Annie Wright is seeking a Landscape Technician and Groundskeeper to begin by November 4. This is a full-time staff position reporting directly to the Operations Coordinator.
Mission Statement
Annie Wright’s strong community cultivates individual learners to become well-educated, creative and responsible citizens for a global society.
About AWS
Tradition meets innovation at Annie Wright Schools, where we honor our rich history and traditions, embrace the present, and continue always to move forward. Founded in 1884, Annie Wright Schools serve students from age three through high school. The Lower and Middle Schools offer co-ed programs in Preschool through Grade 8, while separate Upper Schools for boys and girls offer day and boarding options in Grades 9 through 12, welcoming students from Tacoma and around the world. We are proud to be an International Baccalaureate World School, delivering IB programs in every division.
Position description
The Landscape Technician and Groundskeeper is a core member of the Annie Wright staff and is responsible for maintaining and beautifying our 10-acre campus grounds and additional neighborhood properties to ensure a safe and attractive outdoor environment for students, faculty, staff, visitors, and tenants. The Landscape Technician and Groundskeeper will be working outdoors in all types of weather.
The Landscape Technician and Groundskeeper has experience in landscaping and groundskeeping with an eye for design, is hardworking and organized, and takes pride in their work. The Landscape Technician and Groundskeeper is a self-sufficient, detail-oriented team player that contributes to the overall success and efficiency of the Schools. As a member of a school community, the Landscape Technician and Groundskeeper is comfortable around children of all ages, working around school needs, and brings a positive attitude to their daily work.
As a key member of the operations team, the Landscape Technician and Groundskeeper works with our landscape contractor on Mondays and independently the remaining four days of the week.
Position overview: duties & responsibilities
The Landscape Technician and Groundskeeper:
Plants, prunes, and maintains trees, shrubs, and flowers.
Monitors beds and planting areas and weeds daily.
Maintains a pristine property including leaf blowing, power washing, sweeping and limb clean-up.
Applies mulch and prepares beds for planting as directed.
Applies fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides as directed.
Maintains cleanliness of outdoor areas, including removal of litter and debris.
Ensures pathways, driveways, and parking lots are clear and well-kept.
Safely operates and maintains landscaping equipment such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, and other tools.
Reports any equipment malfunctions or maintenance needs.
Assists in the design and implementation of new landscaping projects.
Collaborates with landscape contractor weekly.
Prepares landscapes for seasonal changes (e.g., winterization, spring planting).
Identifies opportunities for improved landscape operation, making recommendations to the Operations Coordinator of ways in which the school can be beautified.
Turf/lawn maintenance is not a responsibility of this role.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Operations Coordinator.
Qualifications
The Landscape Technician and Groundskeeper will demonstrate key elements of the listed expertise and experiences. This is an aspirational list and Annie Wright Schools encourages candidates to apply who may not currently possess, but are working on building, all of these qualities. The Landscape Technician and Groundskeeper:
Has a High school diploma or equivalent; relevant certifications in horticulture or landscaping preferred.
Has previous experience in landscape maintenance or grounds keeping is a plus.
Demonstrates knowledge of plant species, gardening techniques, and landscape design principles.
Is able to operate landscaping equipment safely and effectively.
Shows strong attention to detail and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Has good physical stamina and ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
Displays strong problem-solving skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
Exhibits basic understanding of pest management and plant care.
Has effective communication, time management and organizational skills.
Practices cultural humility in personal interactions.
And is eligible to work in the United States. Note: Under our current employment policies, we are unable to sponsor work visas and do not offer positions to candidates who are not yet eligible to work in the United States.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to transport up to 80 pounds at times.
Must be able to stand, walk, bend, stretch, push, pull, climb ladders, kneel and/or sit on the ground for prolonged periods of time.
Must be physically able to operate power equipment.
Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions.
Must be able to ascend stairs in the building as needed.
Salary & benefits
This position offers a rate of $24.51 per hour. Benefits available to the hired candidate for the Landscape Technician and Groundskeeper position include the following, subject to the terms of the applicable benefit plan:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Life insurance
Accidental death & dismemberment insurance
Long-term disability insurance
Paid sick leave (known as Wellness Days): Each regular full-time employee earns 80 hours of Wellness leave per accrual year
Ability to accrue up to three (3) weeks of vacation per accrual year, with a maximum roll over of 40 hours of vacation.
Seventeen (17) paid Holidays in 2024
Fifty percent (50%) tuition remission in accordance with school policy. All fees and incidental expenses are the sole responsibility of the employee-parent
All children of benefited employees of AWS, who are currently enrolled at AWS, are eligible for extended day services at no charge when school is in session. Charges apply for faculty in-service days or similar days
A 403(b) retirement plan with a 6% company match with a 3% employee contribution
Application process
Annie Wright Schools remain firmly committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. Annie Wright shall hire, promote, transfer, terminate, and make all other employment related decisions without regard to an employee’s race, color, creed, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, political ideology, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by law. Annie Wright Schools are actively seeking to create a more culturally diverse school community and accordingly, applicants of color and underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
To apply, email a cover letter, resume, email and telephone contact information for 3-5 professional references, and this completed and signed
application, all in PDF format, to Mrs. Erin Gann, Executive Assistant to the Head of Schools, at
erin_gann@aw.org. In accordance with Annie Wright Schools’ strategic focus on issues related to social justice, candidates should anticipate being asked to address how their past work, as well as future contributions, might serve to advance Annie Wright’s commitment to a more diverse and inclusive community. Applications for this position will be accepted until filled.