaborates with maintenance, custodial, transportation, and school staff to support daily operations and special events. Success in this position requires technical knowledge, sound judgment, attention to detail, initiative, and a strong commitment to safety, customer service, and teamwork.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred.
• Possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver''s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Two (2) years of vocational training in grounds maintenance, landscaping, horticulture, irrigation systems, equipment maintenance, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping, park maintenance, facilities maintenance, or related work.
• Knowledge of grounds maintenance practices, turf management, irrigation systems, landscaping techniques, and safe operation of grounds equipment.
• Experience operating commercial lawn equipment, tractors, utility vehicles, chainsaws, trimmers, blowers, sprayers, and other power equipment.
• Basic mechanical aptitude to inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, and perform minor repairs on grounds equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, blueprints, diagrams, schematics, specifications, equipment manuals, and safety information.
• Working knowledge of irrigation systems, including troubleshooting, repairs, programming, and seasonal startup and winterization.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, and specialized grounds maintenance equipment.
• Knowledge of safe handling, storage, and application procedures for fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and other landscape chemicals in accordance with applicable laws and District procedures.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments, manage multiple tasks, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain positive working relationships with students, staff, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to maintain accurate maintenance records and complete electronic work orders.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, emergency call-outs, and overtime when operational needs require.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or move materials and equipment weighing up to 60 pounds independently and heavier loads with assistance or mechanical equipment.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work involving standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, bending, reaching, digging, lifting, and repetitive motions for extended periods.
• Ability to work safely in varying weather conditions, temperature extremes, noise, dust, uneven terrain, confined spaces, and other potentially hazardous environments.
• Demonstrated record of reliability, punctuality, and regular attendance.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Grounds Maintenance

• Maintain District grounds to provide safe, clean, attractive, and functional outdoor environments.
• Mow, edge, trim, aerate, fertilize, overseed, and maintain lawns, athletic fields, and landscaped areas.
• Maintain baseball, softball, football, soccer, and other athletic fields, including field preparation, striping, grading, and seasonal maintenance.
• Trim trees, shrubs, hedges, and vegetation to promote healthy growth, maintain visibility, and eliminate safety hazards.
• Plant, transplant, water, fertilize, prune, and maintain trees, shrubs, flowers, annuals, perennials, and other landscape materials.
• Install and maintain landscape beds, mulch, decorative rock, edging, and erosion control measures.
• Remove weeds through mechanical or approved chemical methods while following all applicable regulations.
• Perform seasonal cleanup including leaf removal, storm debris removal, snow removal, ice mitigation, and spring cleanup activities.
• Remove litter, graffiti, fallen branches, and other debris from District property.
• Maintain parking lots, sidewalks, curbs, playgrounds, fences, drainage areas, and other exterior improvements.
• Monitor and maintain irrigation systems, including programming controllers, repairing leaks, replacing sprinkler heads, adjusting coverage, and performing seasonal startup and winterization.

Safety and Facility Support

• Conduct regular inspections of District grounds to identify safety hazards, damaged equipment, trip hazards, drainage issues, vandalism, or other maintenance needs.
• Perform routine inspections of playgrounds to ensure compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommendations and District safety standards.
• Promptly correct unsafe conditions or report issues requiring additional repair.
• Assist in maintaining emergency access routes, fire lanes, sidewalks, and parking lots.
• Support emergency response efforts during severe weather events or other emergencies.
• Assist with campus setup and teardown for athletic events, graduations, community activities, and other District functions.
• Install and maintain signage, fencing, barriers, benches, picnic tables, bike racks, and other exterior site furnishings.

Equipment Maintenance

• Inspect, clean, lubricate, adjust, and perform preventative maintenance on grounds maintenance equipment.
• Identify equipment malfunctions and perform minor repairs or coordinate repairs with appropriate personnel.
• Maintain equipment maintenance records and report equipment replacement needs.
• Safely operate District vehicles, trailers, tractors, skid steers, utility vehicles, and specialized grounds equipment.
• Ensure equipment is operated, stored, and maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and District procedures.

Operational Responsibilities

• Complete assigned work orders accurately and efficiently while maintaining established quality standards.
• Prioritize assignments based on operational needs, seasonal requirements, and supervisor direction.
• Recommend improvements to grounds maintenance methods, equipment, irrigation systems, landscaping, and preventative maintenance practices.
• Assist other maintenance, custodial, and facilities personnel on special projects, renovations, and emergency repairs.
• Coordinate work with contractors and other District departments as assigned.
• Maintain inventories of supplies, materials, and equipment and notify supervisors when replenishment is needed.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to remain current on industry practices, equipment, regulations, and safety procedures.

Safety and Professional Expectations

• Follow all federal, state, local, OSHA, WISHA, and District safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE) and promote safe work practices.
• Maintain a professional appearance and conduct consistent with District expectations.
• Demonstrate initiative, accountability, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
• Maintain positive, respectful, and cooperative working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, school staff, students, contractors, and members of the public.
• Maintain confidentiality when appropriate.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Use District technology systems, including email and electronic work order systems, to communicate and document assigned work.
• Complete all required District training and certifications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee regularly stands, walks, climbs, kneels, bends, stoops, reaches, lifts, carries, pushes, pulls, and operates commercial grounds maintenance equipment. The position requires frequent lifting of materials weighing up to 60 pounds and occasional movement of heavier items using appropriate assistance or mechanical equipment.

Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, and varying terrain. The employee is regularly exposed to noise, dust, pollen, chemicals, vibration, moving mechanical equipment, and other environmental conditions associated with grounds maintenance. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn as required.

The Moses Lake School District #161 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boys Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district's Title IX, Civil Rights, Affirmative Action, and Equal Opportunity officer, Michelle Musso, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 766-2650, mmusso@mlsd161.org; OR Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Samantha Burgess, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 766- 2670, sburgess@mlsd161.org.