Grounds Equipment Operator

Location: Riverside
Posted on: June 23, 2025

Job Description:

Position Information The Grounds Equipment Operator is responsible for the operation of specialized medium to heavy power grounds and related equipment including backhoes, ditch trenchers, skip loaders, auto-scrubbers, trailer pressure washers, turf mowers, and dump trucks to perform maintenance and repairs of hard and soft landscaped areas of the campus and related buildings. Performs mowing operations and other turf related tasks, including acetifying, vertical cutting, grading, fertilizing and mowing. Operates equipment to load, unload and haul debris, soil, metals and other materials. Performs preventative maintenance and inspections on equipment. Cleans, prepares, and performs minor asphalt and concrete repairs. Assists in cleaning storm drains, ditches and other drainage systems, and servicing parking lots and related areas. Assists in coordinating landscaping operations with athletics staff, recreation staff, students, faculty and coaches. During times of operational needs, may operate cleaning equipment and assist with event set-up/clean-up; and perform other grounds keeping and refuse duties as assigned. Maintains a positive attitude and communicates effectively with colleagues, supervisors, staff, faculty and students. The full salary range for the Grounds Equipment Operator $20.53 - $28.75 per hour. We base salary offers on a variety of considerations, such as education, licensure and certifications, experience, and other business and organizational needs. Applicants must have current work authorization when accepting a UCR staff position. Currently, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for staff. As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements. Education Education Requirements High School Diploma (Preferred) License Requirements Valid Driver License (Required) Experience Requirements 1 year of experience operating medium to heavy power grounds equipment such as backhoes, ditch trenchers, skip loaders and tractors; ; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. (Required) Experience operating mowing and other turf related equipment, and hydraulic equipment. (Required) Minimum Requirements Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Knowledge, skill and ability to safely use and maintain landscaping hand and power tools/equipment, such as mowers (including riding mowers, self-propelled and push mowers), edgers, hedge trimmers, chain saws, power blowers, vacuum, rototillers, saws, clippers, seed and fertilize spreaders, and high pressure washers. As well as mechanical tools required to maintain all landscaping related equipment such as hand wrenches, gas/oil mixing and hand files. Skill in concrete and asphalt installation and repair. Skill and ability to operate medium to heavy power grounds equipment such as backhoes, ditch trenchers, skip loaders and tractors. Ability to read write and communicate effectively in the English language with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public. Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to work effectively; following through on assignments with minimal direction and fluctuating workload. Knowledge and skill to safely use and maintain landscaping hand and power tools/equipment, and using mechanical tools required to maintain all landscaping related equipment such as hand wrenches, gas/oil mixing and hand files. Ability to perform heavy/physically demanding tasks which require pushing, pulling, walking, standing, reaching, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, squatting, stretching, reaching above shoulder level and lifting up to 75 pounds. Ability to safely work from ladders up to eighteen feet high and on the roofs of buildings up to four stories high. Ability to work with all hand and power tools or equipment common to the landscaping trade that require constant pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, squatting, kneeling and reaching from ground level to overhead. Preferred Qualifications Ability to work with diverse student, staff, faculty, and visitor population and the ability to provide exemplary customer service. Knowledge of UCR/UC policies, procedures and systems. Knowledge and skill to use MS Office programs and email and to use desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices. Ability to prioritize work orders, routine work, emergency request, combined with the knowledge to choose the proper materials and equipment to accomplish the work in the most expeditious and safe manner, with a focus on customer service. Additional Information In the Heart of Inland Southern California, UC Riverside is located on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Southern California; the park-like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant and growing Inland region. The campus is a living laboratory for the exploration of issues critical to growing communities' air, water, energy, transportation, politics, the arts, history, and culture. UCR gives every student, faculty and staff member the resources to explore, engage, imagine and excel. UC Riverside is recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse research universities in the country boasting several key rankings of which we are extremely proud. UC Riverside is proud to be ranked No. 12 among all U.S. universities, according to Money Magazine's 2020 rankings, and among the top 1 percent of universities worldwide, according to the 2019-20 Center for World University rankings. UC Riverside is the top university in the United States for social mobility. - U.S. News 2020 UCR is a member of the University Innovation Alliance, the leading national coalition of public research universities committed to improving student success for low-income, first-generation, and students of color. Among top-tier universities, UC Riverside ranks No. 2 in financial aid. - Business Insider 2019 Ranked No. 2 in the world for research, UCR's Department of Entomology maintains one of the largest collections of insect specimens the nation. - Center for World University Rankings UCR's distinguished faculty boasts 2 Nobel Laureates, and 13 members of the National Academies of Science and Medicine. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor. For information about our generous employee benefits package, visit: Employee Benefits Overview

Keywords: , Upland , Grounds Equipment Operator, Construction - Building Trades , Riverside, California