GROUNDS EQUIP OPERATOR, SR*

Work Arrangement: 
Requisition Number:  263355
Regular or Temporary:  Regular
Location: 

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area:  CENTRAL ADMIN MANAGEMENT CTR
Date:  Dec 16, 2025

 

Occupational Summary

 

Perform skilled duties in operating complex equipment in safely maintaining Duke University landscapes.

 

Work Performed

 

  • Duties include but are not limited to: mowing lawns, string trimming, edging plant beds and sidewalks, blowing all hardscapes including street curbs and parking lots, mulching, trimming shrubs, planting of trees and shrubs, sod installation, hand watering, aeration of lawns, operation of chain saws to cut downed limbs and debris, removal of leaves, weeds, litter and debris from all university landscapes.
  • Operation of front end and skid steer loaders, and other pieces of earth moving equipment for the purposes of loading, unloading and relocation of equipment and materials.
  • Ability to utilize and maneuver open and enclosed trailers.
  • Assist in cleanup and repair during inclement weather events which may require working extended hours during these events. 
  • Assist in snow and ice removal operations. Hand shoveling stairs and sidewalks, spreading ice melt, sand and salt. Operate snow removal equipment such as sidewalk brooms and blowers.
  • Operation of snow removal equipment including dump trucks, sand and salt spreaders, plows and brine trucks.
  • Perform routine maintenance on grounds equipment as required; determine when equipment needs repair and inform appropriate authorities. Duties include but are not limited to: Cleaning/pressure washing, checking for proper levels of; fuel, oil, grease, and tire pressure. Checking all safety devices to insure proper function and operation.

 

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

 

Skills

  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions is required. 
  • Ability to safely maneuver material and/or equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
  • Availability and ability to perform snow/ice removal.
  • Knowledge of the proper use of personal protection equipment, PPE, for various tasks and physical environments.
  • Ability to operate tools and equipment used to maintain landscapes in a campus setting.
  • Knowledge of landscape maintenance requirements based on type of landscape, weather conditions, and seasonal tasks.

 

 

Minimum Qualifications



Education

 

Work requires the ability to understand and follow instructions generally acquired through a partial high school education.

NC Drivers license is required

 

Experience

 

Work requires one year of professional experience in maintaining landscapes OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE



Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.



Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.



Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh