Equipment Operator (GROUNDS EQUIP OPR)
University of California - Davis, Davis, CA, United States
Job Summary
Position responsible for the operation of medium to heavy powered grounds and related equipment to complete grounds construction and maintenance tasks. Will assist in the installation and maintenance of a wide variety of landscape construction projects.
Application Deadline
May 21, 2026 by 11:59 PM
Minimum Qualifications
Hold a valid California driver's license, maintain a driving record that is in accordance with local policies, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
No minimum education required.
Experience operating large grounds, agricultural and construction equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
Experience maintaining, servicing, repairing, replacing, installing or altering irrigation systems.
Knowledge of plant care and moisture needs.
Landscape construction skills including installation of plants, grading and soil preparation, and erosion control.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience performing labor tasks such as digging and lifting.
Experience operating machinery and mechanical equipment.
Experience checking gas and oil and lubricating equipment.
Customer service experience.
Skill to recognize mechanical problems that may occur while operating equipment.
Skill to audibly detect problems in equipment while in operation.
Ability to prepare estimates of necessary materials, equipment, labor, job duration, etc.
Knowledge of shift controls, hydraulic levers, power takeoff, transmissions.
Knowledge of approved safety devices/practices and job‑related equipment through self‑study and selected training.
Skills to communicate orally and in writing.
Skills in performing and organizing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another.
Key Responsibilities
75% – Operation of medium and heavy powered grounds and landscape equipment.
10% – Irrigation repair and installation.
10% – Grounds maintenance.
5% – Pruning duties.
Department Overview
Grounds and Landscape Services, part of Facilities Services alongside Custodial and Waste Management, plays a critical role in the Arboretum and Public Garden’s efforts to develop and maintain the campus landscape. The unit maintains the core campus landscape, the campus urban forest, and portions of the south and west campus areas.
Position Information
Salary or Pay Range: $24.71–$32.56 per hour (Bi‑weekly).
Salary Grade: STEPS.
UC Job Title: GROUNDS EQUIP OPR.
UC Job Code: 008134.
Number of Positions: 1.
Appointment Type: Staff: Career.
Percentage of Time: 100%.
Shift (Work Schedule): Mon‑Fri or Tue‑Sat; hours either 5am‑1:30pm or 6am‑2:30pm.
Location: Davis.
Union Representation: SX‑Service Workers.
Benefits Eligible: Yes.
This position is 100% on‑site.
Benefits
High quality and low‑cost medical plans.
UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family.
Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave.
Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program.
Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities.
WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources.
On‑site Employee Assistance Program including free mental health services.
Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, and legal coverage.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles.
Retirement benefit options including Pension and other Retirement Savings Plans.
Physical Demands
Standing – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Walking – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Sitting – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Lifting/Carrying 0‑25 lbs – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Lifting/Carrying 26‑50 lbs – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Lifting/Carrying >50 lbs – Occasional up to 3 Hours.
Pushing/Pulling 0‑25 lbs – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Pushing/Pulling 26‑50 lbs – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Pushing/Pulling >50 lbs – Occasional up to 3 Hours.
Bending/Stooping – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Squatting/Kneeling – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Twisting – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Reaching overhead – Occasional up to 3 Hours.
Keyboard use/repetitive motion – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Environmental Demands
Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Loud noise levels – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Marked changes in humidity or temperature – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Microwave/Radiation – Occasional up to 3 Hours.
Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Extreme Temperatures – Occasional up to 3 Hours.
Uneven surfaces or elevations – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Mental Demands
Sustained attention and concentration – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Complex problem solving/reasoning – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Ability to organize & prioritize – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Communication skills – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Numerical skills – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Constant interaction – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Customer/Patient contact – Occasional up to 3 Hours.
Multiple concurrent tasks – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e‑cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
This position is subject to medical surveillance procedures and review in accordance with federal and state laws and university policy. The position may require work in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Employees must comply with university safety procedures and guidelines. The position may require non‑standard work schedules and may be subject to restricted vacation usage during peak workload periods. A valid California driver's license is required, and the position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles Pull Notice System.
