2026-A Engineering Heavy Equipment Operator (10/2026)

City-of-Prattville; Alabama; On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Prattville is seeking a capable equipment operator to maintain and repair streets and infrastructure. The role focuses on operating a range of heavy machinery, performing pre-use inspections, and transporting equipment to work sites.

Applicants should meet the listed physical requirements, possess a valid driver's license, and be prepared for overtime and after-hours calls. The position emphasizes safety and adherence to city policies.

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge of safety practices and ability to operate various heavy equipment.
• Ability to follow department policies, rules, and procedures.
• Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds and work overtime as needed.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment and trucks including motor-grader, excavator, loader, backhoe, and other gear.
• Perform maintenance tasks, inspect equipment, and ensure readiness for use.
• Support street maintenance, drainage, and sidewalk repair projects.

Skills

Problem-solving

Oral & written communication

Independent judgment

Working under pressure

Interpersonal relations

Prioritizing & organizing

Attention to safety

Education

High School Diploma / GED (preferred)

Tools

Hand and power tools

Job description

The purpose of this position is to operate heavy equipment in the maintenance and repair of streets and infrastructure. Job duties consist of related equipment operation duties. Successful performance contributes to the provision of safe and well-maintained city streets and related infrastructure. FLSA status is Non-Exempt.The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or logical assignments for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions in this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for this particular position.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION DUTIES (30%)

• Inspects equipment prior to use and ensures necessary repairs are made; performs minor maintenance tasks as required; greases equipment; maintains fluid levels; changes tires.
• Operates heavy equipment and trucks, including motor-grader, excavator, rubber tire loader, backhoe, sidearm, bush hog, sand spreader, etc.
• Transports heavy equipment to work sites.
• Loads, unloads and hauls equipment, concrete blocks, rocks, cement, and related heavy materials.
• Inspects job sites for possible hazards before operating equipment.

STREET MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR DUTIES (30%)

• Cleans catch basins, streets, and rights-of-way; repairs drain pipes; installs chain-link fences; lays pipe.
• Installs, repairs, and replaces water lines, sewer lines, valves, and drainage boxes; digs trenches; cuts pipe and performs pipe fitting.
• Cuts and grades ditches and roads; patches streets; pulls stumps and trees.
• Sets concrete forms, pours concrete and lays brick.
• Demolishes buildings and related structures and removes debris.
• Cleans up hazardous materials spills.
• Patches and repairs sidewalks.
• Constructs ADA compliant curbs.
• Participates in the repair and maintenance of storm drains; cleans inlets during and following heavy rains; constructs new drainage systems.
• Removes trees, limbs, and other material from streets.
• Responds to after-hours call.

MANUAL LABOR DUTIES (30%)

• Performs manual work functions associated with construction, maintenance, and repair of city streets, water systems, sewer systems, building structures, or grounds.

OTHER RELATED DUTIES (10%)

• Maintains any required records.
• Provides leadership to an assigned crew.
• Performs other duties as needed or assigned.
• Two (2) years' of experience in the operation of a variety of heavy construction equipment and vehicles required (i.e. backhoe, bulldozer, and excavator).
• Two (2) years' of experience in municipal street systems with an emphasis on construction, maintenance, and drainage systems is preferred
• Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
• Must have a Class "A" Drivers' License with no restrictions. (If current CDL has restrictions, must obtain an unrestricted license within nine (9) months of employment.)

The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position. The following list was developed through job analysis; however, it is not exhaustive and other duties may be required and assigned.

JOB DUTIES

Job duties are typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. Employees frequently lift light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.

Job duties are typically performed outdoors, occasionally in extreme or inclement weather. Employees are exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts.

Job duties require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.

Job duties require the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions.

Job duties require the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive the nature of sounds by ear.

Job candidates must be able to adapt to and perform under moderate stress.

Job duties require regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

City of Prattville employees are required to obtain knowledge of the City of Prattville Policies and Procedures, and knowledge of their specific department rules, policies, and procedures. This job description does not necessarily include all the duties which may be required of individual employees in the classification. Job descriptions may be revised as needed.

• Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures, and relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of the techniques, equipment, and supplies used in street and right-of-way maintenance.
• Knowledge of the geography of the city, including street names and locations.
• Knowledge of road and right-of-way maintenance principles.
• Knowledge of work safety principles and practices.
• Knowledge of sewer construction and maintenance.
• Knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance principles.
• Knowledge of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Knowledge of Hazardous Materials and clean up protocol.
• Skill in the use of job-related equipment.
• Skill in the maintenance and operation of job-related vehicles, tools, and heavy equipment.
• Skill in problem-solving.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using independent judgment and discretion.
• Skill in working under pressure and meeting deadlines.
• Skill in the use of hand and power tools.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

• Must provide proof of your legal right to work in the United States.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds repeatedly.
• High School Diploma/GED is preferred.
• Willing to work overtime.
• Willing to cooperate with the workload of the department.
• Willing to attend continuing education courses.
• Willing to comply with City of Prattville rules and regulations.
• Must submit to drug screenings for this safety sensitive position.
• Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

EEOC COMMITMENT:

The City of Prattville is committed to maintaining equal employment opportunity by considering job applicants and employees for hiring and advancement on the basis of job-pertinent individual differences and not on the basis of extraneous factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, status as current or former uniformed service member, or any other classifications protected by law.