Vehicle Equipment & Grounds Technician III
University Staff
Regular
Vehicle Equipment Tech III
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position reports directly to the Grounds Manager for general direction. Primary responsibilities include performing preventive maintenance and repairs on ground maintenance vehicles and equipment and operation of equipment in support of seasonal grounds maintenance tasks. Secondary responsibilities include hardscape tasks on campus grounds. Performs plowing and winter management duties during early morning hours, evenings and weekends as needed during winter.
- Operate, complete safety inspections and road tests and otherwise maintain University and grounds maintenance vehicles and equipment including mowers, loaders, trucks, tractors, forklift, plows, sanders, salters, hand tools and related equipment in support of seasonal grounds maintenance activities.
- Documents completed maintenance and repairs according to established policies and procedures
- Occasionally Install, assemble, maintain, and repair outdoor fixtures, furniture, equipment, and structures, including benches, picnic tables, bicycle racks, fencing, gates, retaining walls, and signage.
- Establish and maintain preventive maintenance programs for equipment, including maintaining service records and documentation.
- Order replacement parts and supplies, coordinate with vendors, and recommend equipment purchases.
- Provide operation and safety training for equipment to Facilities Management employees and student workers and recommend safe and efficient work practices.
Grounds Maintenance
Typical Working Schedule: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Mon. - Fri. Must be available for winter weather emergencies outside of regular work hours. Some evenings and weekends are required. On 24-hour emergency call list.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Required Qualifications:
Strong mechanical aptitude, including the ability to safely operate, inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles, grounds equipment, and hand and power tools.
Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical system issues and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and parts documentation.
Knowledge of safe work practices, OSHA standards, hazard recognition, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Ability to perform preventive maintenance, maintain accurate service records, and manage equipment lifecycle and repair activities.
Proficiency in basic computer systems for work order entry, recordkeeping, and maintenance tracking.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with supervisors, coworkers, vendors, etc,.
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and respond to emergencies or operational needs outside regular work hours.
Ability to perform physically demanding work in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions, including lifting up to 50 pounds and operating equipment safely.
Basic mathematical skills for measurements, calculations, and material or cost estimates.
Knowledge of, or ability to obtain, required licenses and certifications, including a valid driver’s license, pesticide applicator license, and forklift certification.
H.S. Diploma or equivalency required.
Must successfully complete a post offer employment test.
Applicants are required to apply online at Career Opportunities . UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide:
Inquiries should be addressed to:
Darren Johnson
Grounds Manager
[email protected]
Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before July 29, 2026 .
The pay rate is $25 per hour.
The selected candidate must be able to pass a post-offer employment test and hold a valid driver’s license to obtain Wisconsin certification to drive University vehicles.
A six-month probationary period is required.
Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguideus.pdf
UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.
The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator at [email protected] ; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see students.uwrf.edu/titleix .
Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you, your most recent employer, and all previous Universities of Wisconsin institutions and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven (7) years to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment per Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275.
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at www.uwrf.edu/police/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy.
UW-River Falls provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying because of a disability, contact [email protected] or 715-425-3518.
The University is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression, and provides all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to explore ideas and to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn, pursuant to Regent Policy Document 4-21 Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression .
UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
