Landscape Operator

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report.

The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

Posting Number: S14687P

Working Title:

Landscape Operator
Department: FMD-Grounds-Maintenance
Posting Date: 02/09/2026
Closing Date: 02/27/2026
Proposed Starting Date: 03/15/2026

Employment Type:

Employee
Full Time
Classification

Title:

Light Equipment Operator II
FLSA:
Non‑Exempt
FTE: 1.00
Benefits Eligibility:
Benefits Eligible
Salary: $38,000.00 or commensurate with experience
Additional Schedule Information: M‑F 6am‑2:30
Essential Worker
No on‑call rotation
Some days and/or weekend work may be required to meet the needs of the organization.

• High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience.
• Preferred:
  Landscape installation experience of 1+ years.

This is a manual labor position on a landscaping crew that will involve operation of equipment used in landscaping and horticulture to include but not limited to mini skid steer, skid steers, tractors, mowers, dump trucks, aerators, ride‑on fertilizer spreaders, and sod cutters. The operator will assist with the installation of landscapes, sod, trees, annual color beds and irrigation on campus.

Light grading may be required to prepare areas of campus for landscapes and sod. The position reports directly to the landscaping crew supervisor and assists with projects assigned to the crew. Tasks include fertilizer and pre‑emergent applications, aerification and top‑dressing of campus turf, and general maintenance support as needed.

• Experience operating equipment such as tractor, skid steer, mini skid steer, aerators and dump trucks.
• Experience with landscape installation to include plant installation, sod installation, tree planting, irrigation installation, annual flower installation and light grading.
• Plant and turf knowledge to include plant and turf identification, care and culture.
• Ability to operate all types of grounds maintenance equipment including mowers, tractors, trimmers, edgers and backpack blowers.
• Understand and follow specific oral and written instructions.

• Work manual labor job for an 8‑hour shift, 5 days a week.
• Lift 75 lbs frequently throughout the day.
• Stand, stoop, bend, lift, squat, work with hands above the head.
• Work from a standard and extended ladder.

• Driving is a responsibility of this position.
• Position of Trust:
  Yes.
• Control of financial resources:
  No.
• P‑Card requirement:
  No.
• Direct interaction or care of children under 18:
  No.
• Security access (e.g., chemicals, medications):
  Yes.

• Landscape Installation (40%)
  Landscape installation to include but not limited to plants, trees, flowerbeds and sod. Operation of equipment associated with all aspects of landscape installation.
• Landscape and Turf Maintenance (40%)
  Operation of mowers, edgers, trimmers and backpack blowers. Any other work associated with landscape and turf maintenance.
• Fertilizer/Pre‑Emergent Applications, Aerification, Top‑dressing (15%)
  Operation of ride‑on spreaders, aerators and top dressers.
• Respond to Grounds Emergencies (5%)
  Ensuring safety of the campus community during inclement weather or other emergencies.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb).

Recruitment Contact Name:
Dwayne Jones
Recruitment Contact Email: djjones