Equipment Operator (Grounds)

Equipment Operator – Grounds Department

Lafayette School Corporation – Lafayette, Indiana
Classified Support Staff Position
Full-Time | 12-Month Position (7:00am-3:30 pm)

Starting Pay

$18.96 per hour

Enjoy working outdoors? Take pride in maintaining beautiful campuses?

Join the Lafayette School Corporation Grounds Team and help create safe, attractive, and welcoming learning environments for nearly 7,000 students. From maintaining athletic fields to operating commercial equipment and keeping campuses safe year-round, you'll play an important role in supporting student success every day.

Outstanding Benefits

LSC is proud to offer one of the strongest benefits packages in the region, including:

• Indiana PERF Retirement
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Comprehensive Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Employee-Sponsored Health & Wellness Clinic
• Life Insurance and Voluntary Benefits
• Stable Year-Round Employment
• Opportunities for Professional Growth and Advancement

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Facilities and the Grounds Supervisor, the Equipment Operator performs a variety of grounds maintenance duties to ensure Lafayette School Corporation properties remain safe, attractive, and well-maintained throughout the year. This position is responsible for operating commercial grounds equipment, maintaining district landscapes and athletic facilities, assisting with snow and ice removal, and supporting a variety of seasonal grounds maintenance projects.

The Equipment Operator is an essential member of the Facilities Department and contributes directly to creating exceptional learning environments for students, staff, and the community.

The primary responsibilities include grounds care, snow removal, athletic field preparation, equipment maintenance, and other assigned grounds maintenance duties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate commercial mowers, tractors, trucks, utility vehicles, skid steers, and other grounds maintenance equipment safely and efficiently.
• Mow, trim, edge, fertilize, and maintain lawns, landscaped areas, and school grounds.
• Prepare, line, and maintain athletic fields for practices and competitions.
• Perform snow and ice removal using plows, spreaders, snow blowers, tractors, and hand equipment.
• Apply herbicides and perform weed control in accordance with district procedures and applicable regulations.
• Maintain drainage systems by cleaning catch basins and storm drains.
• Remove brush, leaves, debris, and overgrown vegetation from district properties.
• Assist with setup and cleanup for athletic events and other district activities.
• Perform routine inspection, cleaning, fueling, and preventive maintenance on grounds equipment.
• Report equipment maintenance needs and safety concerns promptly.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Work safely around students, staff, visitors, and contractors.
• Assist with additional grounds and facilities projects as assigned.

These responsibilities are based upon the district's established Equipment Operator duties, including lawn care, snow removal, competition field preparation, equipment care, weed control, catch basin maintenance, brush removal, and operation of tractors, trucks, and commercial mowing equipment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience operating commercial grounds maintenance or construction equipment preferred.
• Experience in landscaping, lawn care, athletic field maintenance, or snow removal preferred.
• Valid Indiana driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to safely operate tractors, trucks, mowers, and other commercial equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to perform basic equipment maintenance.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull equipment and materials as required.
• Strong work ethic, dependability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Safe operation of commercial grounds equipment
• Knowledge of grounds maintenance and landscaping practices
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to prioritize seasonal work demands
• Positive communication and teamwork
• Commitment to providing outstanding service to schools and the community
• Flexibility and willingness to assist wherever needed

Working Conditions

This position requires year-round outdoor work and may include:

• Extended periods of standing, walking, bending, lifting, climbing, and operating equipment
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow
• Early morning, evening, or extended hours during snow removal or special events
• Moderate to heavy physical labor throughout the workday

Application Information

External Candidates

Interested candidates should complete an EXTERNAL application through the Employment page of the Lafayette School Corporation website. Candidates are employed in a position represented by the Local 2601 should apply and complete the attached BID form by Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

Internal Candidates

Current Lafayette School Corporation employees should complete the Equipment Operator Bid Form and submit it to Chuck Bear, Director of Facilities, no later than Friday August 28, 2026.

Questions

Questions regarding this position should be directed to:

Chuck Bear
Director of Facilities
cbear@lsc.k12.in.us

About Lafayette School Corporation

The Lafayette School Corporation serves nearly 7,000 students across thirteen schools and is committed to providing exceptional educational experiences supported by safe, welcoming, and well-maintained facilities. The Facilities Department plays a vital role in ensuring every student and staff member has an outstanding environment in which to learn, work, and grow.

Come Grow With Us

If you enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and taking pride in a job well done, we encourage you to apply. Join the Lafayette School Corporation Grounds Team and help maintain the campuses where students learn, compete, and succeed every day.