Landscape Specialist

Company: Whitman College
Location: Walla Walla
Posted on: January 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Salary: $39,140 annually WHITMAN COLLEGE Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitmans vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country. Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the colleges working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO). POSITION PURPOSE Reporting to the Grounds Manager, the Landscape Specialist performs advanced-level work in the maintenance and care of Whitman College landscapes. The Specialist makes repairs to landscape associated systems and operates all landscape and grounds equipment as required. The Specialist regularly consults with the Grounds Manager on all matters involving the operation and maintenance of related equipment and work scheduling. Evening and weekend work may be required on occasion. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES Landscape Maintenance & Care (60%) Mow, edge, aerate, renovate, overseed, fertilize, top dress, and maintain turf areas. Possess knowledge of proper pruning of all plant material, as needed, following current industry standards. Perform weed, insect, and disease control using chemical, cultural, mechanical, or biological means when necessary. Ensure grounds are free of weeds and dead plants. Prepare soil for seeding, sodding, planting, and transplanting of plant materials. Seed, mow, irrigate, fertilize, and maintain landscape areas as directed. Plant seeds, flowers, bulbs, shrubs, trees, and transplant as directed. Rake leaves, pull, hoe, cut or remove weeds as directed. Irrigation & Equipment Operation (15%) Inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, repair, and adjust all irrigation systems. Operate various types of equipment including power mowers, saws, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, sprayers, etc. Assist mechanic with rental fleet and other duties as directed. Seasonal & Environmental Upkeep (15%) Remove debris, snow, and ice from steps, walks, and ramps, and parking lots. Pick up trash, garbage and recycle material as directed. Clean and upkeep sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, etc. Assist with recycling duties as needed. Picking up cardboard from around campus. Safety, Communication & Collaboration (10%) Work within the safety regulations for federal, state, and Whitman College. Actively participate in the accident prevention program, including attending safety program. Observe safety precautions and procedures at all times, being alert for unsafe conditions and report them to manager. Serve as essential personnel, requiring on-site presence during full or partial campus closures, emergencies, inclement weather, and other operational disruptions. Train and work with student workers and assist in the guidance of their duties. Utilize Facility Services work order system correctly and regularly, as well as computers (e.g. email, creating reports). Consult regularly with the Grounds Supervisor on equipment operation, maintenance and work scheduling. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically, Knowledge of landscape principles, tools and related equipment. Ability to perform physical labor in all types of weather. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to positively and actively contribute to the colleges core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and access. Possess good judgment, an eye for detail, and a desire to achieve perfection for maximum landscape maintenance. Actively and positively contribute to the Colleges core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and access. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High School diploma or equivalent. 2 years of experience in grounds keeping related to landscaping, park, golf course, arborist, etc. (May substitute 1 year industry experience with either residential, repair, and installation of irrigation systems.) Possess a valid drivers license and meet one of the following criteria: be at least 18 years old with 2 years of driving experience and complete a driver improvement course, OR be at least 19 with 3 years of experience and successfully pass a motor vehicle report (MVR) check. OR a combination of relevant education, training, and experience. Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Trade school training. Experience in groundskeeping practices and procedures in an organization with extended hours of operation and multiple high-traffic grounds/landscape areas such as, higher education, K-12 schools, or healthcare. Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. WORKING CONDITIONS Work environment is primarily outdoors including inclement weather conditions, which may include working in high places. This position may be exposed to dirt, dust and equipment solutions. Work may require periodic use of personal protective equipment (e.g., respirators, fall protection). Physical skill and sustained physical effort may be required for some of the grounds responsibilities. Job requires moderate strength and agility and typically requires balancing, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping and repetitive motions. Lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds occurs with varied frequency. Evening and weekend work may be required on occasion. BENEFITS Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits: Medical/Dental/VisionInsurances. Basiclife,accidental death and dismembermentandlong term disabilityinsurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage. 403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Planwith a 10% matching contribution aftereligibility requirementsare met. Paid Time Off:20 accrued vacation days,12 accrued sick days,13 paid holidays. Tuition Remission Dependent Children Employeetuition waiver for two Whitman courses per semester. Employee Assistance Program Relocation assistance for eligible employees. Learn more about benefits eligibilityhere. DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process. APPLICATION REVIEW Application review will begin January 12, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. START DATE March 2, 2026

Keywords: Whitman College, Kennewick , Landscape Specialist, Construction , Walla Walla, Washington