Lead Serv Crew Mechanic

Department

OPS Facilities Landscape Services Shop

About the Department

Facilities Services supports the mission of the University of Chicago through efforts to maintain and enhance the University campus and environment and provide superior client service to our community including faculty, students, staff, neighbors and visitors.

Job Information

Job Summary:

To transport materials and/or equipment according to the needs of the University and to maintain University property and grounds.
Assigns tasks to employees of the Operational Section when the supervisor is absent or unavailable because of other University business, and assists employees in seeing that tasks are completed, however, he shall not take or recommend corrective actions with bargaining unit employees.

Responsibilities:

• Uses motorized vehicles as well as power and hand tools to perform the duties of service crew mechanic.
• Cuts and edges grass.
• Sprays lawns, trees, and shrubs.
• Weeds ground cover and flower beds.
• Prunes trees and shrubs.
• Applies fertilizer, insecticide and fungicide to lawn as required.
• Rakes and removes leaves.
• Establishes lawn with seed or sod.
• Uses motorized snow plows and blowers to remove snow from walks, drives and parking lots.
• Drives any and all University supplied vehicles.
• Picks up such items as rubbish, furniture or other equipment and drives University vehicle to specified destination for delivery or disposal.
• Makes reports of incidents, accidents or damages to University property.
• Adds fuel to vehicle and checks oil, tires, and anti-freeze.
• Reports major malfunctions of equipment and/or vehicles to supervisor.
• Has regular personal contact with University personnel in various departments.
• May dismantle power equipment to lubricate, paint or replace defective parts.
• Maintains hand tools by cleaning and sharpening.
• Performs maintenance and repairs to underground sprinklers.
• May direct activities of Service Crew Laborer or Summer employees.
• Orients new employees.
• Will be required to wear appropriate safety apparel, i.e. respirator.
• Performs all duties of the classification and other related duties as assigned.
• Functions as the delegated "lead worker" in seeing that all assigned tasks are completed.  Establishes priorities in the completion of assigned tasks.  Monitors and records attendance for employees of the Operational Section.  However, he shall not take or recommend corrective actions with bargaining unit employees.
• Operates Computerized Management System, as required.
• Inspects equipment in Operational Section and assesses the need for maintenance.
• Performs related job duties as may be assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

Education, Experience, or Certifications

Education:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) from an accredited institution, required.
• College degree in Horticulture, Landscape Services or related degree, preferred.

Experience:

• Two years related experience, or an equivalent combination of position-related education and experience is required.

Certifications:

• Current valid driver's license and the ability to successfully complete the University’s Motor Vehicle Record Check process, and other licenses or certificates needed for this position as required by law required.
• Required to obtain an Illinois Pesticide Operator’s license within six months of employment.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Must demonstrate mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity and be physically capable of strenuous activity over extended periods of time. 
• Must be able to lift and move loads appropriate to job requirements and be able to bend and work in a kneeling position for periods of time.
• Must be able to climb stairs and ladders, be capable of working at heights as required, be able to enter and work within tight spaces, and be able to withstand hot and cold temperatures.

Pay Range

• $31.68

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• List of Reference

Yes

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Range

$26.93 - $31.68

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Union

042 - Local 73, S.E.I.U. Skilled Trades - Real Estate Operations

Job is Exempt

No

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Yes

Posting Date

2026-02-20

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.