Equipment Technician

South Dakota Board of Regents; Brookings (SD); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Dakota Board of Regents seeks a skilled mechanic to maintain and repair a diverse fleet of campus equipment at SDState in Brookings, South Dakota. The role covers construction and off-road machinery, generators, lifts, and air compressors, supporting campus operations with hands-on technical work.

Qualified candidates will perform routine service, diagnostics, and complex repairs, ensuring safe operation and reliability.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of diesel/gas engines and related components.
• Ability to diagnose engine and equipment system faults.
• Experience maintaining a wide range of campus equipment.
• Familiarity with hydraulic, electrical, and cooling/heating systems.
• Commitment to workplace safety and compliance with policies.

Responsibilities

• Perform skilled mechanic work on construction and off-road equipment and building systems.
• Conduct routine service, repair, and preventive maintenance of engines, hydraulics, and powertrains.
• Repair and service generators, air compressors, lifts, and other campus equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities and safety checks.

Skills

Mechanical maintenance

Engine diagnostics

Equipment repair

Hydraulic systems

Electrical systems

Preventive maintenance

Safety compliance

Job description

The South Dakota State University (SDState) Facilities & Services Department is seeking a skilled mechanic to join the team. This position will offer support by maintaining and repairing a variety of construction, off-road, and building equipment. The equipment fleet includes everything from small engines and power equipment to lifts, loaders, generators, and air compressors that help support campus operations. This position is located in Brookings, South Dakota.

Facilities and Services is the internal department overseeing the growth, maintenance, repair and changes of the facilities, infrastructure and grounds of campus and satellite locations. Campus Maintenance staff has technical expertise in electrical, plumbing, HVAC , carpentry, welding, mechanics, building repair work, relocation, and grounds. Services include the operation, maintenance, repair and remodeling of university buildings and grounds and the operation and repair of certain types of equipment.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Job Responsibilities

Perform skilled mechanic work on construction equipment, off road equipment, and building equipment. Routine service work, repair and maintenance of engines, brake systems, hydraulic systems, cooling systems, drive lines, exhaust, heating and air conditioning systems, minor body repairs, generators, air compressors, etc. Equipment ranges from small engines such as chainsaws to large pieces such as JLG lifts and front-end loaders as well as building generators and air compressors.

Benefits

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Detailed mechanical knowledge of various equipment including diesel, gas, small engines, including electrical, steering, suspension, brake, cooling/heating, powertrain, fuel, air and hydraulic systems.
• Diagnostic techniques for engines and equipment systems
• Equipment maintenance and repair (i.e., automotive, loaders, skid loaders, tractors, telehandlers, UTVs, lawn and grounds care equipment, etc.).
• Math skills including fractions, percentages, and geometry.
• Building equipment maintenance and repair (i.e., standby generators, air compressors, etc.)

Skill & Ability to

• Analyze mechanical issues by applying problem solving skills.
• Perform routine and in depth repairs to a wide variety of equipment.
• Work safely with a variety of hand and power tools.
• Work in extreme temperatures and various locations including tunnels, rooftops, and agricultural sites.
• Communicate clearly and have good customer service skills.
• Respond to emergency/urgent issues after hours or on weekends.
• Work independently with minimal supervision as well as work as a team player with a positive attitude.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Required License

Valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• CDL class B with air brakes endorsement
• Associates degree in Diesel and Automotive Technology (or similar)
• At least 5 years of professional on the job experience performing mechanical repairs and service.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. SDState is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94 million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The university is part of a dynamic community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of attractions and activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits unlawful discrimination of all legally protected classes in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [e-mail]. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU , Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: [phone].

Contact Information

For additional information regarding this position or questions about the online application process, please contact Human Resources at 605-688-4128.

Documents Needed to Apply

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Reference List

The South Dakota Board of Regents is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Board of Regents will take Affirmative Action to ensure that all employment practices are free of discrimination. In addition, the Board of Regents fully supports incorporation of non-discrimination and Affirmative Action rules and regulations into all of its employment practices. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by contacting the appropriate Human Resources office. Please see the Contact Us section of this webpage for more information.

Notice to all applicants: If you are selected as a finalist, job references and a background check may be conducted.

South Dakota Board of Regents

306 E. Capital Ave, Suite 200
Pierre, SD 57501
605-773-3455