Groundskeeper

At Bush, we believe in experiential learning that promotes the pursuit of passions, interests, risk-taking, and innovation. Our faculty design and execute intentional, instructive experiences with clear objectives, authentic assessment, and thoughtful reflection. Our work environment strives to maintain a positive and collaborative workplace. Our culture is committed to community, equity, inclusion, and belonging; for every member of our community to be seen, heard, and valued. 

Groundskeeper (Seattle, WA)                 

Full Time (40 hours per week) Hourly/Non-Exempt

Year-Long (12-Month) Schedule

* This position is eligible for health benefits (details during hiring process).

* This position requires applicants to be, at the time of application, legally authorized to work in the United States. The Bush School does not offer visa sponsorship for this position and will not consider applicants who require visa sponsorship. 

The Bush School is in search of an individual to join our Facilities Department as a Groundskeeper. We are seeking a candidate who can support the school’s mission of diversity and inclusion and who has a background that demonstrates an understanding and appreciation of intercultural fluency.  We are building a team in which diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and talents are valued to work with a diverse community of students, faculty, staff and families. We encourage those of diverse backgrounds to apply.

The Groundskeeper reports to the Director of Facilities and receives day-to-day direction and support from the School’s Grounds Coordinator. The position works closely with other members of the Facilities Department, as well as school staff, faculty, and outside vendors. As a member of the Facilities Department, the Groundskeeper has a primary focus area of working in support of the Grounds Coordinator’s projects, goals and campus needs to maintain a clean, safe and functional campus.  The secondary focus is to work in support of the general needs of the Facilities Department and campus, to include traffic management and event support.

While other duties may be assigned, a qualified candidate will be able to manage the key responsibilities and tasks listed below:

• Support the school’s Grounds Coordinator by maintaining school grounds consistent with the Grounds Coordinator’s guidance and priorities


• Maintain the grass, plants, and garden beds on campus, including mowing, pruning, and feeding, as well as performing seasonal tasks such as leaf removal and mulching


• Provide daily campus cleaning to prevent buildup of debris


• Maintain clean and unobstructed campus pathways


• Operate outdoor Facilities Department tools and equipment when performing grounds duties


• Maintain outdoor equipment in a clean, working and orderly manner


• Use equipment and chemicals to clean campus, including pressure washer and moss/algae removal products


• Remove weeds and unwanted plants


• Keep containers and high-visibility beds on campus seasonally appropriate and attractive


• Help during snow events to remove snow and spread ice melt as needed and directed


• Support solutions on campus, for example: reduction in water use through alternative landscaping


• Regularly cleans campus drains, gutters, and roofs; must be comfortable working on ladders and at heights.


• Assist with the care and maintenance of the irrigation systems on campus


• Assist with watering of containers and grounds as needed


• Assist with the installation of seasonal and persistent planting to include annuals, bulbs, shrubs, and trees


• Become familiar with and engage the principles the school has with Salmon Safe


• Support the school’s traffic management and event needs


• Other projects, as assigned by the Director of Facilities

Experience and Professional Competencies:

• High School Diploma or general education development (GED) is required


• Interest in maintaining campus grounds is required


• Professional experience in groundskeeper role is preferred


• Experience working in a school setting is preferred


• Completion of training or coursework in related field is preferred

Successful candidates will have:

·       A philosophy that aligns with the school’s mission and values – please review the school’s mission and values on our website (www.bush.edu)

·       A willingness to learn, grow professionally, and take initiative

·       Exceptional attention to detail in all aspects of grounds care and facilities support

·       Strong communication skills that reflect professionalism, clarity, and a team-oriented mindset

·       Enthusiasm for supporting the Facilities Department and engaging with the broader school community

·       The ability to prioritize and complete tasks with limited supervision

·       Collaborative spirit and effectiveness in working with colleagues across departments, as well as with vendors and contractors

·       Proficiency in basic technology tools, including but not limited to Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Mac or Windows operating systems

·       Physical capability to perform manual labor, including lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds, walking several miles a day, working outdoors in all types of Seattle weather, and navigating sloped or uneven terrain

Additional Requirements:

• Have a current Adult and Children CPR, First Aid and AED Certification (or receive one soon after hire date)


• Meet the school’s standards when completing two separate background screenings

 Compensation/Benefit Information for this position:

·       Hourly Range: $ 30.00 per hour to $ 35.00 per hour

·       The school offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package to benefit-eligible employees, which includes:

o   Employer-paid medical insurance for eligible employees (includes an employee paid buy-up plan option)

o   Employer-paid dental and vision insurance for eligible employees

o   Health Savings Account with employer contribution for eligible employees

o   Medical, dental and vision insurance for dependents of eligible employees (employee paid)

o   Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care) available to eligible employees (employee paid)

o   Employer-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance for eligible employees

o   Employer-paid Life Insurance for eligible employees

o   Optional Voluntary Life Insurance available to eligible employees (employee paid)

o   Optional Voluntary Accident Insurance available to eligible employees (employee paid)

o   Optional Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance available to eligible employees (employee paid)

o   Retirement Plan available to eligible employees. The Retirement Plan includes generous employer contributions that align with specific years of service.

o   Employee Assistance Program for eligible employees and their dependents

o   School lunch discounts

o   Free parking at Seattle, WA campus

o   Use of school fitness center  

o   Paid Time Off (sick leave and personal days)

o   Professional Development opportunities

 HOW TO APPLY 

Applicants interested in applying for this opportunity should visit our website at www.bush.edu and navigate to the employment section of the website (found under the “About Bush” tab) for additional information/instructions.

 If you are interested in working at The Bush School, but this position doesn’t fit your talents, please visit our website for additional openings: www.bush.edu.

 While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

 The Bush School is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment, recruitment, admission or administration of any of its programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information.  In addition, The Bush School does not discriminate in matters of employment based on the basis of age or marital status.