Autonomous Landscape Equipment Operator

Position Summary

The Autonomous Equipment Operations Specialist owns the field deployment, daily operation, maintenance, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement of autonomous mowing equipment used across the company's commercial landscape portfolio. This position combines practical landscape knowledge with technology, troubleshooting, and independent field work to ensure the equipment operates safely, reliably, and produces consistent turf quality.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Deployment and Site Configuration

· Deploy, retrieve, and reposition autonomous mowing equipment across assigned commercial properties.

· Evaluate property conditions, mowing requirements, terrain, access points, hazards, and equipment suitability before deployment.

· Map properties; establish digital boundaries, exclusion zones, routes, docking locations, and operating schedules.

· Configure equipment and software settings to support safe, efficient operation and the required service standards.

· Document site configurations and maintain accurate deployment records for each property.

Monitoring, Troubleshooting, and Maintenance

· Monitor equipment status, alerts, location, productivity, and performance through manufacturer software, mobile applications, and related platforms.

· Diagnose and resolve connectivity, cellular, GPS, navigation, charging, mechanical, and operational issues.

· Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, cleaning, blade replacement, adjustments, and minor repairs within training and authorization limits.

· Escalate complex repairs, recurring failures, warranty matters, and network or systems issues to Fleet, IT, vendors, or management as appropriate.

· Maintain equipment, tools, batteries, charging stations, spare parts, and service records in an organized and service-ready condition.

Quality, Safety, and Field Support

· Inspect completed mowing work for turf quality, coverage, consistency, missed areas, scalping, property damage, and overall presentation.

· Make operational or configuration adjustments when performance does not meet company or client expectations.

· Identify and respond to changing site conditions, including construction, irrigation activity, debris, pedestrians, vehicles, animals, weather, and seasonal turf conditions.

· Follow company safety procedures, manufacturer requirements, and site-specific rules; remove equipment from service when an unsafe condition exists.

· Train field employees and supervisors on safe interaction with autonomous equipment, including obstruction removal, emergency stops, basic resets, and issue reporting.

· Coordinate with crews so autonomous and conventional mowing activities are completed efficiently without disrupting other landscape services.

Performance Tracking and Continuous Improvement

· Track utilization, runtime, downtime, service interruptions, productivity, turf-quality results, and estimated labor savings.

· Analyze recurring issues and recommend changes to routes, schedules, site setup, preventive maintenance, training, or equipment selection.

· Identify additional properties and service areas where autonomous equipment may improve safety, quality, capacity, or cost efficiency.

· Partner with Operations, Fleet, IT, branch leadership, and equipment vendors on implementation, support, data access, and process improvement.

· Participate in pilots and field tests of new autonomous equipment, accessories, software, and operating methods; document results and provide practical recommendations.

· Prepare clear status updates and performance summaries for management.

Required Qualifications

· Prior experience in commercial landscaping, grounds maintenance, turf care, equipment operation, field service, or a closely related environment.

· Comfort using mobile applications, web-based platforms, GPS-enabled equipment, and basic digital reporting tools.

· Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot problems systematically.

· Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple properties, and respond promptly to equipment alerts or service interruptions.

· Ability to read and follow maps, operating instructions, safety procedures, and technical documentation.

· Clear communication skills and the ability to train employees with different levels of technical experience.

· Valid driver's license and driving record that meets company requirements.

· Ability to communicate in English sufficiently to understand safety instructions, equipment alerts, and work documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

· Two or more years of commercial landscape, turf, equipment, robotics, field-service, or related experience.

· Experience with autonomous mowers, robotic equipment, telematics, GPS mapping, fleet-management systems, or connected equipment.

· Experience performing preventive maintenance and minor repairs on commercial landscape equipment.

· Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Working knowledge of commercial mowing practices, turf-quality standards, and common property hazards.

· Strong observation, problem-solving, documentation, and follow-through skills.

· Ability to distinguish between software, connectivity, configuration, mechanical, and site-condition problems.

· Ability to learn unfamiliar equipment and software quickly and apply manufacturer training in the field.

· Sound judgment regarding safety, equipment shutdowns, repair escalation, and site suitability.

· Professional interaction with field teams, managers, vendors, and clients when required.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

· Regularly walk and work outdoors on uneven ground, slopes, wet turf, and active commercial properties.

· Frequently stand, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and use hands to inspect, clean, adjust, and service equipment.

· Lift, carry, push, or pull tools, parts, batteries, and equipment components weighing up to 50 pounds; obtain assistance or use mechanical aids for heavier items.

· Safely enter and exit company vehicles and transport equipment among properties.

· Use a smartphone, tablet, computer, hand tools, and diagnostic equipment for extended periods as needed.

Work Environment

· Work is performed primarily outdoors and may involve heat, cold, rain, humidity, dust, pollen, noise, vibration, insects, traffic, and exposure to landscape chemicals used by others.

· The role requires frequent local travel and may require early mornings, occasional evenings or weekends, and schedule changes during peak season, equipment rollouts, or urgent service needs.

· Required personal protective equipment must be used as directed.

Other Duties

This job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of all duties or responsibilities. Duties may change based on business needs, technology, equipment capabilities, client requirements, and seasonal operations.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodation

The Company is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without unlawful discrimination. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, unless doing so would create an undue hardship.