Equipment Operator - Public Works

Open Until Filled

First review of Applications February 27, 2026

Job Title: Equipment Operator

Civil Service: No

Department: Solid Waste Division within Public Works

Bargaining Unit:  AFSCME

Reports to Position: Public Works Manager

Location: Public Works Building

Overtime Status: Hourly

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

This is a skilled position within the Public Works Department.  Duties include the safe and efficient operation of assigned equipment.  Direction and review are received from supervisory personnel in the divisions. 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES/WORK PERFORMED

Performs snow removal activities including plowing, blowing, and hauling of snow; hand shoveling; applying chemicals and abrasives to streets, sidewalks, and steps.

Responsible for the repair and maintenance of streets, including removing and replacing concrete and asphalt patches; filling potholes; sealing cracks; street painting, sweeping, and flushing, and related activities.

Cleans and flushes sewer lines, repairs pipes, manholes, inlets, and related structures.

May act in the capacity of a lead person of a work crew.

Performs routine equipment maintenance including lubrication, cleaning of filters, minor mechanical adjustments, and washing.

Clears brush, foliage, and other obstructions; mows grass and trims trees; performs related tasks as required.

Assists in the propagation, planting and transplanting of trees, shrubs, and flowers in the City, also the mowing and fertilizing of public lawns.

Assists in the installation, repair, and maintenance of traffic signals, signs, and barricades.

Performs refuse collection functions including operation of large refuse trucks, manual collection and disposal of all types of materials into refuse trucks, return of containers to their proper place, related public relations and filing of reports as required.

Performs work of Utility I as necessary.

Performs related work as required.

Performs work related to the recycling center consisting of sorting, hauling, maintaining and cleaning the building.

Performs cemetery maintenance and repair including grave openings and grounds maintenance.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Knowledge of traffic laws and regulations governing automotive equipment operation.

Ability to operate and perform routine maintenance of trucks up to a 50,000-pound G.V.W., rubber tire back hoes, rubber tire end loaders, motor patrol graders, tractor mowers, street sweeper, and related equipment.

Physical ability to work at heights up to 40 feet desirable.

Knowledge of the component parts, operating principles, and maintenance needs of construction and maintenance equipment.

Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions.

Knowledge of forestry, landscaping and horticulture.

Knowledge of the city's geography.

Knowledge of current refuse regulations.

Ability to understand and implement oral and written instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.

Ability to prepare required records and reports.

Physical strengths and agility to operate heavy equipment under adverse weather conditions.

Ability to perform strenuous work outdoor for an extended period of time, under all weather conditions. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Ability to work long hours outdoors. Ability to work evenings and weekends, occasion-ally, under adverse weather conditions. Ability to sort steel, aluminum, glass, plastic, paper and other recyclables as needed.

Ability to read, speak, write and understand English to communicate effectively with fellow employees, contractors and the general public by telephone, two-way radio, written format and in person.

Ability to operate a variety of department's motor and power equipment including trucks, backhoes, end loaders, motor graders and refuse packers or other equipment.

Ability to perform a variety of physical labor activities as needed including using a variety of hand and power tools, stooping, bending and climbing.

Ability to lift up to 75 pounds at one time and ability for repetitive lifting of up to 50 pounds.

Ability to shovel snow and occasionally shovel dirt in assisting in digging trenches, excavation or graves.

Ability to climb using ladders to perform various duties, including but not limited to, trimming trees, checking ceilings, roofs, etc.

Ability to traverse variable terrain conditions not accessible by vehicle including but not limited to steep slopes, unlevel grades and heavily vegetated areas.

Ability to work long hours outdoors, occasionally under adverse weather conditions.

Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace or residents encountered during work.

QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma. 

Experience in the operation and routine maintenance of trucks and related equipment.

Must possess a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License within 6 months of hire

Must possess a Class A Commercial Driver's License with Endorsement N for bulk tank vehicles, and Restriction L for vehicles with air brakes, within 6 months of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Often works outdoors, may require work in extreme weather conditions.

Works a standard work week.

May be required to work some overtime upon demand of workload.

REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECKS

Sex Offender Registry

Drug Screening

Driving Record

Pre-Employment Physical