Grounds Equipment Operator Specialist, Physical Plant/Grounds

About the job

Department
Horticulture

Job Posting Title
Grounds Equipment Operator Specialist, Physical Plant/Grounds

Job Description
An Equipment Operator Specialist maintains, repairs, and utilizes heavy-duty vehicles and equipment to care for the University grounds. This role involves using equipment to perform various duties, including waste disposal, mowing, landscaping, irrigation, greenhouse maintenance, and snow removal. The specialist operates sanitation trucks, recycling trucks, dump trucks, front-end loaders, backhoes, tractors, and other large motor vehicles.

• Minimum Qualifications:
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One year of relevant experience.
• Valid driver's license.

• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience operating heavy-duty equipment (sanitation trucks, mowers, skid steers, high lifts, back hoes, trenchers, etc.).
• Experience in groundskeeping, horticulture, or greenhouse management.
• Experience in maintaining and operating irrigation systems.
• Experience in applying chemicals.

• Responsibilities:
• Operate and maintain sanitation trucks and recycling trucks. Retrieve, empty, and return trash and recycling containers at campus facilities.
• Operate a hydraulic dumping system.
• Operate large mowers, tractors, skid-steer loaders, high lifts, trenchers, and backhoes to maintain campus grounds and complete landscaping projects.
• Mow, trim, and edge lawns and grass areas.
• Plants, water, weed, and prune trees, shrubs, flowers, and lawns.
• Apply fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals according to safety guidelines.
• Perform pre-operational checks and minor repairs to heavy-duty machinery.
• Assist with tree removal.
• Assist with snow removal for sidewalks, streets, and parking lots.
• Assist with irrigation installation and maintenance.
• Execute maintenance required to keep vehicles or equipment in working order.
• Manage the safety, quality, and cleanliness of work areas to maintain a suitable work environment.
• Take preventive measures to avoid injury to workers or other persons and damage to equipment and property.
• Ensure that all operations use proper equipment to maintain health and safety standards

Salary : $15.91 per hour

Benefits : To view FHSU's competitive benefits package visit FHSU Benefits .

Application Deadline: Review of applicants will begin November 19, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Appointment Date : Start date will be determined after acceptance of an offer and background check clearance.

Application Process: To apply for this position, please visit FHSU Careers .

Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.

Required Application Documents: Applicants should submit a resume.

If you have questions regarding this position, please contact:
Cody Norton
cjnorton@fhsu.edu
785-628-4038

Community of Hays
FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.

Notice of Non-discrimination: FHSU is committed to providing equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, employment, services, and activities in compliance with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. FHSU prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression), age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its programs, activities, admissions, or employment.

Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.

Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.