Buildings and Grounds Maintenance Technician

UWMSN University of Wisconsin Madison; United States; On-site; USD 54,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous vacation and holidays

Competitive insurances and savings

Retirement benefits

On-call night/weekend differentials

Job summary

University of Wisconsin–Madison is seeking a Facilities Technician II at Upham Woods, an outdoor learning center under the Division of Extension. The role supports maintaining buildings, grounds, and equipment for year-round programs and events.

You will work with a small facilities team to perform maintenance, inspections, and repairs, with on-site responsibilities and physical requirements. A background check will be required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in facilities maintenance, building operations, or a related field.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow written work instructions, schedules, safety notices, and equipment operating procedures.
• Working knowledge of workplace safety practices, including handling of cleaning agents and hazardous materials, PPE.
• Ability to perform physical requirements including lifting and staying on feet for extended periods.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a small facilities team.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes equipment to repair and maintain standard machinery, equipment, and facility property.
• Receives, inspects, inventories, and distributes deliveries to appropriate entities.
• Assists trades, crafts, vendors, and staff with construction, design, and maintenance.
• Troubleshoots, escalates, and documents issues per policies and procedures.
• Performs routine facility inspections and monitors cleanliness.

Skills

Facilities maintenance

Reading instructions

Workplace safety

Independent work

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

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.

Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Facilities Technician II

Job Summary:

Upham Woods is a residential, year-round, outdoor learning center for youth and adults, operating under the Natural Resources Institute of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension. We offer environmental education and outdoor recreation programs, 4-H and other youth camps, professional development workshops, and conferences and retreats. Our mission is to provide an innovative outdoor experience that connects youth and adults with the research and educational resources of UW-Madison to improve the human-nature connection, support understanding of science, foster environmental stewardship, and engage communities.

Upham's campus consists of 14 buildings, including a conference and retreat center, nature center, 6 cabins, a two-story dormitory, and staff housing to provide seasonal and year‑round lodging for visitors. The center sits on the Wisconsin River with 320 acres of forested land, including a 210-acre island called "Blackhawk Island," which is a designated state natural area. More information about the Upham Woods community can be found at https://uphamwoods.extension.wisc.edu/.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Utilizes equipment to repair and maintain standard machinery, equipment, and facility property to prevent further damage and ensure optimal operation. Receives, inspects, inventories, and distributes deliveries to appropriate entities under general supervision. Assists trades, crafts, vendors, and technical staff with construction, design, and operational maintenance as needed. Troubleshoots, escalates, and documents issues according to established policies and procedures. Performs routine facility inspections and monitors cleanliness.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift 50 pounds with assistance. Ability work outside in inclement weather. A successful background check will be required prior to employment. It is expected that employees will make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions. Information about UW‑Madison Driver Authorization can be found at https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/dr....

In Person It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Department

About Extension Extension embodies the Wisconsin Idea by developing and connecting the research and educational resources of UW–Madison with residents and communities to address local, statewide, and national issues. We teach, learn, lead and serve, transforming lives and communities.

About the Institute

The Division of Extension Natural Resources Institute (https://naturalresources.extension.wisc.edu/) serves Wisconsin's land, water, and communities through programs that inform local decision-making, foster meaningful dialogue, and empower the next generation of community leaders. One of Extension’s six institutes, the NRI embodies the Wisconsin Idea — fueling innovation and working in tandem with partners to create a future where people and nature thrive — side by side. Our outreach specialists, educators, researchers, affiliates, and support teams are committed to providing the information and leadership needed to grow healthy, thriving communities and support resilient, productive natural resources, food systems, and economies. We work at the crossroads of natural resources and society to improve and sustain ecosystems, strengthening the communities and livelihoods deeply connected to them.

Compensation

The minimum annual (12 months) starting hourly rate is $26/hr but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off
• competitive insurances and savings accounts
• retirement benefits

Additional Compensation Details

On-Call Compensation: This position may include on-call responsibilities. Hours worked while responding to overnight calls between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. are eligible for a $0.80 per hour night differential. Hours worked on weekends between 12:01 a.m. Saturday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday are eligible for a $0.80 per hour weekend differential.

Required Qualifications

Minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in facilities maintenance, building operations, or a related field. Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and follow written work instructions, schedules, safety notices, and equipment operating procedures. Working knowledge of workplace safety practices, including the safe handling of cleaning agents and hazardous materials, proper lifting techniques, and the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE). Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position, including bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting and moving furniture or equipment, and remaining on feet for extended periods. Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a small facilities team. Demonstrated ability to effectively work with people from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience maintaining cabins, lodges, classrooms, dining facilities, and other residential or educational buildings. Knowledge of groundskeeping practices, including lawn care, trail maintenance, landscaping, tree and brush management, and seasonal property upkeep. Experience operating and maintaining outdoor equipment such as mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, chainsaws, snow removal equipment, motorized watercraft, and hand tools. Working knowledge of building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and general carpentry repair. Experience performing preventive maintenance and identifying facility or safety concerns before they become significant issues.

Education

Required Education High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Certifications

The following are preferred certifications for this position. Pesticide Applicator Certification. Chainsaw Safety Certification. Other certifications applicable to building and grounds maintenance. Certification in Trades such as welding, pesticide application, or other applicable maintenance certifications.

Institutional Statement on Diversity

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website. To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre‑employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you. Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on‑campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department. Work with purpose, make an impact, and grow your career. The University of Wisconsin–Madison is committed to equity, inclusion and employee well‑being as we proudly work to improve the lives of people in Wisconsin and beyond. UW–Madison offers a wide range of professions that cover various interests and skill levels. We employ everything from accountants to arborists, chefs to custodians, editors to electricians, graphic designers to groundskeepers, HR associates to HVAC technicians, librarians to locksmiths, mechanics to medical assistants, painters to police officers, web designers to welders, and absolutely everything in between! No matter what you are looking for professionally, chances are you will not only find it but will thrive at it while working at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.