Grounds Equipment Operator Specialist, Physical Plant/Grounds

Fort Hays State University•Campus, IL

25d•$16

About The Position

An Equipment Operator Specialist maintains, repairs, and utilizes heavy-duty vehicles and equipment to care for the University grounds. This role involves using equipment to perform various duties, including waste disposal, mowing, landscaping, irrigation, greenhouse maintenance, and snow removal. The specialist operates sanitation trucks, recycling trucks, dump trucks, front-end loaders, backhoes, tractors, and other large motor vehicles.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent.
One year of relevant experience.
Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating heavy-duty equipment (sanitation trucks, mowers, skid steers, high lifts, back hoes, trenchers, etc.).
Experience in groundskeeping, horticulture, or greenhouse management.
Experience in maintaining and operating irrigation systems.
Experience in applying chemicals.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain sanitation trucks and recycling trucks. Retrieve, empty, and return trash and recycling containers at campus facilities.
Operate a hydraulic dumping system.
Operate large mowers, tractors, skid-steer loaders, high lifts, trenchers, and backhoes to maintain campus grounds and complete landscaping projects.
Mow, trim, and edge lawns and grass areas.
Plants, water, weed, and prune trees, shrubs, flowers, and lawns.
Apply fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals according to safety guidelines.
Perform pre-operational checks and minor repairs to heavy-duty machinery.
Assist with tree removal.
Assist with snow removal for sidewalks, streets, and parking lots.
Assist with irrigation installation and maintenance.
Execute maintenance required to keep vehicles or equipment in working order.
Manage the safety, quality, and cleanliness of work areas to maintain a suitable work environment.
Take preventive measures to avoid injury to workers or other persons and damage to equipment and property.
Ensure that all operations use proper equipment to maintain health and safety standards