Athletic Events Light Auto Equipment Operator

CSU; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health Coverage

Retirement Plans

Job summary

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is seeking a Light Automotive Equipment Operator to support the FM Grounds team in maintaining campus landscapes and outdoor spaces.

The role involves operating riding lawn mowing equipment, tractors, turf sweepers, and related machinery, plus performing planting, pruning, watering, and routine maintenance as needed. This is a full-time, temporary position; safety and reliability are essential.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience safely operating grounds equipment including mowers, tractors, turf sweepers and related machinery.
• Ability to perform landscaping tasks (weeding, planting, watering, fertilizing) with minor hand/power tools.
• Capable of routine equipment inspections and basic maintenance to ensure reliable operation.

Responsibilities

• Operate self-propelled riding lawn mowing equipment and related landscape machinery.
• Perform landscaping tasks such as planting, pruning, watering, and fertilizing as directed.

Skills

Lawn mowing equipment operation

Grounds maintenance

Tools

Mowers

Tractors

Turf sweepers

Fork Lift

Job description

Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)!

Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives.

As a member of the CSULB community, you’ll experience a dynamic environment filled with cultural landmarks, collaborative energy, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference.

Work-life balance thrives here. Long Beach blends coastal relaxation with urban vibrancy, offering miles of beaches, year-round sunshine, a thriving arts and food scene, and convenient access to both Los Angeles and Orange County. It’s an ideal place to grow your career while enjoying everything Southern California has to offer.

Join the California State University (CSU) and explore career opportunities that advance student success and strengthen California’s future—offering competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and professional growth.

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Grounds and Landscape Services and/or designees, performs duties of a Light Equipment Operator with major responsibility for the operation of motorized riding lawn mowing equipment, tractors, turf sweepers and other small motorized equipment and performs landscaping duties as directed.

Key Responsibilities

• Operates all self-propelled, motor powered, riding lawn mowing equipment, including tractors, turf sweepers, Fork Lift, and other equipment related to landscape maintenance.
• Landscaping functions; weeding, planting, cultivating, watering, fertilizing, and light pruning of shrubs, hedges, small tree, flowers; using small hand and power equipment.

Department

FM Grounds

Department Description

Beach Building Services (BBS) at California State University Long Beach is dedicated to supporting the university by ensuring the safe operation, maintenance, and development of the campus. As a large, thriving department, BBS provides facilities based comprehensive support to the campus in the areas of academics, activities and event services. These facilities contribute to a well-rounded and enriching campus experience for students, faculty and staff. BBS is proud to contribute to the dynamic and transformative educational and social events and programs that make CSU Long Beach one of the most sought-after institutions and a leader among the CSU campuses.

Departments within BBS:

• Environmental Health and Safety
• Energy and Utilities
• Facilities Operations (Service Response, Fiscal Operations, Payroll/Personnel, IT Services)
• Planning and Sustainability
• Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (Engineering, Fire Alarm, Electrical and Plumbing Shops)
• Building Trades (Lock, Sign, Carpentry, Paint and Auto Shops)
• Grounds and Landscaping Services
• Custodial Services
• Design and Construction Services

BBS is composed of talented and skilled employees and dedicated administrators who work hard and collaborate to achieve our mission to “Build a Better Campus Every day.”

Time Base

1.0 time‑base, 40 hours per week.

Duration of Appointment

This is a temporary position for 1 year with no permanent status granted. Temporary assignments may expire prior to the ending date.

Classification

Light Automotive Equipment Operator

Compensation

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources.

• CSU Classification Salary Range: The CSU Classification Salary Range for this position is $3,596 (Step 1) - $5,035 (Step 20) per month.

Benefits

At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program reflects our commitment to your overall well‑being.

To be eligible for full benefits, employees must be appointed at least half‑time (.50 FTE) with an appointment lasting more than six months and one day. Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on appointment type, classification, and applicable collective bargaining agreement. Eligible employees may have access to a comprehensive benefits package that can include:

• Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
• Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
• Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
• Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

Candidates are encouraged to review the appropriate CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details specific to their position. Additionally, the CSU Total Compensation Calculator is available to help prospective employees understand the full value of the CSU benefits package and how it complements base salary.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This position has extensive experience safely operating a wide range of grounds and facilities management equipment, including mowers, backhoes, tractors and attachments, turf sweepers, pressure washers, personnel lifts, forklifts, and trenchers. They possess the technical knowledge and judgment to adapt work methods to varying conditions such as weather, terrain, soil conditions, turf type, and proximity to campus buildings and occupants. The successful candidate is capable of performing routine equipment inspections, minor maintenance, adjustments, and repairs to ensure reliable operation. They are also skilled in preparing, laying out, and striping athletic fields for practices and competitions, while accurately documenting daily labor and required vehicle inspections through work order and reporting systems. In addition, the ideal candidate is flexible and team‑oriented, performing Groundsworker duties as needed, supporting University ceremonies and special events, and responding effectively to emergency situations and other operational needs across campus.

Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community. Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non‑discrimination policies and procedures. Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."

Licenses / Certificates

• Valid CA Driver's license, good driving record, and equivalent to one year of paid or regularly assigned driving experience in a job involving operating of a delivery vehicle, truck, tractor, bus, or automotive maintenance equipment required.
• Employees who are required to operate motorized vehicles and/or use their personal vehicle more than once a month on University business are required to take a mandatory Defensive Driving course and enroll in the DMV Employee Pull Notice (EPN) Program.

Physical Summary

Medium work - Job involves lifting heavy weight objects (20-40 pounds) and/or 20% - 40% of the job involves standing, squatting, kneeling, or walking. May require pushing or pulling objects within the weight limits.

Additional Information

CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. CSULB will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Due to the nature of this position, current CSULB employees are subject to a criminal record check unless they have successfully completed a criminal background check through CSULB within the past 12 months.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

Equal Employment Statement

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, CSULB provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected status. CSULB complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

California State University Long Beach expects respectful, professional behavior from its employees in all situations. Acts of harassment or abusive conduct are prohibited. Demonstrated appropriate professional behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate abusive conduct is expected of