Equipment Operator (GROUNDS EQUIP OPR)

This position is responsible for the operation of medium to heavy powered grounds and related equipment to complete grounds construction/maintenance tasks. 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

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• 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 lubricate the equipment.
• Customer service experience.
• Skill to recognize mechanical problem which 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
• 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

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• 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 – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• 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.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. 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

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks