This position is responsible for performing preventative maintenance, servicing, maintaining and repairing landscape equipment and the department’s motor vehicles.

Major Responsibilities:

• Perform routine maintenance, inspections, and repairs on various vehicles and landscape equipment such as oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks
• Diagnose mechanical and electrical issues in equipment and vehicles such as repairs on engines, transmissions, brakes, steering systems and other components, providing effective solutions
• Maintain and repair company vehicles, ensuring they meet safety and performance standards
• Troubleshoot reported problems and resolve them in a timely manner
• Clean and apply lubricants to machinery components
• Replenish fluids and components of engines and machinery
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance and repair work performed on equipment and vehicles
• Manage inventory of spare parts and order necessary supplies to maintain a well-stocked and organized shop
• Assist with landscape services, moves and set-ups and winter snow removal services as needed and instructed by supervisor

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• High School Diploma
  
• Certification from a vocational school or completion of apprenticeship is a definite plus  
• Three to five years of experience and formal training vehicle and equipment maintenance
• Grounds management experience is a plus
• Valid Driver’s License; Pass all University driving requirements

Other Qualifications:

• Knowledge of machinery and hydraulic, electrical, diesel and other systems and their components
• Basic automotive repair experience
• Aptitude in using various hand tools and precision measurement tools
• Proficiency in using diagnostic tools and equipment
• Ability to follow established procedures and practices and read instruction, blueprints etc.
• Strong organization skills-strength in record keeping, shop cleanliness, inventory and parts ordering, desire to stay proactive and not reactive as it applies to preventative maintenance and repairs
• Strong commitment to all health and safety guidelines
• Problem-solving ability
• Skilled in working with a diverse academic community and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge and ability to operate various types of equipment including power mowers, saws, weed eaters, hedge trimmers, sprayers, zero-turn mowers; bobcat; backhoe, forklift, etc.
• Working knowledge of computers for tasks including reading email, logging hours and entering work order information. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office or Google products

Additional Information:

• Ability to perform work with prolonged standing, bending, lifting, pushing or pulling, and working in cramped areas
• Average physical strength for lifting and or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• Work from a ladder and work with arms and hands overhead
• Work while lying on the ground under vehicles and/or equipment
• Work in inclement weather conditions both indoors and outdoors
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders

Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To be considered for this position you must upload:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of 2 professional references
• Answer all application questions

Please address the cover letter to:

Michele Pickering, Director of Landscape and Grounds

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, Indiana