EQUIPMENT MECHANIC I @ UNC 9/2026

State of Colorado; Greeley (CO); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Northern Colorado is seeking an Equipment Mechanic I to maintain a broad fleet of grounds and facilities equipment, diagnose issues, and perform preventive maintenance. You will work with campus partners to keep equipment safe, reliable, and ready for service year-round.

Responsibilities include diagnosing gas, diesel, and small-engine systems, performing repairs, maintaining maintenance records, coordinating parts, and supporting snow removal and campus events as needed.

Qualifications

• One year of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Residency: Colorado residents only.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair gas, diesel, and small-engine equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, ignition, transmission, and fuel-system issues.
• Perform preventive maintenance services including inspections, lubrication, fluid changes, adjustments, and component replacement.
• Read and interpret service manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications.
• Maintain equipment maintenance records, inventory systems, and repair documentation.
• Coordinate and track vendor repairs, parts procurement, and equipment service history.
• Manage shop organization, tool accountability, and safe work practices.
• Conduct equipment safety inspections and determine when equipment should be removed from service.
• Perform welding, fabrication, and component modification when practical and cost-effective.
• Track maintenance costs and assist with equipment replacement planning.
• Support equipment operators through training, coaching, and technical guidance.

Education

One year of related experience or education

Tools

Technical manuals

Schematics

Wiring diagrams

Computerized diagnostic tools

Job description

Keep UNC Moving: Support the Equipment and Teams That Powers Our Campus

At the University of Northern Colorado, the appearance, safety, and functionality of our campus depends on reliable equipment and skilled professionals who keep it operating at its best. From maintaining athletic fields and landscapes to supporting snow removal and campus events, our equipment fleet plays a critical role in the university's daily operations.

We are seeking a skilled, motivated, and solution-oriented Equipment Mechanic I to join our Facilities Management team. This position serves as UNC's primary equipment maintenance professional, responsible for diagnosing, repairing, servicing, and managing a diverse fleet of grounds maintenance equipment, utility vehicles, small engines, and specialized machinery. If you enjoy solving complex mechanical problems, working with your hands, and taking ownership of equipment reliability and safety, we encourage you to apply.

This is more than a mechanic position. It is an opportunity to directly support the student experience, campus operations, athletic facilities, and university events by ensuring the equipment our teams rely on is safe, dependable, and ready for service year-round.

Position Summary

The Equipment Mechanic performs advanced diagnostics, repairs, preventive maintenance, and equipment management activities for UNC's grounds and facilities equipment fleet. Working independently and in collaboration with campus partners, this position troubleshoots and repairs mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, fuel, and powertrain systems on a wide variety of equipment.

The successful candidate will manage equipment maintenance records, coordinate parts procurement, monitor repair costs, maintain shop operations, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. This position also provides technical guidance to equipment operators, evaluates equipment condition and replacement needs, and supports seasonal operations including snow removal and campus event support.

What You’ll Do

As UNC's Equipment Mechanic I, you will help maximize the reliability, safety, and performance of equipment used across campus.

• Diagnose and repair gas, diesel, and small-engine equipment
• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, ignition, transmission, and fuel-system issues
• Perform preventive maintenance services including inspections, lubrication, fluid changes, adjustments, and component replacement
• Read and interpret service manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications
• Maintain equipment maintenance records, inventory systems, and repair documentation
• Coordinate and track vendor repairs, parts procurement, and equipment service history
• Manage shop organization, tool accountability, and safe work practices
• Conduct equipment safety inspections and determine when equipment should be removed from service
• Perform welding, fabrication, and component modification when practical and cost-effective
• Track maintenance costs and assist with equipment replacement planning
• Support equipment operators through training, coaching, and technical guidance
• Maintain chainsaws, mowers, hand tools, and other specialized equipment
• Assist with snow removal preparation, equipment readiness, and emergency response operations
• Support special events, facility projects, and seasonal campus operations

What Makes This Opportunity Unique

Few mechanic positions offer the variety found at a university campus. In this role, no two days are exactly alike. One day you may be diagnosing a complex hydraulic issue on specialized grounds equipment, and the next you may be fabricating a replacement component, preparing snow removal equipment for a storm, or helping support a major university event.

You’ll work on a diverse fleet of equipment while serving as a trusted technical resource for the campus community. Your decisions directly influence equipment reliability, operational efficiency, safety, and the overall appearance of UNC's campus environment.

Ideal Candidates

We are seeking professionals who enjoy troubleshooting complex equipment issues, take pride in quality workmanship, and are committed to service, safety, and continuous improvement. Successful candidates possess strong mechanical aptitude, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently while supporting a collaborative team environment.

Experience with small engines, diesel engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, welding, fabrication, preventive maintenance programs, and fleet management is highly valued. Reliability, technical curiosity, attention to detail, and sound decision-making are equally important.

Valid Drivers' License with good driving record is required.

Residency Requirement

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification Description

D7A1XX Equipment Mechanic I

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience Only: One (1) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
• Or
• Education and Experience: A combination of related education, formalized apprenticeship program, and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to one (1) year

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience maintaining grounds, landscape, agricultural, municipal, or commercial equipment
• Experience with hydraulic, electrical, and diesel engine diagnostics and repair
• Welding and fabrication experience
• Experience using technical manuals, schematics, and computerized diagnostic tools
• Technical training, industry certifications, or coursework related to mechanical systems, equipment maintenance, automotive technology, diesel technology, or a related field

Appeal Rights

As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: [phone]. Phone: [phone]. Email address: [e-mail]. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.

Important note

Applications are part of the selection process and will be reviewed by a Human Resource professional to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications as listed on the job announcement. Clearly document in the "Work Experience" and "Education" sections on your application any and all specialized work experience, skills, education, and accomplishments that relate to the position duties and minimum qualifications. No inferences will be made regarding your education or experience, only what is stated and provided in your application materials will be used to evaluate your qualifications. We will offer a salary that is commensurate with the experience of the selected candidate.

Conditions for Employment

All potential University of Northern Colorado employees may be subject to successful completion of a background check, motor vehicle record review, physical, and/or a drug test.

Required Notice

In compliance with the Clery Act, the most recent University of Northern Colorado Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online and a paper copy can be requested at the UNC Police Department. This report contains crime statistics and policy statements related to safety, conduct processes and Title IX investigations.

DPA/DHR Notice

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The University of Northern Colorado is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Human Resources Office, Cindy Tomlinson, at [e-mail] or call 970-351-2829.