Special Requirements
This is a critical position; employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance, and functional capacity assessment.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement
As a condition of employment, the candidate who accepts the offer must disclose any documented misconduct within the last seven years, including formal administrative or judicial decisions, allegations, investigations, or appeals.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
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Position responsible for the operation of medium to heavy powered grounds and related equipment to complete grounds construction and maintenance tasks. Will assist in the installation and maintenance of a wide variety of landscape construction projects.
Application Deadline
May 21, 2026 by 11:59 PM
Minimum Qualifications
Hold a valid California driver's license, maintain a driving record that is in accordance with local policies, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
No minimum education required.
Experience operating large grounds, agricultural and construction equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
Experience maintaining, servicing, repairing, replacing, installing or altering irrigation systems.
Knowledge of plant care and moisture needs.
Landscape construction skills including installation of plants, grading and soil preparation, and erosion control.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience performing labor tasks such as digging and lifting.
Experience operating machinery and mechanical equipment.
Experience checking gas and oil and lubricating equipment.
Customer service experience.
Skill to recognize mechanical problems that may occur while operating equipment.
Skill to audibly detect problems in equipment while in operation.
Ability to prepare estimates of necessary materials, equipment, labor, job duration, etc.
Knowledge of shift controls, hydraulic levers, power takeoff, transmissions.
Knowledge of approved safety devices/practices and job‑related equipment through self‑study and selected training.
Skills to communicate orally and in writing.
Skills in performing and organizing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another.
Key Responsibilities
75% – Operation of medium and heavy powered grounds and landscape equipment.
10% – Irrigation repair and installation.
10% – Grounds maintenance.
5% – Pruning duties.
Department Overview
Grounds and Landscape Services, part of Facilities Services alongside Custodial and Waste Management, plays a critical role in the Arboretum and Public Garden’s efforts to develop and maintain the campus landscape. The unit maintains the core campus landscape, the campus urban forest, and portions of the south and west campus areas.
Position Information
Salary or Pay Range: $24.71–$32.56 per hour (Bi‑weekly).
Salary Grade: STEPS.
UC Job Title: GROUNDS EQUIP OPR.
UC Job Code: 008134.
Number of Positions: 1.
Appointment Type: Staff: Career.
Percentage of Time: 100%.
Shift (Work Schedule): Mon‑Fri or Tue‑Sat; hours either 5am‑1:30pm or 6am‑2:30pm.
Location: Davis.
Union Representation: SX‑Service Workers.
Benefits Eligible: Yes.
This position is 100% on‑site.
Benefits
High quality and low‑cost medical plans.
UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family.
Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave.
Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program.
Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities.
WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources.
On‑site Employee Assistance Program including free mental health services.
Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, and legal coverage.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles.
Retirement benefit options including Pension and other Retirement Savings Plans.
Physical Demands
Standing – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Walking – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Sitting – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Lifting/Carrying 0‑25 lbs – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Lifting/Carrying 26‑50 lbs – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Lifting/Carrying >50 lbs – Occasional up to 3 Hours.
Pushing/Pulling 0‑25 lbs – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Pushing/Pulling 26‑50 lbs – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Pushing/Pulling >50 lbs – Occasional up to 3 Hours.
Bending/Stooping – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Squatting/Kneeling – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Twisting – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Reaching overhead – Occasional up to 3 Hours.
Keyboard use/repetitive motion – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Environmental Demands
Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Loud noise levels – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Marked changes in humidity or temperature – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Microwave/Radiation – Occasional up to 3 Hours.
Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Extreme Temperatures – Occasional up to 3 Hours.
Uneven surfaces or elevations – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Mental Demands
Sustained attention and concentration – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Complex problem solving/reasoning – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Ability to organize & prioritize – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours.
Communication skills – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Numerical skills – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Constant interaction – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Customer/Patient contact – Occasional up to 3 Hours.
Multiple concurrent tasks – Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours.
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e‑cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
This position is subject to medical surveillance procedures and review in accordance with federal and state laws and university policy. The position may require work in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Employees must comply with university safety procedures and guidelines. The position may require non‑standard work schedules and may be subject to restricted vacation usage during peak workload periods. A valid California driver's license is required, and the position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles Pull Notice System.
Special Requirements
This is a critical position; employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance, and functional capacity assessment.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement
As a condition of employment, the candidate who accepts the offer must disclose any documented misconduct within the last seven years, including formal administrative or judicial decisions, allegations, investigations, or appeals.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
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