Buildings and Grounds Maintenance Technician

University of Wisconsin-Madison; Wisconsin Dells (WI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-call compensation

Paid time off

Job summary

Upham Woods is part of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension and offers environmental education and outdoor programs for youth and adults. Upham Woods seeks a reliable Buildings and Grounds Maintenance Technician to maintain facilities, manage preventative maintenance, and ensure safety at a residential outdoor learning center on Wisconsin River property.

The role requires physical fitness, ability to work independently, and occasional on-call coverage outside normal hours, with

Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) years of facilities maintenance experience.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow written work instructions, schedules, and notices.
• Working knowledge of workplace safety practices and PPE use.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting and standing for long periods.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small facilities team.
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Repair and maintain buildings, equipment, and facility property to prevent damage and ensure operation.
• Develop and execute preventive maintenance programs for each building.
• Inspect contracted work for quality and timely completion.
• Identify and resolve safety issues at a residential outdoor education center.
• Provide on-call coverage outside regular hours when needed.

Skills

Facilities maintenance

Reading instructions

Safety awareness

Independent work

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Lawn care equipment

HVAC knowledge

Electrical tools

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," a designated state natural area. More information about the Upham Woods community can be found at https://uphamwoods.extension.wisc.edu/.

Key Responsibilities

The Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center seeks a reliable and detail‑oriented Buildings and Grounds Maintenance Technician responsible for:

• Utilizing equipment to repair and maintain buildings, equipment, and facility property to prevent further damage and ensure optimal operation.
• Assisting in the development of and executing the preventative maintenance program for each building.
• Inspecting contracted work during and after repairs have been completed, ensuring proper and timely completion.
• Proactively engages in identifying and resolving safety issues befitting a residential outdoor education center.

This position may be required to provide on‑call coverage outside of regular business hours. This may include overnight or weekend availability to respond to urgent operational issues, emergencies, or critical business needs.

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.

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

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

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/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

• 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.

Contact Information

Michele Blakeman (Human Resources)

[e-mail]

[phone]

Darin Curtis (Hiring Manager)

[e-mail]

[phone]

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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.

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.