Equip Oper S06 – Landscape Equipment Operator I

Cornell University • Ithaca, MI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position involves operating a wide variety of landscape maintenance and/or landscape construction equipment, including commercial trucks and tractors under 25,000 lbs., skid steer, backhoe, commercial mowers, and dump trucks, to support campus grounds activities. The role also requires performing manual labor for general landscape maintenance and/or landscape construction tasks, such as turf/shrub/tree maintenance/installation, litter control, sidewalk and roadway maintenance, and snow removal. The operator must promptly report unsafe conditions or damage to campus landscape, equipment, or facilities. This role is subject to 24/7 call-in for emergencies, especially snow emergencies, and may involve shift changes and extended working hours, including nights, early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, to meet seasonal demands. The work environment includes exposure to weather-related extremes of heat and cold for extended periods, potential contact with sewage and dead animals, and regular exposure to bees and pollen. This is an Endowed, union position covered by the UAW Collective Bargaining Agreement, requiring union dues after the probationary period. All employees are expected to uphold the organization’s values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity, and to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment through inclusive and collaborative practices. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university with an inclusive community, a global presence, and offers a rich array of services, programs, and benefits to support employee career advancement and personal life quality.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of three years’ experience with landscape maintenance, landscape construction in a commercial or high volume residential landscape setting.
• Minimum of two years’ experience operating motorized landscape, landscape construction, and snow removal equipment.
• Valid motor vehicle operator license required.
• Ability to read and interpret Utility and Construction documents.
• Experience with computer software: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, email.
• Experience in leading teams and temporary staff.
• Excellent interpersonal (oral and written) skills in order to interact with a diverse range of people.
• Proven ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• A strong customer service orientation while providing a helpful and friendly approach to serving the campus community.
• Motivated to learn and takes initiative to be proactive.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing good judgment and problem solving to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Nice To Haves

• Formal training or degree in Ornamental Horticulture, Arboriculture, IPM, and/or equipment operation desirable.
• Related certifications and credentials desirable (Certified Arborist, Turf Technician).

Responsibilities

• Operate a wide variety of landscape maintenance and/or landscape construction equipment including commercial trucks and tractors under 25,000 lbs., skid steer, backhoe, commercial mowers, and dump trucks in order to support campus grounds activities.
• Perform manual labor for general landscape maintenance and/or landscape construction tasks, including turf / shrub/ and tree maintenance/installation, litter control, sidewalk and roadway maintenance, snow removal, and other duties as assigned.
• Promptly report unsafe conditions or damage to campus landscape, equipment, or facilities.
• Be subject to call-in twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week to handle emergencies (especially snow emergencies).
• Be subject to shift changes and extended working hours (including nights, early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays) to meet seasonal work demands.
• Support the organization’s values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, integrity, and supporting inclusive and sustainable practices in carrying out everyday responsibilities.
• Foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
• Attend staff development trainings and participate in the performance evaluation process.

Benefits

• educational benefits
• access to a plethora of wellness programs
• employee discounts with local and national retail brands
• health care options to choose from
• generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation leave, health and personal leave, 13 holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year’s Day), 2 floating holidays
• superior retirement contributions
• childcare and adoption assistance
• parental leave
• flexible work options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees