Equipment Operator
Department: Public Works, Transportation Division
Compensation: $60,405.29 to $72,127.07 annually
Status: Full‑time, FLSA Non‑Exempt, SEIU Represented
Closing Date: Open until filled.
Responsibilities
Equipment Operator daily assignments will vary, but duties include:
- Asphalt paving operations, slurry seals, and chip‑seal projects
- Operates a variety of equipment, including dump trucks, loader/backhoe, front end loaders, excavators, service pickups, paint striping equipment, snow plows and sanders, street sweepers, graders, paving equipment, tractors
- Performs designated service and preventive maintenance to street systems, storm water collection infrastructure, and parking areas
- Performs street crack sealing duties, street cuts and repairs, street patching
Our ideal candidate will be a team player who displays high attention to detail, can adapt to feedback and varying situations, prioritizes safety, and has excellent initiative and follow through.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and seasons
- May be required to work 8, 10, or 12‑hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, particularly during winter storm response or emergencies
- Duties may involve working in confined spaces, trenches, or at heights, and around heavy equipment and traffic
- Must be able to lift at least 90 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods
Minimum Qualifications
- At least six (6) months of cumulative experience in any combination of asphalt paving operations, road and highway maintenance work, or heavy civil construction work
- Ability to operate all equipment necessary to perform functions of the job, including dump trucks, loaders, backhoes, graders, paving machines, street sweepers, excavators, snow plows, sanders, paint striping equipment, tractors, air compressors, compactors, jackhammers, and various power tools
- Ability to provide winter road maintenance including snow plowing, sanding, and de‑icing on arterial, collector, and priority routes
- Ability to assist in emergency response activities such as flooding, severe weather, or natural disasters to maintain public safety
- Knowledge of basic computer skills for work order tracking and documentation
- Experience interpreting and following written and verbal instructions, policies, procedures, and regulations
- Experience communicating effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and the public, including the ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships
Preferred Qualifications
- Two (2) years of experience operating heavy equipment and performing related construction and maintenance duties
- Training in construction safety standards and public works operations
- Perform street surface repairs including crack sealing, pothole patching, overlays, chip sealing, and slurry sealing
- Experience with construction of sidewalks and ADA ramps
- Spanish language proficiency
Additional Required Certifications and Requirements
- Valid Driver's License
- Criminal Background Check
- Drug Screening
- High School Graduate or Equivalent
- Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with "Tanker" endorsement required within twelve (12) months of hire
What We Offer
- Competitive wages
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- FSA and HRA‑VEBA
- Long‑term disability, AD&D, and Employee Assistance Program
- City‑paid retirement contributions (13.5% after one year of service)
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of The Dalles is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans and Spanish‑speaking candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
EEO/AA