Field Operations Assistant jobs in Kennewick, WA

WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman’s 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 college’s working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

Reporting to the Stadium Manager, this position will provide maintenance in the following areas: turf management, baseball field prep, lining/painting of practice fields, making repairs to landscape associated systems and operate all landscape and grounds equipment as required. Duties will also support the day-to-day operations of custodial, grounds and building maintenance activities for Borleske Stadium facilities, Edwards-Moore Clubhouse, and the athletic practice and varsity field maintenance. Whitman College is a National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division III institution and North West Conference (NWC) member. Evening and weekend work is required. 

HIRING SALARY

The successful candidate can expect to start at $18.82 per hour.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Open stadium in morning; secure stadium at night as needed.
• Support athletic field maintenance.
• Knowledge and/or ability to learn to operate turf equipment such as mowers, tractors, aerators, and utility vehicles to maintain sports fields.
• Ensures grounds are free of weeds and dead plants.
• Responsible for supporting game day preparation of athletic fields. 
  
• Responsible for clean-up after each event. 
• Clean and upkeep sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, etc.
• Clean locker rooms, restrooms and offices. 
• Light maintenance functions and make minor repairs.  
• Responsible for all fencing around the stadium and upkeep. 
• Repair, remove or secure any unsafe equipment, and report immediately to the Stadium Manager.
• Report vandalism immediately to Security and Facilities Services and send reports. 
• Works within the safety regulations for federal, state, and Whitman College.  
• Actively participate in the accident prevention program, including attending safety programs. 
• Observe safety precautions and procedures at all times, being alert for unsafe conditions and report to the Stadium Manager.
• Considered an Essential Personnel.
• After hours and weekend work required.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

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 and/or ability to learn to operate the public address system, stadium lights and scoreboard.
• Knowledge and/or ability to learn turfgrass management and athletic field maintenance.
• Ability to work independently but also to constructively receive supervisory direction and work effectively in a team setting.
• Working knowledge and/or ability to quickly learn NWC, NCAA and other applicable sport governing body rules and regulations applicable to athletic fields and grounds. 
• Ability to positively and actively contribute to the College’s core values of diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism.
• Ability to learn to use the Facilities Services CMMS system.
• Professional demeanor and ability to establish effective working relationships.  
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, and the general public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma.
• 1 year of relevant turf experience including athletic field maintenance and grounds experience.
• Valid driver’s license with 3 years of driving experience, and the ability to pass a motor vehicle report. 
• Must pass background check and pre-employment physical.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree or Certification in Turfgrass Management or equivalent discipline.
• Past experience in standard groundskeeping/horticulture practices and procedures. 
• Higher Education stadium facilities management experience.

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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position must work in year-round outdoor weather conditions and is required to provide and wear appropriate clothing for conditions of the day. 
• Sitting is required to drive a tractor, riding mower, truck (when picking up supplies or equipment). 
• This position requires frequent walking, standing, climbing, lifting, stooping, and carrying of equipment and materials. Incumbent will be exposed to dirt, dust, extreme temperatures, close quarter situations, high and precarious places, moving mechanical parts, and vibrations. 
• Surfaces vary including mud conditions after a rain, gravel, concrete, dirt, grass, etc. 
• Climbing 6-10 foot ladders, extension ladder, stairs and scaffolding.   
• Trunk flexion and squatting are necessary requirements in accomplishing tasks such as working under raised building, toilet room enclosures, etc.
• Work requires periodic use of personal protective equipment (e.g., respirators).  
• Lifting and carrying as much as 50 pounds is required in accomplishing daily tasks.

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/Vision Insurances.

Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

Paid Time Off: 10 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays.

Tuition Remission – Dependent Children.

Employee tuition waiver for one Whitman course per semester.

Employee Assistance Program.

Relocation benefits for eligible employees.

Learn more about benefits eligibility here. 

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

APPLICATION REVIEW

Application review will begin October 1, 2024 and continue until the position is filled. 

START DATE

November 2024