Equipment Operator

City of Fredericksburg; Fredericksburg (VA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Paid training

Public service career

Job summary

The City of Fredericksburg is hiring Equipment Operator I–III to support Public Works operations. Roles include operating light to heavy equipment, conducting inspections, fueling, and maintaining records. Fresh training and hands-on experience are provided, with emphasis on safety and dependable performance.

Opportunities for advancement along the Equipment Operator ladder, and a comprehensive benefits package accompany full-time employment in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in construction, maintenance, grounds, utilities, refuse, or equipment operation preferred.
• Must meet all minimum qualifications, licenses, certifications and training requirements for the position.

Responsibilities

• Operate light to medium machinery and conduct inspections, fueling, and cleaning.
• Assist with maintenance operations and emergency responses as needed.
• Provide professional interaction with the public and learn safety practices.

Skills

Equipment Operation

Safety Procedures

Public interaction

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Traffic Control Certification

Job description

Equipment Operator

CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA

Full-Time | Benefits | Paid Training

Build your skills. Serve your community!

Career Growth and Pay

• Equipment Operator I
  • $42,919 - $47,210 (hiring range)
  • Start your career hands‑on training and essential public works experience.
• Equipment Operator II
  • $45,064- $49,570 (hiring range)
  • Build technical skill, assume broader responsibilities, and strengthen your contribution to the team.
• Equipment Operator III
  • $47,319 - $52,050 (hiring range)
  • Take on advanced work, serve as a reliable resource for the crew, and support daily operations.

Progression through the career ladder is based on demonstrated skills, successful performance, required training and certifications, operational needs, and available funding.

What You’ll Do

Equipment Operator I

• Equipment Operation and Maintenance

  Operates light to medium machinery and conducts necessary inspections, fueling, and cleaning. Completes work records and follows safety procedures while setting up traffic control. Learns safe practices for handling materials.

• Maintenance and Support Activities

  Assists with various maintenance operations, including manual labor and emergency responses. Utilizes tools and small equipment safely.

• Professional Conduct and Development

  Engages with the public professionally and develops proficiency in equipment operation. As essential personnel, is available during emergencies and inclement weather. Performs additional related duties as needed.

Equipment Operator II

• Equipment Operation

  Operate various automotive and maintenance equipment for Public Works, including trucks, trailers, and mowers. Responsibilities include conducting pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections, fueling, cleaning, reporting maintenance issues, and ensuring safety practices during operation. The use of hand tools, power tools, and small equipment is also essential.

• Maintenance and Operations

  Work on streets, sidewalks, drainage systems, and grounds with limited supervision. Responsibilities involve completing routes and documentation, traffic control, manual labor tasks like setting up devices and loading materials, and participating in emergency responses, including snow and storm debris removal.

• Guidance and Public Interaction

  Provide guidance to Equipment Operator I employees and other team members on routine tasks and safety practices. The role demands courteous and professional interaction with the public. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Equipment Operator III

• Equipment Operation and Maintenance

  Operate medium to heavy automotive and maintenance equipment like dump trucks, loaders, backhoes, tractors, and snow removal machines used in Public Works. It requires conducting pre‑trip and post‑trip inspections, fueling, cleaning, and reporting any maintenance issues. Operators must identify operational, mechanical, or safety concerns and adhere to safe practices in activities like backing, loading, hauling, and unloading.

• Field Operations and Support

  Field operations include performing skilled tasks related to streets, sidewalks, right‑of‑ways, drainage, grounds, refuse, snow removal, and general maintenance with significant independence. Operators complete routes, work orders, and documentation accurately. They set up and maintain traffic control devices and perform complex maintenance tasks such as material hauling and snow plowing. Coordination with supervisors and crew leaders for equipment use and field issue resolution is also essential.

• Training and Public Interaction

  Provide training and guidance to Equipment Operator I and II employees and other staff on equipment operation and safety. Operators respond to emergencies like snow, storms, and flooding, using tools and equipment safely. Interaction with the public is done courteously, with complex concerns referred to supervisors.

Why Join the Fredericksburg Team?

• A Career with Purpose

  Join an experienced and supportive team that values public service, teamwork, safety, and the opportunity to develop new skills while contributing to the community every day.

• Comprehensive Benefits

  The City offers a competitive benefits package that offers: medical, vision, and dental coverage, paid leave, paid training, and participation in the Virginia Retirement System.

Minimum Qualifications & Special Requirements: Equipment Operator I

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Some experience in construction, maintenance, grounds, utilities, refuse, or equipment operation preferred.
• Or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Must meet and maintain all minimum qualifications, licenses, certifications, and training requirements established for the preceding position within the Crew Member career ladder.
• Must possess a VDOT-approved Basic Work Zone Traffic Control certification.
• Must complete and maintain OSHA-required training and certifications applicable to the position, including all assigned training within thirty (30) days in position.
• A valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B.

Minimum Qualifications & Special Requirements: Equipment Operator Il

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) to two (2) years of experience in construction, maintenance, grounds, utilities, refuse, public works operations, or equipment operation.
• Prior experience operating light to medium automotive or maintenance equipment is required
• Or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Must meet and maintain all minimum qualifications, licenses, certifications, and training requirements established for the preceding position within the Crew Member/Equipment Operator career ladder.
• Must possess a VDOT-approved Intermediate Work Zone Traffic Control certification.
• Must complete and maintain OSHA-required training and certifications applicable to the position, including all assigned training within thirty (30) days in position.
• A valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class B.
• Ability to safety operate jet truck and assist vactor truck operations.
• W/S Ability to safely operate Utilities truck, Skid Steer, and Backhoe to load trucks.
• Ability to assist in utility repairs.

Street Maintenance

• Must possess and maintain an Asphalt Field Level I certification.

Street Sanitation

• Must be able to obtain a Registered Technician certification for chemical spraying

Minimum Qualifications & Special Requirements: Equipment Operator IlI

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three (3) years of experience in construction, maintenance, grounds, utilities, refuse, public works operations, or equipment operation.
• Prior experience operating medium to heavy automotive or maintenance equipment is required
• Or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Must meet and maintain all minimum qualifications, licenses, certifications, and training requirements established for the preceding position within the Crew Member/Equipment Operator career ladder.
• Must possess a VDOT-approved Intermediate Work Zone Traffic Control certification.
• Must complete and maintain OSHA-required training and certifications applicable to the position, including all assigned training within thirty (30) days in position.
• A valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A.
• Successfully complete Vactor Safe Operation Training Course.
• Ability to safety operate Sanitation/Garbage trucks, Collection trucks, and related equipment.
• Must have a Registered Technician certification for chemical spraying.

Street Sanitation

• Ability to safety operate Sanitation/Garbage trucks, Collection trucks, and related equipment.
• Must have a Registered Technician certification for chemical spraying.

Street Maintenance

• Must possess and maintain an Asphalt II certification.

Water/Sewer:

• Training on Vactor Hydro excavator operation and proper maintenance and winterize procedures.
• Ability to operate Vactor Hydro Excavator and provide proper maintenance (including winterizing and de-winterizing, as needed.

Work Environment

This essential position involves working around heavy equipment and traffic in outdoor conditions that may include heat, cold, rain, and dirt. Employees are expected to follow established safety procedures and may assist with emergency response activities as needed.

BE PART OF SOMETHING ESSENTIAL

This is more than a job. It is an opportunity to build a stable, rewarding career while serving the residents and businesses of Fredericksburg. Join a knowledgeable, dedicated team that values accuracy, fairness, collaboration, public service, and committed to the City’s Core Values.

This position will remain open until filled.

Questions? [e-mail]

The City of Fredericksburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.