POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Grounds Equipment Mechanic
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 8430
GRADE 25
CLASSIFICATION Nonexempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Assistant Director, Facilities Management, Grounds
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Grounds Equipment Mechanic performs preventive maintenance and repair of electrically-powered and gasoline and diesel-powered groundskeeping equipment and machines, and small hand and power tools or equipment used in planting, cultivating, and trimming grounds and landscapes. The Mechanic keeps maintenance records on preventive maintenance services performed and repairs completed on all grounds equipment, has accountability for all grounds maintenance small hand and power tolls, and maintains an inventory of parts and supplies for grounds equipment.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A high school diploma or the equivalent plus specialized or technical training in the repair and maintenance of small and large sized gasoline and diesel engines is required.
Experience: At least two years of experience in repairing gasoline and diesel powered engines is required; experience repairing and maintaining two- and four-stroke engines, small diesel engines, hydraulics, and welding is preferred.
Skills: Requires a general mechanical ability; skills in the use of hand tools and test equipment associated with the maintenance of gasoline and diesel engines; ability to diagnose gasoline and diesel engine failures and make repairs to engine, carburetor, injectors, diesel pumps, electrical, brake, steering, transmission and hydraulic systems. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Effort: Requires the use of small hand and power tools. Requires the ability to lift and/or transport groundskeeping supplies, equipment and machinery weighing up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis and up to 100 pounds on an occasional basis; prolonged walking or standing, and frequent bending, stooping, and reaching on a daily basis. Requires a full range of physical motion in order to repair and test the operation of electrically-powered and/or gasoline and diesel-powered groundskeeping equipment and machines. Employees in this job classification (job title) are designated as essential employees and must report to work as scheduled when University offices are closed; the supervisor will notify the employee of any exceptions.
License: A valid drivers license is required.
Other: The scope of the position requires exposure to waste oil, greases, and fuels and use of chemical solvents and cleaners used in the repair and maintenance of gasoline and diesel-powered engines and groundskeeping equipment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Performs preventive maintenance of grounds equipment by following manufacturers' recommendations or using personal experience regarding tune-ups, lubrications, oil and filter changes, adjusting or changing belts and hoses, sharpening or replacing blades, on push mowers, riding mowers, tillers, tractors, and similar grounds equipment.
2. Reduces the need for contract maintenance services of grounds equipment by troubleshooting and repairing (within capabilities) a variety of equipment, automotive and truck problems including electrical systems, brakes, carburetors, engine compression, clutch and transmission, injectors, differentials, pumps, hydraulic and power take-off operations.
3. Ensures that grounds equipment requiring major maintenance services or repairs receive those services by determining the extent of services or repairs required and arranging with other University or contract maintenance shops for services or repairs beyond the capability to perform or that are too costly (i.e., time and money) for the grounds shop to perform.
4. Promotes preventive maintenance as a strategy for maintaining grounds equipment by developing and recommending preventive maintenance programs and schedules, instructing grounds employees on the proper methods of operation and upkeep of the equipment, inspecting tools and equipment for condition, repairing, cleaning, adjusting or lubricating them, and notifying the Assistant Director, Facilities Maintenance, Grounds of signs of equipment abuse or neglect.
5. Maintains appropriate maintenance records by keeping records of all grounds equipment operating hours, preventive maintenance services performed, and repairs completed.
6. Ensures the availability and accountability of required parts, components, and supplies by maintaining an inventory of parts and supplies for grounds equipment, storing those items in an appropriate and secure container, and reordering replacement items as necessary.
7. Repairs damaged grounds maintenance equipment by welding and/or cutting to mend broken, bent or loose items where close fit or tolerances are not critical.
8. Assists the Assistant Director, Facilities Management, Grounds in the preparation of bid sheets and purchase orders by contacting vendors and commercial suppliers for bids on specific parts and identifying the proper mechanical terminology to describe the parts needed.
9. Prepares riding mowers, tractors, and trucks for specific grounds maintenance uses by changing, checking, and adjusting attachments to those vehicles such as brooms, blades, and buckets.
10. Reduces the likelihood for liability regarding the University’s compliance with federal, state, or local regulations by complying with policies, laws, and regulations governing environmental protection, safety, hazardous waste disposal, and the use of chemical substances and materials common to equipment repair and maintenance.
11. Safely operates University vehicles while picking up or delivering parts and equipment by obeying applicable traffic laws and following operator instructions.
12. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
13. Contributes to the overall success of the Grounds Department by performing all other related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Grounds Equipment Mechanic is supervised by the Assistant Director, Facilities Management, Grounds and generally exercises no supervision of others.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED FEBRUARY 2021
