Equipment Mechanic

Application Link: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/200210

Job Summary

Red Butte Garden & Arboretum (RBGA) is one of the largest botanical gardens in the Intermountain West and, together with the University of Utah, serves as the State Arboretum of Utah. Located on 100 acres in the foothills above the University of Utah campus, Red Butte Garden includes over 21 acres of developed gardens and five miles of natural area trails.

The Garden is nationally recognized for its diverse plant collections, seasonal floral displays, outdoor concert series, private event spaces, and award‑winning horticultural education programs.

Red Butte Garden is seeking an Equipment Mechanic for our Irrigation, Turf, Equipment team. The purpose of this position is to lead in implementing equipment maintenance and routine care for the Garden’s various vehicles and motorized equipment; Greenhouse vents, motors, and gears; promotes safety practices, and maintenance of the Garden’s lawns. Also assists with irrigation system maintenance, outdoor fountain maintenance and snow removal. Must work as a functional team with assigned supervisor in providing excellent care for the Garden and ensuring maintenance activities are performed effectively, safely, and without impact to Garden or private events by coordinating with appropriate personnel and departments as needed. Supports the supervisor in providing leadership and training to seasonal staff and volunteers as assigned. 

An excellent benefits package is included (seeherefor a full description of the benefits package):

14.2% employer retirement contribution in addition to employee contributions

Paid parental leave (in addition to FMLA)

11 paid holidays per year plusvacation accruals each month

Excellent health insurance options that are both affordable and allow access to care through the University of Utah health system

Tuition reduction for employees and family members

Options for short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and HSA/FSA savings plans are available

Free public transportation pass (seehere for more information)

Other perks of working at the Garden, a department of the University of Utah:

Discounts for campus events and the campus store, as well as campus library privileges.

Staff receive a half-price discount on Garden classes, an employee discount in our gift shop, advance registration opportunities for kids camps and concerts, and two free concert tickets for our Outdoor Concert series.

Staff are provided work shirts and gloves, and on-the-job training.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

As part of Red Butte Garden’s Irrigation, Turf & Equipment team, the incumbent in this position has a primary focus on equipment maintenance and repair, promotion of safety practices, and turf maintenance, including:

Performs and supports the supervisor to identify, prioritize, and implement all maintenance and repair objectives and ensure work efforts meet established expectations, best practices, timelines, and safety guidelines, while avoiding conflict with Garden and private events. Maintains an effective conduit of communication/collaboration with staff and co-workers.

Performs and supports the supervisor to maintain a well-functioning routine/ preventative maintenance program on the Garden’s equipment, including vehicles, tractors, utility carts (diesel & electric), passenger shuttles, zero turn mower, snow blowers, plows, ice melt spreaders and a variety of equipment utilized in the care of the Garden.

Supports supervisor in providing training for staff and volunteers on the safe operation of motorized equipment in accordance with UofU requirements. Stays up to date on department and UofU policies and guidelines applicable to position expectations/ requirements and assists enforcement of policies and guidelines including but not limited to Safety. 

Performs and supports the supervisor in maintaining a healthy, aesthetically pleasing, and water wise turf maintenance program. Duties include and are not limited to: mowing, trimming/edging, aeration, fertilization, weeding, watering, seeding, sodding, trash removal, sweeping sidewalks, and maintaining sharp mower blades to ensure a clean cut. Monitors turf for damage from a wide variety of weeds, insects and diseases. When needed, determines and implements control measures following industry best practices.

Assists and supports the supervisor to perform routine inspection and preventative maintenance on various other electric or motorized components, such as checking belts, vent and fan motors, pumps, cooling and heating mechanisms, and shutter alignment in the greenhouses; electronic gates, etc.

Assists and supports the supervisor to perform routine maintenance and repairs on the Garden’s irrigation systems and other water related systems such as outdoor drinking fountains, decorative fountains, pond diversion system, etc.

Assists and supports the supervisor in maintaining the interactive fountain (Children’s Garden) according to the Garden’s Interactive Fountain Management Plan and the SLC Dept. of Health, and maintains Certified Pool Operator (CPO) certification.

Performs snow and ice removal operations as necessary to ensure the safety of Garden staff and guests, and in a manner that preserves garden structures, hardscape and plant life. Collectively, snow removal duties must be performed before and during operating hours, seven days/week, including Holidays, after hours for scheduled private events, and when called to work during a University Closed Day, to clear snow before the Garden can be reopened.

Serves as a resource for professional knowledge in field of expertise for the public and peers, through interacting with Garden guests; responding to inquiries; providing content for Garden publications, website, interpretive elements; assisting Marketing and Communications department with TV or radio spots; and periodically teach programs in areas of expertise. Serves on the Horticulture department safety sub-committee.

Implements assigned section(s) of Fundraiser Plant Sales by providing assistance with organization and setup; ensuring excellent customer service; and takedown after the events, and all other duties required for a successful event.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Production Equipment Maintenance Technician, II: Requires at least 1 year of related experience.

Production Equipment Maintenance Technician, III: Requires 3+ years of related experience.

Department Qualifications:

Successful completion of an approved apprenticeship program as a Small Engine Mechanic, or equivalency is preferred but not required for this position that performs light maintenance on landscape maintenance equipment;

Well versed in all aspects of landscape maintenance equipment maintenance, such as tractors, mowers, electric utility carts, 2-cycle engines, electric blowers, etc;

Two years of progressively more responsible experience;

Demonstrated analytical, and trouble shooting skills;

Demonstrated human relations skills; including effective written and oral communication skills

Preferences

Related degree focused on equipment maintenance or turf maintenance;

Four years of relevant work experience, including performing routine and preventative maintenance on equipment common to the trade;

One-year related experience in turf care, including pest identification and treatment;

One-year related experience in irrigation system diagnosis, repair, and installation;

Must possess a valid Utah driver’s license and proof of insurability;

Must obtain a valid Utah State Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicators License within 6 months of hire;

Able to safely and proficiently operate all equipment common to the trade;

Able to safely and effectively perform all physical tasks essential to the position and work safely in inclement conditions, heat, cold, precipitation, etc.;

Commitment to provide excellent customer service and maintain a professional demeanor/presence while working near guests;

Moderate computer skills, including Microsoft suite, able to work from online maintenance manuals, inventory tracking, and irrigation software.

Special Instructions Summary

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Application Link: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/200210