Light Equipment Operator

University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of New Mexico's Landscaping Services team is seeking a dedicated Light Equipment Operator to support campus maintenance and appearance on the Albuquerque campus. You will transport materials and operate light landscaping equipment such as skid steers, dump trucks, and forklifts, contributing to a safe, welcoming environment for students, staff, and visitors.

This role requires at least a high school diploma or GED and one year of related experience; CDL is not required but

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of related experience.
• Education above the minimum may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• CDL not required but preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operates forklifts, front skid steer loaders, and dump trucks to transport trash and materials.
• Operates mechanized sweepers.
• Drives 2.5-ton or heavier vehicles and may operate other light equipment.
• Performs routine inspection and maintenance on vehicles (oil, water, tires).
• Promotes safety and environmental practices in the workplace.
• Performs snow removal, as required.

Skills

Operate light equipment safely

Teamwork

Attention to safety

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklifts

Skid steer loaders

Dump trucks

Small tractors

Snow removal equipment

Job description

Position Summary

The University of New Mexico's Facility Services Landscaping Services team is seeking a dedicated and safety-conscious Light Equipment Operator to support the maintenance and appearance of one of New Mexico's most beautiful campus environments. This position plays a vital role in transporting materials, operating landscaping and grounds equipment, and assisting with projects that contribute to a clean, safe, and welcoming campus for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

In this role, you will operate a variety of light equipment and vehicles, including skid steer loaders, dump trucks, forklifts, small tractors, and other specialized equipment used in grounds and landscaping operations. Responsibilities include transporting materials, supporting landscape maintenance activities, performing routine vehicle and equipment inspections, assisting with seasonal operations such as snow removal, and ensuring equipment is operated safely and efficiently.

• Operates forklifts, front skid steer loaders, and dump trucks to transport trash and materials.
• Operates mechanized sweepers.
• Operates tail gates and/or platforms to facilitate loading and unloading of materials.
• Drives 2;5-ton or heavier vehicles and may operate other light equipment.
• Performs routine inspection and maintenance on vehicles such as checking oil, water, and tires.
• Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
• Performs snow removal, as required.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Why Join Us?

Working as a staff member at the University of New Mexico (UNM) offers a range of exciting benefits including:

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Access to competitive health insurance plans including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement Plans: Pension and enrollment in a choice of additional retirement plans with generous employer contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual vacation leave (up to 168 hours per year), sick leave (up to 96 hours per year), and 11 paid holidays to support work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, career advancement, and tuition remission for employees and dependents.
• Wellness Programs: Access to wellness programs, fitness facilities, and resources promoting employee health and well-being.
• Community Engagement: Involvement in a vibrant campus community with diverse cultural and recreational activities.
• Job Security: Stable employment with competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement within our respected flagship institution of New Mexico.
• If you enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and contributing to the care and appearance of a vibrant campus community, we encourage you to apply and join our Landscaping Services team.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the CWA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating skid steers, tractors, dump trucks, forklifts, or similar equipment.
• Knowledge of basic vehicle and equipment inspection and maintenance procedures.
• Experience working in landscaping, grounds maintenance, facilities, construction, or outdoor operations.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and teamwork.
• CDL not required but preferred.

Campus

Main - Albuquerque, NM

Department

Landscape Services (825C3)

Employment Type

Staff

Staff Type

Regular - Full-Time

Pay

Hourly: $17.56 - $22.29

Benefits Eligible

This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

ERB Statement

As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required

Yes

For Best Consideration Date

10/9/2026

Eligible for Hiring Incentive

No

Eligible for Remote Work

No

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

Background Checks and Verification

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.