Equipment Operator (GROUNDS EQUIP OPR)
University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
Job Summary
This position is responsible for the operation of medium to heavy powered grounds and related equipment to complete grounds construction/maintenance tasks. The role will assist in the installation and maintenance of a wide variety of landscape construction projects.
Apply By Date
05/21/2026 by 11:59PM
Qualifications
Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
No minimum education required.
Experience with operation of large grounds, agricultural and construction equipment, in a safe and efficient manner.
Experience to maintain, service, repair, replace, install or alter 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 various labor tasks such as digging and lifting.
Experience with operation of machinery and mechanical equipment.
Experience checking the gas and oil and lubricating the equipment.
Customer service experience.
Skill to recognize mechanical problems that might 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 and 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 Instillation
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/hr. - $32.56/hr.
Salary Frequency: 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 Tues-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 to choose from to fit your family's needs.
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 as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth.
WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources.
On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to 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 for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here.
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 over 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 over 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 Regulations and University Policy. This position is subject to completion of a Pre-Placement Medical Exam provided by Employee Health Services, at no charge to the applicant. This position may, at times, require the individual to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards include but are not limited to: asbestos, PCBs, radioactive materials, industrial and laboratory chemicals, fuels, solvents, infectious materials and wastes, biological hazards and other materials labeled hazardous. Employee is personally responsible for following/adhering to University safety procedures and guidelines. This position may be required to work a non-standard work schedule that may include nights, weekends, or alternative schedules such as 80 hours in 8 or 9 shifts instead of 10. Vacation usage by the employee may be restricted during peak workload periods as required to meet the needs of the campus. Valid CA driver's license required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System.
Special Requirements
This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, 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 final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
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.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This position is responsible for the operation of medium to heavy powered grounds and related equipment to complete grounds construction/maintenance tasks. The role will assist in the installation and maintenance of a wide variety of landscape construction projects.
Apply By Date
05/21/2026 by 11:59PM
Qualifications
Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.
No minimum education required.
Experience with operation of large grounds, agricultural and construction equipment, in a safe and efficient manner.
Experience to maintain, service, repair, replace, install or alter 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 various labor tasks such as digging and lifting.
Experience with operation of machinery and mechanical equipment.
Experience checking the gas and oil and lubricating the equipment.
Customer service experience.
Skill to recognize mechanical problems that might 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 and 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 Instillation
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/hr. - $32.56/hr.
Salary Frequency: 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 Tues-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 to choose from to fit your family's needs.
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 as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth.
WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources.
On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to 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 for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here.
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 over 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 over 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 Regulations and University Policy. This position is subject to completion of a Pre-Placement Medical Exam provided by Employee Health Services, at no charge to the applicant. This position may, at times, require the individual to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present. Specific hazards include but are not limited to: asbestos, PCBs, radioactive materials, industrial and laboratory chemicals, fuels, solvents, infectious materials and wastes, biological hazards and other materials labeled hazardous. Employee is personally responsible for following/adhering to University safety procedures and guidelines. This position may be required to work a non-standard work schedule that may include nights, weekends, or alternative schedules such as 80 hours in 8 or 9 shifts instead of 10. Vacation usage by the employee may be restricted during peak workload periods as required to meet the needs of the campus. Valid CA driver's license required. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System.
Special Requirements
This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, 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 final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
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.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
#J-18808-Ljbffr