Turf Equipment Operator - Grounds 2025-2026

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Job Summary:

The Turf Equipment Operator will play a key role in maintaining the district's outdoor spaces, including athletic fields, playgrounds, and other landscaped areas. This role involves operating and maintaining specialized equipment to ensure the aesthetic, health, and safety of the school district’s grounds.

Key Responsibilities:

This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role, detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Weed Control: Apply pre-emergence herbicides to prevent weeds
• Landscaping: Assist with landscaping projects and meet critical deadlines with an emphasis in supporting colleagues on various landscaping tasks
• Equipment Operation: Skillfully operate turf maintenance machinery to maintain the district’s grounds, including large mowers and specialized equipment
• Turf Care: Regular mowing, fertilization, overseeding, and other activities to maintain healthy and visually appealing athletic fields and green spaces
• Chemical Application: Safely apply herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers as needed.
• Irrigation Support: Assist with minor repairs to PVC irrigation systems to ensure proper watering
• Preventive Maintenance: Routine maintenance and minor repairs of equipment to ensure operational readiness
• Emergency Support: Respond to landscaping emergencies outside of regular hours as required
• Collaboration: Work alongside team members on various landscaping projects to achieve district-wide goals

 Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary. 

• Must have a valid Arizona driver’s license
• 3 years of experience in general landscaping preferred
• Knowledge of landscaping equipment such as pole saws, chainsaws, and trimmers etc preferred

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office, classroom, or other settings, and if there are physical activities like standing, walking, or lifting.

• Physical Ability: Must be able to perform heavy manual labor, lifting up to 90 pounds
• Equipment Operation: Experience with field mowers, landscaping machinery, and trucks with trailers
• Landscaping Knowledge: Familiarity with turf care and grounds maintenance practices
• Certification: Must obtain an Arizona Department of Agriculture pesticide application certification within three (3) months
• Safety: Strong safety awareness, especially regarding equipment and chemical handling
• Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively with others
• Dependability: Reliable in attendance and punctuality

PROBATIONARY PERIOD AND DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING:

Prior to employment or during the first three (3) months of new hire probationary period, drug and alcohol testing shall be required of all new contract employees who work in Transportation. Any applicants having a confirmed positive test shall not be eligible for employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:  

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.

Salary : $20