Red Butte Garden is seeking an Equipment Mechanic for our Horticulture Department

Job Summary

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.

Work Schedule

This position requires attendance in order to perform job duties. The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday; with additional shifts periodically necessary to provide coverage for Garden programs/events or snow removal for the same, occasional weekend or evening shifts, and as ‘essential personnel’ this position is expected to provide coverage during Holidays and University Closed Days, to provide minimum garden coverage, clear the Garden for reopening, and/or respond to other emergencies as required.

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:

1) 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. 

2) Performs and supports the supervisor to maintain a well-functioning routine/ preventative maintenance program on the Garden’s equipment, including vehicles, tractors, utility carts, passenger shuttles, and a variety of equipment utilized in the care of the Garden.

3) 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. 

4) 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.

5) 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.

6) 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.

7) 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.

8) 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.

9) 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.

10) 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.

This position requires the performance of chemical applications as required/assigned and requires a non-commercial pesticide applicators license within 6 months of hire.

Selected applicant will be expected to obtain and maintain a ‘Registered Pool Operator’s License’ and ensure daily maintenance requirements are met/maintained regarding the Interactive Fountain, which is considered a ‘pool’ by the Salt Lake Valley Health Department.

Requirements

Successful completion of an approved apprenticeship program as a Small Engine Mechanic, or equivalency is preferred, (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); two years of progressively more responsible experience; and be well versed in all phases of equipment and vehicle repair required. Demonstrated oral and written communications skills; analytical, and trouble shooting skills; and demonstrated customer services skills to deal effectively with others are also required.

Preferences include

• Well versed in all aspects of landscape maintenance such as tractors, mowers, electric utility cards, 2-cycle engines, electrical blowers, etc.
• 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, and irrigation software.

For more information, and to apply online see https://employment.utah.edu/jobs/

And reference Job# PRN39665B