Grounds Equipment Operator

NOTIFICATIONS

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz staff jobs are posted until filled. Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD.  Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the jobs portal, and is unable to update submitted applications on an applicant's behalf, or forward communications to the hiring units. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link . 

The IRD for this job is: 07-20-2023

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Physical Planning, Development & Operations manages and oversees all University activities and services related to capital planning, space management, physical and environmental planning, design and construction, engineering, physical plant maintenance and operations, and the associated business services necessary to support these functions. The University’s main campus is spread across more than 2,000 acres and includes over 500 buildings comprising more than 8 million square feet. The department includes an operating budget of over $48 million, manages a capital project portfolio in excess of $350 million, and employs nearly 300 full time staff to carry forth the duties necessary for the campus’ development and operation.

More information can be found at: https://physicalplant.ucsc.edu/

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Asst. Grounds Superintendent of Specialty Crews, the incumbent operates a large variety of turf maintenance-related equipment, including but not limited to lawnmowers, blowers, edgers, trenchers, turf tractors, rollers, aerators, dethatchers, fertilizer spreaders, etc. All campus turf, including landscape turf and sports turf, is mowed and edged on a regular schedule. The Turf Crew also performs projects such as aeration, fertilizing, over-seeding, and top dressing as needed and as schedule allows on landscape and sports turf.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $$21.89 - $23.69 / hourly. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment 

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Service Employees (SX)

Job Code Classification: GROUNDS EQUIP OPR (008134)

Travel:  Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

70% - Turf Maintenance

• Performs turf maintenance operations such as mowing, edging, aeration, fertilization, overseeding, topdressing, and pesticide applications.
• Loads and transports turf equipment to job sites across campus using a truck with an attached trailer.
• Accesses difficult locations with truck and trailer and operate safely in a busy student environment.
• Performs field repairs and daily routine maintenance on equipment operated.

15% - Turf Equipment Maintenance

• Cleans and performs routine maintenance on all turf equipment.
• Sharpens blades, adjusts settings, and lubricates equipment.
• Stocks replacement parts
• Notifies supervisor of equipment needs
• Keeps records of maintenance performed.

10% - Other Duties

• Assists with irrigation maintenance, storm drain maintenance, and tree crew operations as needed.
• Performs removal of roadkill carcasses or other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Adheres to UC sustainability policies.

5% - Record Keeping

• Accurately records time spent on various jobs to match work orders utilizing the department business management system.
• Completes time submission to payroll systems.
• Completes materials billing and planned maintenance record keeping.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience and knowledge of operating mowers (ride on and walk behind), trenchers, turf tractors with a large variety of attachments (aerator, fertilizer spreader, rotary mower, boom sprayer, slit seeder, topdresser, etc.), and smaller grounds-related equipment, including aerators, thatchers, blowers, weed eaters, rototillers, battery operated turf equipment, etc.
• Must have skill and ability in assessing equipment safety and performing routine maintenance on equipment used.
• Must be skilled and safe in the operation of a vehicle with a trailer attached, including backing into areas and operating in an active student population environment.
• Must be skilled in the operation of all related equipment with a priority on personal safety and the safety of an active student, staff, and faculty population in the vicinity.
• Must have skill and ability in all phases of turf maintenance operations.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and effectively communicate and interact with fellow workers staff, faculty, and students.
• Familiarity with operation of commercial cordless electric turf maintenance equipment.
• Basic knowledge of soil physical, nutrient and water holding properties.
• Familiarity with and willingness to perform vertebrate pest control.
• Demonstrate sensitivity, understanding and work effectively with diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of a campus community.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Basic knowledge of irrigation systems and irrigation theory.
   

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California.
• Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
• Ability to successfully work with and around a variety of fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides.
• Ability to perform vertebrate pest control such as trapping, baiting, or other types of rodent control.
• Ability to perform grounds keeping duties outdoors through all seasons of weather in developed and undeveloped environments.
• Will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here .

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.