Groundskeeper

About The 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 I. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to the highest standards in public service.

• JOB** **SUMMARY:** This position performs basic routine grounds maintenance and repair functions to contribute to a safe, healthy, and attractive living environment.

Essential Job Functions

• Performs lawn care functions such as mowing, pruning, trimming, fertilizing, aerating, thatching, weed control and watering.
• Services and maintains grounds equipment, irrigation systems, rain drain systems, etc. Assures equipment is ready for operation, adjusts and repairs sprinklers, and cleans gutters and roofs.
• Performs tree and shrub care such as pruning, shaping and fertilizing.
• Performs daily work preparations as assigned.
• Performs pesticide applications as needed and/or as directed.
• Performs pressure washing, and cleaning of roofs, gutters, storm drains.
• Performs repairs to gutters, downspouts, fencing and other areas as needed.

Other Job Functions

• Demolishes items to be replaced and removes trash.
• Cleans, prepares and paints exterior walls, including removing graffiti as needed.
• Picks up garbage, furniture and delivers to refuse location.
• Performs snow and ice removal.
• 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 grounds/maintenance-related hazards and inclement weather. 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.

Basic knowledge of routine grounds maintenance practices.

Knowledge and ability to properly maintain equipment.

Knowledge of fall protection/safety practices.

Ability to safely and effectively operate trucks, trailers and other grounds equipment.

Basic knowledge of grounds maintenance practices.

Knowledge of irrigation systems.

Ability to perform basic construction tasks.

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 recognize and guard against unsanitary conditions and hazards and perform assigned work in a safe manner.

Ability to lift heavy loads, perform strenuous physical labor,