Grounds Technician III

POSITION: GROUNDS TECHNICIAN III - NON-EXEMPT, REPRESENTED

OPENING DATE: August 28, 2025     

CLOSING DATE: September 18, 2025, or until filled   

SALARY RANGE: New hire to start at $51,610 - $55,286 annually, DOQ, plus benefit/retirement package. The full salary range for the position is $51,610 - $67,961 annually.

ABOUT BELLINGHAM HOUSING AUTHORITY:

The Bellingham Housing Authority (BWCHA), an independent municipal organization, is a high performing leader in affordable housing. BWCHA offers opportunities for people to thrive by ensuring access to quality, affordable homes. Our vision is that every person has the opportunity to live in a safe, secure, affordable home.

We are recruiting for a talented, detail oriented, and service focused Grounds Technician III. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to the highest standards in public service.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Grounds Technician III provides team leadership and mentorship to the grounds team. This position is responsible for providing technical support and training in the performance of skilled grounds maintenance contributing to a safe, healthy, and attractive living environment. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Provides technical assistance, instruction, mentorship and on-site leadership to employees in the grounds department.
2. Provides support to the Grounds Supervisor and performs leadership functions in their absence. 
3. Performs expert lawn care functions such as mowing, trimming, fertilizing, aerating, thatching, weed control and watering. 
4. Services and maintains equipment, irrigation systems, rain drain systems, etc. Assures equipment is ready for operation, adjusts and repairs irrigation and sprinkler systems. 
5. Performs tree and shrub care such as pruning, shaping and fertilizing.
6. Performs daily work preparations as assigned.  
7. Assists in performing troubleshooting/diagnosis. Assesses repairs needed and determines the best remedy.
8. Assists supervisor in assessing needs for replacement parts and supplies. Supports Supervisor in the requisition and inventory process.   
9. Monitors Grounds Technicians performance, pesticide/herbicide application, and general labor and provides input to the Grounds Supervisor for ongoing employee performance
10. Assists in landscape planning for existing and future BHA properties.
11. Performs pressure washing, and cleaning of roofs, gutters, storm drains. 
12. Performs repairs to gutters, downspouts, fencing and other areas as needed. 
13. Performs pesticide applications as needed.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Demolishes items to be replaced and removes trash.
2. Cleans, prepares and paints exterior walls, including removing graffiti as needed. 
3. Picks up garbage, furniture and delivers to refuse location.
4. Performs snow and ice removal.
5. Trains new Grounds Technicians.
6. Performs other general labor as assigned and may be required to work outside of normal business hours, including weekends as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

This position works at various Housing Authority properties. Work is performed both indoors and on the grounds. The incumbent is exposed to noise, grounds-related hazards, and inclement weather. grounds. The incumbent must be able to utilize a wide range of hand and power tools used in grounds and maintenance, including one ton pickup and trailer, commercial lawn mower, edger, weed eater, blower, thatcher, aerator, leaf vacuum, fertilizer applicator, chipper, snow blower, chain saw, hedge trimmer, and pesticide applicator. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs on a routine basis and 75 lbs with assistance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to climb, crawl, and work in tiring positions.
• Knowledge of fall protection/safety practices.
• Knowledge and ability to properly maintain equipment.
• Ability to safely and effectively operate trucks, trailers and other grounds equipment.
• Broad and thorough knowledge of grounds maintenance practices.
• Ability to read, write, understand the English language, follow and understand oral and written instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment service manuals.
• Ability to lift heavy loads, perform strenuous physical labor, and work in tiring positions.
• Working knowledge of best practices and ability to perform pesticide and herbicide treatments.
• Ability to work effectively with and around a wide range of people.
• Ability to maintain and repair a wide range of grounds equipment and systems. 
• Ability to participate in scheduling and on-site lead functions. 
• Ability to recognize and guard against unsanitary conditions and hazards and perform assigned work in a safe manner.
• Maintain dependable, punctual attendance.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems.
• Ability to properly perform weed and pest treatments.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. and one year of trade school required.
• Five years of grounds work experience required. Also, experience using a variety of grounds equipment such as one-ton pickup and trailer, tractor with backhoe and front loader, commercial lawn mower, edger, weed eater, blower, thatcher, aerator, leaf vacuum, fertilizer applicator, chipper, snow blower, chain saw, hedge trimmer, and pesticide applicator.

Licenses or Certificates:

• Must possess valid Washington State Motor Vehicle Operator's License and an acceptable driving record (according to BWCHA standards).
• Must acquire State of Washington Department of Labor and Industries Basic First Aid Card and CPR certification within one year of employment.
• Must acquire within 6 months of hire a valid WSDA pesticide public operator license.

Physical

This position requires the incumbent to drive from site to site. Incumbent must be able to walk, stand, climb, crawl, stoop, lift grounds maintenance equipment, and perform repetitive, heavy labor and skilled grounds maintenance functions.

Mental

Ability to recognize various landscaping issues and respond quickly.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Range: $51,610 - $67,961 plus exc. benefit/retirement package
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS)
• 12 Holidays and 2 Personal Holidays
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave Accruals
• Employer $85 Monthly Contribution to VEBA Account 
• 36 Hour Work Week 

The Bellingham & Whatcom County Housing Authorities is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. People needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 715-7330. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing (360) 527-4655.