Vehicle Equipment & Grounds Technician III

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Position Title:

Job Category:

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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. In addition, this position performs installation, repair and preventative maintenance of storm water and run off structures, irrigation, fountains, etc. Perform other duties including moves, set-ups and coordination and direction of other employees as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• 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.

• Read and interpret drawings and parts manuals to identify and troubleshoot complex vehicle and large-engine issues and collaborate with mechanic with higher level maintenance and repair.

• Documents completed maintenance and repairs according to established policies and procedures

• Serves as a point of contact to individuals providing information and updates about vehicle and large-engine maintenance and repairs within the position’s purview.

• Maintain turf, plants, trees including mowing, weeding, pruning, application of herbicides, etc. and lining of athletic fields as directed.

• Install, assemble, maintain, and repair outdoor fixtures, furniture, equipment, and structures, including benches, picnic tables, bicycle racks, fencing, gates, retaining walls, and signage.

• Install, assemble, maintain, and repair outdoor waste and recycling systems, including trash containers, recycling containers, and ash urns.

• Maintain and repair irrigation systems, fountains, drainage systems, and related water infrastructure, and assist skilled trades with higher-level maintenance as needed.

• Participate in inspection, maintenance, and corrective action of stormwater management systems and associated structures and maintain required records.

• Inspect, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on sidewalks, streets, trails, parking lots, and curbs.

• 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.

• Operate and maintain power tools and equipment, including pneumatic and electric tools such as drills, grinders, saws, impact tools, and presses.

• Provide operation and safety training for equipment to Facilities Management employees and student workers and recommend safe and efficient work practices.

• Be available as required for on-call emergency situations.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Documents completed maintenance and repairs according to established policies and procedures

• Serves as a point of contact to individuals providing information and updates about vehicle and large-engine maintenance and repairs

• Inspects, maintains, and repairs complex parts and systems for large-engine vehicles and equipment under general supervision to ensure optimal and safe operation

• Identifies and troubleshoots complex vehicle and large-engine issues and collaborates with work unit staff to resolve issues

Department:

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.

How to Apply:

Applicants are required to apply online at Career Opportunities . UWRF will not consider paper, emailed or faxed applications. Applicants are required to provide:

• Resume

• Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)

Inquiries should be addressed to:

Darren Johnson

Grounds Manager

darren.johnson@uwrf.edu

Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials on or before June 15, 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 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.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

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).

Title IX Notice

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 titleix@uwrf.edu ; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see students.uwrf.edu/titleix .

Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy

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.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

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.

Reasonable Accommodations

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 hr@uwrf.edu or 715-425-3518.

Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression

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.