Grounds Equipment Operator - 138472

University of California San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego is seeking a Grounds Equipment Operator to maintain groomed turf on campus. You will operate ride-on and walk-behind mowers, tractors, and related attachments, performing aeration, de-thatching, and debris removal while following safety standards.

The role requires experience with medium to heavy grounds equipment, preventive maintenance, and the ability to work with diverse teams to deliver high-quality landscapes.

Qualifications

• One year of experience operating medium to heavy power-grounds equipment.
• Experience performing routine turf maintenance.
• Ability to perform minor repairs and maintenance on equipment.
• Ability to work independently and with diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Operate ride-on and walk-behind mowers and tractors with attachments.
• Perform aeration, thatch removal, and turf care tasks.
• Operate loader tractors, dump trucks, and turf sweepers.
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment and assist other Grounds work crews.

Skills

Operate heavy grounds equipment

Teamwork and communication

Preventive maintenance

Safety awareness

Problem solving

Job description

Payroll Title: GROUNDS EQUIP OPR

Department: FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

Hiring Pay Scale: $26.65-$35.13 / hourly

Worksite: Campus

Appointment Type: Career

Appointment Percent: 100%

Union: SX Contract

Total Openings: 1

Work Schedule: Days, 8 hrs/day, Monday - Friday

#138472 Grounds Equipment Operator

Extended Deadline: Wed 9/2/2026

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 2/20/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

This position will remain open till filled. Initial review date is 3/4/2026.

DESCRIPTION

Under supervision this position will operate “ride-on” and “walk-behind” mowers and tractors with aerating and de-thatching attachments or fertilizer spreader. Perform bi-annual turf care aeration and turf thatch removal. Operate “loader” tractors, dump trucks and pick up trucks to remove and transport thatch debris. Operate turf sweepers to perform core removal during aerating, and thatch removal during de-thatching, and clipping removal after mowing. Follow established specifications to project a rich, well- manicured turf. Perform preventive and routine maintenance on related equipment. Assist other Grounds work crews with routine grounds and landscape maintenance tasks as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS

• One year of experience in the operation of medium to heavy power-grounds equipment such as :“ride on” mowers, tractors, turf sweepers, dump trucks and associated attachments, equipment for turf mowing, aerating, de-thatching, and fertilizer spreading or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience performing routine turf maintenance.
• Experience, ability and/or training in routine and preventive maintenance of medium to heavy power-grounds equipment including performance of minor repairs, including: oil, belt and filter changes, lubrication, replenishing fluid levels when necessary, tires and general cleaning.
• Ability to effectively perform repetitive tasks while maintaining awareness of surroundings for continuous periods (up to 4 hours) on a daily basis.
• Ability to understand and adhere to trade accepted horticulture maintenance standards.
• Basic understanding of mechanical concepts in the area of hydraulics, electrical belts and pulleys, P.T.O.’s, gasoline and diesel engines, air and water cooled engines.
• Demonstrated ability to safely and effectively utilize related hand and power tools.
• Ability to effectively work independently and with diverse teams of people. Effectively work with co-workers and customers to accomplish work with a high level of quality and efficiency. Build and maintain strong customer and co-worker relations through a professional and helpful approach in handling customer’s needs and problems.
• Ability to remain flexible and effectively adjust to changing priorities.
• Ability to follow through and carry out all assignments.
• Problem solving skills and sound judgement.
• Ability to model and advocate UCSD Principles of Community.
• Establish and maintain a positive and cooperative working relationship with members of Department and campus community.
• Effectively communicate ideas and information orally, in writing and electronically.
• Maintain proficiency at current job classification level. Continually updates knowledge through appropriate courses, seminars, publications and contact with others in the trade.
• Ability to identify and suggest new ways to improve efficiency or productivity.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate ideas and information orally, in writing and electronically in a manner which is clear and concise.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
• Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.Must be physically able to perform all essential functions. May be required to work overtime as operationally necessary.

Annual Full Pay Range: $55,645 - $73,414 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $26.65 - $35.16

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. \"Misconduct\" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace