WDVA Grounds & Nursery Services Specialist Washington Veterans

Overview

Grounds and Nursery Services Specialist 2 — Full-Time - Permanent
Washington Veterans Home, Port Orchard, Washington

Join our team and help us champion our mission of Serving Those Who Served at the Washington Veterans Home. This position keeps the grounds safe, clean, and beautiful for our residents, their families, and staff.

Note:

This position has been posted within the assigned pay range through Step L. Step M has not been published as this is considered the longevity step, in alignment with state HR compensation rules. Updated as of July 1, 2025:
This position is eligible for Supplement Basic Shift Premium for 24/7 Facilities. The premium is $1.00 per hour for each hour of basic shift premium for direct-care on location; expires June 29, 2027. The shift is 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; may be adjusted to meet business needs and occasional after-hours work. This position is not eligible for telework.

At the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), we are passionate about our mission of “Serving Those Who Served.” We provide leadership for veterans and their families and operate four State Veterans Homes in Orting, Port Orchard, Spokane, and Walla Walla, delivering Medicare/Medicaid nursing home care when applicable.

• Perform experienced gardening work: maintenance of grounds, landscapes, nurseries, and/or greenhouses.
• Prepare soil for planting, transplants, and trees; trim, water, and maintain plants, trees, flowers, and shrubs; apply pesticides and herbicides as appropriate.
• Seed, mow, irrigate, fertilize, and maintain lawns; operate a variety of manual and power equipment (rakes, pruning shears, shovels, weed trimmers, chainsaws, lawn mowers, etc.).
• Perform general grounds maintenance tasks: weeding, edging, pruning, raking, debris removal, drainage work, snow/ice removal, and related activities on-site and on roofs/grounds as needed.
• Clean, maintain, align, and repair headstones and grave markers (including pressure washing and use of adhesives/grout); inspect markers for damage and accuracy; assist with setting upright headstones and markers with assistance.
• Other duties as assigned to support grounds and cemetery-related tasks.

• Required:
  
  One (1) year grounds maintenance experience, gardening, plant care, cultivation, and landscape installation; or equivalent education/experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Proficiency in the English language.
• Ability to:
  • Use proper lifting/pushing techniques; frequent lifting, kneeling, reaching, pushing/pulling, bending (capable of lifting up to 50 lbs; may require lifting over 100 lbs with assistance).
  • Stand, bend, reach, lift, and work overhead for extended periods.
  • Demonstrate relationship-building, critical thinking, attention to detail, customer focus, and professionalism in interactions.

• Excellent communication skills.
• Safety and infection control awareness related to medical assistance.
• Ability to read/write instructions, prepare simple reports, maintain accurate records, and perform basic arithmetic.

• Pass a DSHS BCCU Background Check prior to beginning services and every two years per WDVA Policy 615.000.
• Comply with annual Tuberculin Screening (DVA policy 670.000).
• Medical evaluation, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by safety standards; wear PPE as required.
• Sign confidentiality statement; comply with DVA policies and collective bargaining agreements as applicable.
• Maintain regular attendance; complete mandatory training and orientation within required time frames.
• Travel-required positions require a valid unrestricted driver’s license and coverage for state business use of private vehicles.
• Candidates must have work authorization that does not require visa sponsorship.

• This position is represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees.

The top candidates will be contacted directly for interviews. Please include:

Finalists will be asked to provide a list…