Grounds Utility Mechanic

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Buildings & Grounds, the Grounds Utility Mechanic plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, functional, and welcoming campus environment. This hands-on position encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including grounds maintenance and landscaping support, campus moving services and logistical coordination, event setup and breakdown, furniture and equipment assembly/ disassembly, general maintenance and operational support.

The Grounds Utility Mechanic also leads and coordinates the groundskeeper utility team during campus moves and event operations. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, a commitment to safety, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

As essential personnel, the Grounds Utility Mechanic must be available during emergencies and severe weather events, as well as for weekend and off-hours work to support special campus activities. Flexibility, reliability, and a proactive approach are key to thriving in this role.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):

Essential Duties:

Trash & Recycling Management

• Patrol regularly assigned areas to remove trash and debris.
• Ensure prompt and efficient removal of trash and recycling materials.

Utility Support

• Provide support with furniture moving, setup, and breakdown for events and office relocations, ensuring efficient execution and minimal disruption.
• Clean and organize storage rooms, basements, hallways, and mechanical rooms.

Team Leadership

• Provide direction and guidance to grounds utility technicians during moves and event setups.
• Assemble and disassemble furniture and equipment using hand and power tools, following best practices to ensure efficiency and prevent damage or injury.

Maintenance & Trade Assistance

• Contribute to building maintenance and trades operations by applying technical skills to support a wide range of tasks.
• Collaborate with trade technicians and Assistant Director to determine task scope.

Inventory Management

• Ensure accurate tracking and management of stored furniture and classroom seating inventory.

Documentation & Professionalism

• Complete work order documentation as required.
• Maintain a professional appearance and a positive, customer-focused attitude.

Secondary Responsibilities:

Grounds Maintenance

• Perform seasonal tasks including mowing, pruning, mulching, weeding, leaf and snow removal.
• Operate various grounds maintenance equipment (e.g., lawn mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, snow throwers, snow plows, dump trucks, pick-up trucks, utility vehicles, salt spreaders, etc.).

Collaboration

• Work cooperatively with University staff and contractors to ensure high-quality outcomes.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license with proof of insurability.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Ability to execute plans for moves and event setups based on instructions from the Assistant Director or event sponsor.
• Directing and guiding utility teams during setup and takedown operations.
• Hands-on experience with hand and power tools, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and drill-drivers, for assembling and disassembling furniture and equipment.
• Team-oriented mindset, with a demonstrated ability to work cooperatively to accomplish tasks.

Preferred:

• Experience in grounds maintenance.
• Prior involvement in event setups and relocation tasks.
• Background in building and construction trades.

Physical Requirements And/Or Unusual Hours:

• Ability to stand, sit, bend, kneel, climb stairs, reach overhead, and ascend ladders.
• Must be able to work in confined or at elevated heights (e.g., scaffolding, bucket-truck platforms, ladders, and high-reach lifts).
• Must be able to lift 60 pounds at waist level and carry it for a distance of 20 feet.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds from ground level to overhead.
• Ability to manually shovel snow.
• Required to report to campus during emergencies and severe weather events, even when normal operations are cancelled or suspended.
• May be scheduled to work weekends and holidays to support special events and operations.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.

Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.

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