Landscape Equipment Operator I

Position Summary

Pay Rate: $23.40 - $26.00 upon meeting probationary period requirements.

MSU Benefits: Free comprehensive health care for you and your family as well as a 10% contribution toward your retirement; Generous sick, vacation, personal and holiday time; This position is not eligible for remote work. Regular, in-person attendance is required to meet business and customer needs.

MSU Landscape Services has been maintaining campus as a living, learning laboratory since 1905. We are responsible for all aspects of landscape construction and maintenance including snow removal, signage, hardscape maintenance, golf course maintenance, tree care, and general repair on the campus of Michigan State University.

This position will perform responsibilities to facilitate the delivering, unloading, moving, storing, ordering, and care of materials and inventory related to the daily landscape construction supply operations at the Beaumont Supply Yard. This position will operate complex heavy equipment such as dump trucks, loaders, dozers, excavators, backhoes, skid steers, truck & trailer combinations, and other landscaping tools and equipment as well as performing manual labor tasks. This position will require participation in MSU Football tailgate clean up and participation in the Campus Snow Removal Plan by shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles and equipment, applying ice-melt products, and other related responsibilities.

This position will engage in high performing, leading edge practices, valuing people, partners and stewardship. At IPF, we are committed to fostering an equitable, inclusive culture; engaging and hiring a diverse workforce.

Job responsibilities are as follows: 

35%: Operates, maintains, and inspects a range of tools, vehicles, machinery, and complex heavy equipment related to landscape supply yard operations. Facilitates the delivering, unloading, moving, storing, documentation, and care of materials and inventory. Trains, assigns, instructs, and reviews tasks distributed to support employees. Determines and recommends appropriate par stock levels for commonly used materials and items from the Supply Yard. Receives, checks, sorts, stocks, and delivers incoming and outgoing materials, tools, supplies and related inventory. Places, expedites, and picks up stock orders, open orders, open order contract orders, and special orders with vendors and MSU stores as needed. Inspects incoming shipments and supplies for appropriate items, quantities, and damage. Processes material returns. Cleans and maintains work areas, vehicles, power equipment, heavy equipment, and hand tools. Work with and assist other Landscape Services Department crews when necessary. 

20%: Performs maintenance work to maintain topsoil, concrete, recycled organic material, and other landscape supply stockpiles. Routinely inspects stockpiles for evidence of disease, insects, and other pests, taking appropriate corrective action within the principles of Integrated Pest Management. Performs manual landscape labor such as shoveling, raking, lifting, hauling, etc. and maintain facilities and property through mowing, weed whipping, spraying, and other landscape tasks to maintain Supply Yard property and facilities.

20%: Participates in snow plan by shoveling, operating snow removal vehicles and equipment and applying ice melt products. Participates in football tailgate clean up. 

15%: Maintains technical reference materials and research sources of new, out of date, and specialized materials, tools, and equipment. Maintains MSDS and related documentation files. Maintains paper and computer records of orders, back orders, delivered materials, and related information necessary in the operation of a materials and logistics supply area. Provides information and services to resolve material, tool, and equipment needs.

10%: Correspondence through email, training, meetings and professional development. Identifies and mitigates health hazards associated within the working environment. Provides customer service to MSU Community and the public. Responds or informs supervisory staff of complaints, comments and/or unmet service needs. 

This posting will fill up to 2 vacancies.

Minimum Requirements

• Working knowledge of tools, equipment, methods, and materials used in landscape supply operations.

• Three years of satisfactory experience performing job duties and operating equipment used in landscape supply operations, or an equivalent combination of technical training and experience.

• Three years of commercial snow removal experience operating a licensed plow vehicle.

• Possession of a valid Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification in categories Turf (3A), Ornamental (3B), and Right of Way (6).

• Possession of a valid Michigan Class A Commercial Driver's License with applicable endorsements (air brakes) with no restrictions in categories “L" and “O” and a medical certificate to comply with State of Michigan requirements.

• Possession or attainment of a MSU Forklift, Loader, Tractor, Toolcat, Dozer, Backhoe, and Skid Steer Operator Permits prior to completion of applicable probation or trial period.

Must drive a university vehicle to perform job duties of this classification;

Must be able to work in variable or severe weather conditions;

This position requires significant after-hours, weekend, and holiday work;

Frequent lifting of 26 to 75 pounds and occasional lifting of over 75 pounds. 

Desired Qualifications

Three to five years of experience in performing tasks associated with landscape supply operations.

A creative and innovative lifelong learner with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population; able to problem solve within a collaborative team environment; ability to understand different perspectives while utilizing expert knowledge of the technical operations of the job. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume

Special Instructions

Please list or provide copies of any required licensure/certifications you possess within your application as they pertain to this position. 

Work Hours

M-F from 6am-2:30pm with significant after-hours, weekend, & holiday work. Shifts may vary depending on seasonality of work requirements or emergency situations e.g. snow removal, parking ramp maintenance, football cleanup, or other events.

Building Location

LANDSCAPE SERVICES

Website

ipf.msu.edu

Summary of Physical Demands

Duties associated with this position involve frequent carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, and lifting of 26 to 75 pounds with occasional lifting over 75 pounds.

Summary of Health Risks

Duties associated with this position involve working in noisy (above 85 decibels) areas and working in variable or severe weather conditions.

Bidding Eligibility ends July 1, 2025 at 11:55 PM