Equipment Operator I - Streets/Stormwater

City of Wilmington, NC

Wilmington (NC)

On-site

USD 36,000 - 54,000

Full time

7 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid leave

Tuition assistance

Flexible schedule

On-site gym access

Job summary

The City of Wilmington, NC is seeking an Equipment Operator I to join the Public Works team. You will maintain stormwater drainage systems and assist in street and sidewalk projects, operating a range of equipment under supervision.

This entry-level role offers hands-on training, CDL/certification opportunities, and a clear path to advanced operator roles. We value dependable, hardworking individuals who can perform manual tasks in all weather, communicate well with crews and the public, and

Qualifications

Minimum of one year of experience in construction, maintenance, grounds keeping or a related field.
Minimum of one year of experience operating the types of equipment operated by this classification.
Class C driver’s license.
Ability to obtain Flagger & WorkZone Safety certifications within 90 days of hire.
Knowledge of the basic operation and maintenance requirements of the equipment operated by this classification.
Ability to perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time and in all types of weather conditions.
Ability to communicate and work cooperatively with colleagues, City leadership, and the general public.

Responsibilities

Performs construction repairs and maintenance on drainage system including pipes, basins, manholes, and channels while operating equipment.
Operates and maintains equipment related to streets, roads, and sidewalks.
Inspects equipment prior to use and after use, and completes preventive maintenance as required.
Maintains records and logs of all work performed.
Assists crew members with manual labor and material handling as needed.
Follows safety procedures, monitors traffic around trucks, and directs traffic as required.

Skills

Manual labor

Teamwork

Safety procedures

Effective communication

Tools

Concrete saws

Push mowers

Chainsaws

Leaf vacuums

Job description

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Description

One City. One team. One mission

Work outdoors, learn valuable trade skills, and be part of a crew that looks out for each other. Equipment Operator I team members work in small crews operating tools and specialized equipment while maintaining streams and public spaces across the city. Employees gain hands‑on experience, opportunities to earn a CDL, CPR/First Aid certifications, heavy equipment training, and cross‑training across multiple operational teams. This is a strong fit for hardworking, dependable people who want to learn new skills, grow their career, and move up through experience and initiative.

The purpose of this position is to maintain and improve the City’s stormwater drainage system and/or assist in the maintenance of public roads to ensure safety and reliability. This is accomplished by operating moderately simple and routine equipment in the construction and maintenance of public roads and sidewalks and/or in the construction and maintenance of stormwater drainage systems.

This is the entry level class in the Equipment Operator series.

This class is distinguished from the Equipment Operator II, III, and IV classes in that the latter classes perform more complex and difficult equipment operation duties and utilize heavier equipment. This class involves the operation of moderately simple and routine equipment. Equipment primarily operated includes, but is not limited to, the following: concrete saws, push mowers, chainsaws, pole saws, blowers, pick‑up or flat‑bed trucks, creek boats, concrete milling, small pumps, leaf vacuums, arrow boards/VMS, air compressors, generators, weed eaters, RC mowers, jon boats, ventrac, infrared ovens, hot boxes, and mini slopes. Other duties include assisting crew members, maintaining equipment, and completing daily forms and logs. Work is performed under regular supervision.

Typical Tasks

Performs construction repairs and maintenance on drainage system which includes pipe, catch basins, manholes, open channels, creeks, ditches and ponds by operating equipment, installing or repairing pipes and drainage structures debris removal, vegetation management and ditch cleaning.
Operates and maintains various equipment related to the construction, maintenance and repair of streets, roads, and sidewalks.
Inspects equipment prior to use; inspects and secures equipment following use.
Maintains records and logs of all work performed and completes basic preventive maintenance on equipment as required.
When not operating equipment, assists crews by performing manual labor in support of construction, maintenance, and repair projects; digging ditches, trenches, and holes manually or utilizing power equipment; shoveling, raking, spreading, compacting, and levelling dirt, rock, asphalt, cement, and other materials; retrieving supplies, materials, tools, equipment and other items and running various errands as needed; collecting, transporting, and loading and unloading materials, supplies, tools, and equipment to and from the worksite.
Follows established safety procedures; utilizes safety equipment and wearing protective gear; monitors traffic conditions surrounding trucks and equipment to identify obstructions, pedestrians, or unsafe traffic conditions; flags and directs traffic and places markers, signs and cones around project and work site to ensure safety of crew and the traveling public; and reports incidents, accidents, problems, or unusual situations.
Provides operational support by assisting with storm preparation and clean up, building and setting up traffic barriers for special events, and performing other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience

Minimum of one year of experience in construction, maintenance, grounds keeping or a related field.
Minimum of one year of experience operating the types of equipment operated by this classification.

Other Requirements

Class C driver’s license
Ability to obtain Flagger & WorkZone Safety certifications within 90 days of hire.
Knowledge of the basic operation and maintenance requirements of the equipment operated by this classification.
Ability to perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time and in all types of weather conditions.
Ability to communicate and work cooperatively with colleagues, City leadership, and the general public.
Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to work tasks and handle practical situations and requests made by supervisor and/or lead workers; to comprehend and respond to a variety of situations in an efficient manner; to understand and follow simple oral and written directives and perform the relative tasks using sound judgment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Exerting 50-175 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10-20 lbs. constantly.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will require outdoor work in all types of weather conditions.
Emergency work in storm events is required.
All positions will be required to participate in On-Call program on a rotating basis with other employees/ operating sections.

Supplemental Information

Our Mission Statement

Though forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.

Our Core Values

Inclusion, Collaboration, Creativity, and Accountability

What We Offer

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
Excellent retirement benefits, including a city-provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
Paid sick and vacation leave + 12 paid holidays per year
6-weeks paid parental leave
Paid volunteer & blood donation leave
Flex schedule and telework availability (position dependent)
Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
Tuition assistance benefits

Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.

Our Core Values

INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Our Mission Statement

Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.

What We Offer

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
Free on-site city gym access
Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
6-weeks paid parental leave
Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
Tuition assistance benefits

Health Benefits are offered to employees working at least 30 hours per week.

Note: The City of Wilmington is on a bi-weekly pay cycle. New employees should expect to receive their first paycheck approximately 4 weeks after their start date. **This is intended to be a brief overview of the benefits offered. Please visit our website at https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Government/Departments-Divisions/Human-Resources/Benefits for more information.

Health Insurance

The City offers two options for health coverage: a standard PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire for employees and their eligible dependents. Both you and the City contribute to the overall cost of coverage.

Dental Insurance

Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire. Employees, their spouse and dependent children are eligible for coverage.

Life Insurance

The city pays to provide coverage valued at one times your annual salary. Supplemental insurance is available for employees to purchase. Optional coverage for dependents is also available for purchase.

Retirement

NC Local Government Retirement System - All benefits eligible employees make a mandatory 6% contribution every pay period.
Deferred Compensation – The city contributes an amount equal to 4.5% of the annual salary to a 401(k) plan regardless of employee contribution. Employees may choose to contribute additional money to the 401(k) or 457 deferred compensation plans, without a match from the City, within the IRS guidelines.

Paid Leave (offered to employees working at least 1,000 hours annually*)

Sick Leave - 12 days accrued each year
Annual Leave - Accrual based on years of service and classification. Employees can earn from 10 to 24 days each year.
Holidays - 13 paid holidays annually
Paid Parental Leave - Six weeks of paid leave for the birth, adoption or placement of a child (must run concurrently with FMLA).
Part‑Time Employees will earn paid leave benefits on a pro‑rated basis.

Miscellaneous