Jobs › University of Wisconsin-Madison

Facilities Technician III - Grounds

University of Wisconsin-Madison · Madison, WI · $26.50–$28.50 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at University of Wisconsin-Madison

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

How much experience do you have with natural grass versus synthetic sports fields?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how to care for both natural and synthetic fields, since the role maintains both and each needs different work.

How do you help direct the work of other team members as a senior technician?

What they are checking: Whether they can guide coworkers without being their boss, since senior technicians lead by example and clear direction, not authority.

Tell me about a time a supervisor's expectations were higher than what you were used to. How did you rise to it?

What they are checking: Whether they rise to higher expectations instead of resisting them, since the posting describes elevated standards for these fields.

What would you do

A key piece of equipment breaks the day before a big event. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can find a workable fix fast before an event, since a broken machine cannot be allowed to cancel a game.

About the work

Walk me through how you diagnose a mower that starts but loses power under load.

What they are checking: Hands-on small engine troubleshooting, which is central to the role.

What preventive maintenance would you set up for a fleet of mowers, UTVs and line painters?

What they are checking: Whether they plan maintenance ahead so equipment does not fail mid-season, since breakdowns can leave fields unready for games.

Have you worked with robotic line painters or robotic mowers? How would you learn to maintain them?

What they are checking: Whether they are ready to learn robotic equipment, since the posting names these tools and they need upkeep few technicians know.

How do you use work order systems to track your jobs?

What they are checking: Computer skills for closing work orders, which the posting stresses.

How do you decide when to repair equipment and when to recommend replacing it?

What they are checking: Whether they weigh repair and replacement costs sensibly, since public budgets depend on staff who spend carefully and explain their reasoning.

What safety practices do you follow when working on equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they follow lockout and protective gear rules every time, since equipment injuries are serious and often come from shortcuts.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at University of Wisconsin-Madison from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Facilities Technician III Job Summary: This senior-level technician position helps lead maintenance efforts at designated Recreation & Wellbeing facilities, working alongside the Building and Grounds Supervisor to ensure safe, high performing spaces. This role focuses on outdoor facility upkeep and is responsible for repairing and performing preventative maintenance on mowers, UTVs, line painters and other sports field related equipment. This position will have the unique ability to help direct day-to-day operations for the maintenance and upkeep of natural grass and synthetic sports fields, related equipment and facilities. This position will also help oversee the operations of the team to help meet elevated levels and expectations of repair and facility maintenance, Key responsibilities include diagnosing and repairing equipment problems, purchasing repair parts, and documenting work through internal systems. Strong computer skills are essential for managing service requests and closing work orders efficiently. This role will also utilize technology to operate and maintain robotic line painters and lawn mowers. Key Job Responsibilities: • Troubleshoots, escalates, and documents issues according to established policies and procedures • Performs routine and non-routine facility inspections and monitors cleanliness • Utilizes specialized equipment to repair and maintain complex machinery, equipment, and facility property to prevent further damage and ensure optimal operation • Assists trades, crafts, vendors, and technical staff with construction, design, and operational maintenance as needed • Receives, inspects, inventories, and distributes deliveries independently to appropriate entities Department: Grounds Services Compensation: Minimum $24.50 hourly The minimum wage for this position is $24.50 per hour. The expected wage for this position is $26.50 - $28.50. Actual pay is negotiable and will depend on experience and qualifications. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please see: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/univstaff.pdf Required Qualifications: • Minimum of 5 years of relative experience • Experience with grounds maintenance and related equipment repair • Experience with small engines and automotive repair, welding and fabrication • Experience with mechanical/electrical diagnostics and repair • Ability to perform skilled repair and maintenance on facilities and grounds • Experience with sports field and facility upkeep • Ability to lead full-time employees and student staff • Ability to work independently or with a team while providing some leadership Additional Details: • Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM (flexible based on operational needs). On an occasional basis, exercise flexibility to work evening or weekend hours. • Work Location: Nicholas Recreation Center, Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center, and Nielson Tennis Stadium • Physical Demands: Extended standing, work in inclement weather, lift up to 50 lbs. regularly and up to 100 lbs. occasionally Education: H.S. Diploma, Preferred Minimum How to Apply: As part of the application process, you will be required to upload a current resume. You will also be asked to provide contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted until candidate is a finalist and will not be contacted without notifying the applicant. Contact Information: Cameron Theisen, cameron.theisen@wisc.edu Institutional Statement on Diversity: Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website . To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you. Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department .

Apply at University of Wisconsin-Madison