Light Equipment Operator

Job no: 559005
Work type: Staff
Location: Fresno
Categories: Unit 5 - CSUEU - Operations and Support Services, Custodial/Facilities, Probationary, Full Time

Under general supervision, the Light Equipment Operator skillfully operates light equipment including those with special purpose attachments (mowers, tractors, skip loaders, backhoes, forklifts, leaf sweepers, street sweepers, dump trucks, dump carts; cultivators, seeders, spreaders, aerators, trenchers, field line painters, chippers, scrapers, flail mower). The role involves manual labor (moving heavy objects, raking/removing debris, pick and shovel work, etc.) in connection with assigned tasks and requires the operator to perform daily cleaning and maintenance of equipment.

This position may require after‑hours and weekend work.

• Knowledge of related methods, tools, materials, and equipment.
• Knowledge of safe driving rules and operation of light equipment and related power equipment.
• Basic understanding of mechanical concepts in hydraulics, electrical belts and pulleys, PTOs, gasoline and diesel engines, and air‑cooled and water‑cooled engines.
• Knowledge of safe working techniques and safety equipment; awareness of typical surface hazards and underground hazards such as utilities and infrastructure.
• Skill/Ability to:
  • Work unsupervised on a variety of job tasks from simple to complex.
  • Safely operate “ride‑on” mowers, tractors, turf sweepers, dump trucks and associated attachments for turf mowing, aerating and dethatching.
  • Safely operate trenchers, aerators, rototillers and other commonly used power‑driven landscape maintenance equipment.
  • Respond appropriately to emergency situations and secure and report unsafe conditions immediately.
  • Follow manuals and guidelines for operation of State vehicles and equipment.
  • Perform strenuous physical work; utilize mechanical aptitude and motor coordination.
  • Follow oral and written instruction; read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with staff, coworkers, and campus personnel.
  • Perform operator service and routine repairs of equipment operated.
  • Perform manual labor as required by the duties of the position.
  • Understand and apply university and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Maintain a professional—like attitude while on duty.

• Must have one year of experience operating grounds maintenance light equipment in an educational, institutional, commercial, or equivalent setting.
  • Preferred Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:
    • At least three years of recent relevant work experience, or a combination of education and experience performing routine turf maintenance and grounds or garden maintenance work.
    • Ability to understand and adhere to accepted industry turf maintenance standards.

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status.

Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in withdrawal of the offer. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University Conflict of Interest Code and will require filing a Statement of Economic Interest annually and completing required training within six months of assuming office and every two years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco‑free, smoke‑free and vapor‑free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H1‑B Visas).

Applications received by June 22, 2026 will be given full consideration.

Advertised:
Jun 05 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
Jun 22 2026 Pacific Daylight Time