Grounds and Maintenance Worker

Kitsap Regional Library is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented individual to provide superior grounds and maintenance services at several library locations. This position reports to the Facilities Supervisor and is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Public Employees Association/UFCW local 365.

About the role

Under general supervision, the Grounds and Maintenance Worker operates independently or as part of a team, responsible for grounds maintenance and routine repair of library buildings and equipment. The role involves approximately 60-70% grounds work and 30-40% maintenance tasks, exercising independent judgement within established policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Maintain library-owned and leased buildings, facilities, and grounds, including corrective and preventive maintenance activities.
• Maintain irrigation systems; mow, plant, weed, rake, and prune foliage at library locations.
• Perform skilled electrical, lighting, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, painting, and grounds care functions.
• Transport, assemble, and install equipment, furniture, boxes, and shelving at various library locations, including set-up for library-sponsored activities.
• Participate in facilities remodeling and repair projects.
• Safely use, maintain, and repair hand and power tools and specialized equipment.
• Prune and spray foliage using chemicals and non-chemical substances within established guidelines.
• Inspect library grounds for and remove litter; repair fences, gates, walls, or walkways.
• Maintain walkways for safety (free of debris, ice, and for function) and building gutters and downspouts as needed.
• Assist with routine building projects that may include electrical, carpentry, plumbing, painting, or remodeling; replace lamps and ballasts.
• On occasion, handle and safely dispose of bio-hazardous materials.
• Maintain the safety and cleanliness of library vehicles, conduct visual inspections, and keep interiors clean.
• Adhere to all traffic laws and safety regulations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED, plus three years of experience in building and/or grounds maintenance.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license, a safe driving record, and three years of driving experience to operate a library-owned vehicle.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Knowledge of seasonal grounds maintenance requirements.
• Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools and equipment such as tractors and riding mowers.
• Ability to prioritize workload to meet goals and deadlines.
• Physical ability to push, pull, and maneuver objects, including lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to perform routine electrical, lighting, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, painting, and grounds care duties.
• Ability to use maintenance and cleaning chemicals safely and dispose of chemical materials properly.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply standard safety practices of grounds maintenance work.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction and collaboratively in a team.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with a diverse audience.
• Ability to read and comprehend technical and safety instructions.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and use initiative and independent judgement.
• Ability to work inclusively, respecting and valuing staff and patrons.

Physical Requirements

• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, involving medium to heavy physical demands.
• Frequent movement, lifting, carrying, and maneuvering over prolonged periods; operating hand and power tools, janitorial equipment, and other maintenance tools.
• Prolonged periods of walking, standing, bending, stooping, stretching, pushing, pulling, reaching, climbing ladders, and/or kneeling.
• Occasional use of keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment.
• Frequent exposure to dust, dirt, fumes, loud noise, confined spaces, uneven ground, and air-conditioned equipment rooms.
• Must safely move or maneuver objects weighing up to 50 pounds to various heights and locations, including in and out of buildings and up/down stairs.
• Visual acuity essential for tasks such as identifying, observing, and inspecting technical materials and driving library vehicles.
• High cognitive demands, including attention to detail, critical thinking, problem-solving, and multitasking.

Benefits

• Eligibility for medical, dental, vision, basic life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance plans (for employees scheduled 20+ hours per week).
• Health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) and employee assistance program.
• Full-time employees earn 15 days of vacation leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 1 personal day each year.
• Participation in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) for employees working a minimum of 16.25 hours per week (or 70 hours per month) during five months per year for two consecutive years.

Pay

Offers to new employees are expected to be between $21.84 and $24.59 per hour, depending on required and relevant experience and in alignment with internal equity.

Schedule

This is a full-time position scheduled for 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The schedule may include weekends and evenings as needed and is subject to change to meet the needs of the library.

Library Expectations

• Provide excellent customer service, showing sensitivity to cultural differences and diverse backgrounds.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Support Kitsap Regional Library’s principles of intellectual freedom and adhere to its policies and procedures.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Adapt to rapidly changing information, technology, work procedures, and library services.
• Maintain confidentiality in dealing with patron and/or employee records.