Vehicle Equipment & Grounds Technician III

Universities of Wisconsin; Town of River Falls (WI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan with employer match

Paid leave and sick leave

Job summary

UW-River Falls seeks a Vehicle Equipment & Grounds Technician III to inspect, maintain, diagnose, and repair a diverse fleet of grounds maintenance vehicles and equipment. You will support seasonal operations, contribute to campus improvements, and assist with snow and ice management in winter. Strong mechanical aptitude and safety focus are essential for this role.

The position offers a 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to safely operate and repair vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to read drawings and parts manuals to identify issues.
• Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical system issues.
• Knowledge of safe work practices, OSHA standards, and PPE usage.
• Maintain preventive maintenance records and manage equipment lifecycle.
• Basic computer skills for work orders and maintenance tracking.
• Able to communicate effectively with supervisors, colleagues and vendors.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks.
• Physically capable of demanding outdoor work and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Possess or be able to obtain a valid driver's license and forklift certification.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must pass post-offer employment test.

Responsibilities

• Operate, inspect, maintain, and repair a diverse fleet of grounds vehicles and equipment.
• Document maintenance and repairs according to policies.
• Install, assemble, maintain outdoor fixtures and equipment as needed.
• Establish and maintain preventive maintenance programs and service records.
• Order parts, coordinate with vendors, and recommend purchases.
• Provide equipment operation and safety training to staff and student workers.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Read drawings & manuals

Troubleshoot electrical systems

OSHA & PPE knowledge

Preventive maintenance

Recordkeeping

Computer work orders

Communication skills

Independence & prioritization

Physical stamina

Driver's license & forklift cert

High school diploma

Post-offer test

Education

High school diploma or GED

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.

Position Title:

Vehicle Equipment & Grounds Technician III

Job Category:

University Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Vehicle Equipment Technician III

Job Duties:

Do you enjoy solving mechanical challenges, working with a variety of equipment, working in a dynamic outdoor environment and seeing the direct impact of your work each day? Join our Grounds Maintenance team as a Vehicle Equipment Technician and play a vital role in maintaining the vehicles and equipment that keep our beautiful campus operating year-round.

POSITION SUMMARY:

In this role, you’ll be the go-to expert for inspecting, maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing a diverse fleet of ground maintenance vehicles and equipment. From preventive maintenance and troubleshooting mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems to supporting seasonal grounds operations, your expertise will help ensure our team has the reliable tools needed to deliver exceptional results.

Beyond the shop, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute directly to campus improvement projects, assist with hardscape and grounds initiatives, and operate specialized equipment in support of seasonal maintenance activities. During winter months, you’ll be an essential member of our snow and ice management team, helping maintain safe campus conditions through plowing and winter response operations.

If you are someone who thrives both independently and as part of a collaborative team, takes pride in quality workmanship, and enjoys a variety of responsibilities that make every day different, we invite you to join our Grounds Maintenance team as a Vehicle Equipment and Grounds Technician.

Successful candidates will bring strong mechanical aptitude, a commitment to safety, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively with colleagues, vendors, and campus partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Operate, complete safety inspections and road tests and otherwise maintain University and grounds maintenance vehicles and equipment including mowers, loaders, trucks, tractors, forklift, plows, sanders, salters, hand tools and related equipment in support of seasonal grounds maintenance activities.
• Documents completed maintenance and repairs according to established policies and procedures
• Occasionally Install, assemble, maintain, and repair outdoor fixtures, furniture, equipment, and structures, including benches, picnic tables, bicycle racks, fencing, gates, retaining walls, and signage.
• Establish and maintain preventive maintenance programs for equipment, including maintaining service records and documentation.
• Maintain, inspect, diagnose, and repair a variety of grounds maintenance vehicles, equipment, and tools.
• Order replacement parts and supplies, coordinate with vendors, and recommend equipment purchases.
• Provide operation and safety training for equipment to Facilities Management employees and student workers and recommend safe and efficient work practices.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Documents completed maintenance and repairs according to established policies and procedures

• Serves as a point of contact to individuals providing information and updates about vehicle and large-engine maintenance and repairs

• Inspects, maintains, and repairs complex parts and systems for large-engine vehicles and equipment under general supervision to ensure optimal and safe operation

• Identifies and troubleshoots complex vehicle and large-engine issues and collaborates with work unit staff to resolve issues

Department:

Grounds Maintenance

Typical Working Schedule:

7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Mon. - Fri. Must be available for winter weather emergencies outside of regular work hours. Some evenings and weekends are required. On 24-hour emergency call list.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Required Qualifications:

• Strong mechanical aptitude, including the ability to safely operate, inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles, grounds equipment, and hand and power tools.
• Read and interpret drawings and parts manuals to identify and troubleshoot grounds vehicle issues and collaborate with mechanic with higher level maintenance and repair.
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical system issues and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and parts documentation.
• Knowledge of safe work practices, OSHA standards, hazard recognition, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to perform preventive maintenance, maintain accurate service records, and manage equipment lifecycle and repair activities.
• Proficiency in basic computer systems for work order entry, recordkeeping, and maintenance tracking.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with supervisors, coworkers, vendors, etc.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions, including lifting up to 50 pounds and operating equipment safely.
• Knowledge of, or ability to obtain, required licenses and certifications, including a valid driver’s license and forklift certification.
• H.S. Diploma or equivalency required.
• Must successfully complete a post offer employment test.

The pay rate is $25 per hour.

The selected candidate must be able to pass a post-offer employment test and hold a valid driver’s license to obtain Wisconsin certification to drive University vehicles.

A six-month probationary period is required.

Employees receive excellent benefits including exceptionally low-cost comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits; employer match of Wisconsin Retirement System contributions of 7.20%; an attractive amount of paid leave per year in addition to paid sick leave. To learn more about our benefits, go to:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/quickguideus.pdf

UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-4941.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the final candidates may be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

Title IX Notice

As required by Title IX and federal regulations, UW-River Falls does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Questions about the application of Title IX may be referred to UWRF’s Title IX Coordinator [e-mail]; the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights; or both. For more information, please see students.uwrf.edu/titleix.

Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you, your most recent employer, and all previous Universities of Wisconsin institutions and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven (7) years to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment per Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies can be viewed at www.uwrf.edu/police/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report or call University Police at 715-425-3133 for a paper copy.

Reasonable Accommodations

UW-River Falls provides reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or an accommodation in applying because of a disability, contact [e-mail] or 715-425-3518.

Academic Freedom & Freedom of Expression

The University is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression, and provides all members of the University community the broadest possible latitude to explore ideas and to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn, pursuant to Regent Policy Document 4-21 Commitment to Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.