Light Equipment Operator
(Light Automotive Equipment Operator)

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Salary: $3,596 per month (Internal employees may be placed at a salary higher than the anticipated range as required by the collective bargaining agreement.)

Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $3,596 - $5,035 per month

• This is a full-time (equivalent to 40 hours per week), probationary, non-exempt position.
• Area of consideration is limited to on-campus, state funded employees only.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

Under general supervision and in accordance with schedules or assignment, the Light Equipment Operator skillfully operates light various equipment including those with special purpose attachments (mowers, tractors, skip loaders, backhoes, forklifts, leaf sweepers, street sweepers, dump trucks, dump carts; cultivators, seeders, spreaders, aerators, trenchers, field line painters, chippers, scrapers, flail mower). Performs manual labor (moving heavy objects, raking/removing debris, pick and shovel work, etc.) in connection with the assigned work. Performs operator daily cleaning and maintenance of the equipment being operated. This position may require after-hours and weekend work.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of related methods, tools, materials, and equipment used.
• Knowledge of the rules of safe driving and operation of light equipment and related power equipment.
• Basic understanding of mechanical concepts in hydraulics, electrical belts and pulleys, P.T.O.’s, gasoline and diesel engines, and air-cooled and water-cooled engines.
• Must have knowledge of safe working techniques and safety equipment and must be aware of the typical surface hazards in the workplace as well as underground hazards that maybe encountered such as utilities and infrastructure.
• Skill/Ability to:
  • Ability to work unsupervised on a variety of job tasks from simple to complex.
  • Demonstrated ability to safely operate “ride on” mowers, tractors, turf sweepers, dump trucks and associated attachments and equipment for turf mowing, aerating and de-thatching.
  • Demonstrated ability to safely operate trenchers, aerators, rototillers and other commonly used power-driven landscape maintenance equipment.
  • Respond appropriately to emergency situations and to recognize, secure and report unsafe conditions immediately.
  • Follow manuals and guidelines pertaining to operation of State vehicles and equipment.
  • Perform strenuous physical work; utilize mechanical aptitude and motor coordination.
  • Follow oral and written instruction; read and write at a level appropriate to the duties of the position.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with staff, coworkers, and other campus personnel.
  • Skills necessary to perform operator service and routine repairs of equipment operated.
  • Perform manual labor as required by the duties of the position.
  • Understand and apply university and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Always maintain a professional-like attitude while on duty.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Must have one year of experience operating grounds maintenance light equipment in an educational, institutional, commercial, or equivalent setting.
  • Preferred Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:
    • At least three years of recent relevant work experience, or a combination of education and experience, performing routine turf maintenance and grounds or garden maintenance work.
    • Ability to understand and adhere to accepted industry turf maintenance standards.

Department Summary

Fresno State Facilities Management is committed to providing a safe, efficient, and sustainable environment that supports the operational needs of our campus community.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by June 22, 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 22 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.  Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)