Equipment Operator I - Streets/Stormwater

City of Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flex schedule

Telework availability

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Wellness clinic

Job summary

The City of Wilmington seeks an Equipment Operator I to join a hands-on outdoor crew dedicated to maintaining streams, drainage systems, and public spaces. You will operate a range of routine equipment, assist with street and drainage projects, and learn through on-the-job experience.

This entry-level role emphasizes reliability, safety, and teamwork while offering opportunities to earn a CDL, CPR/First Aid, and heavy equipment training as you grow your career with the city.

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 basic operation and maintenance requirements of the equipment operated by this classification.
• Ability to perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods and in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains equipment for streets, drainage, and sidewalks.
• Inspects equipment prior to use and maintains records/logs of work performed.
• Assists crews with manual labor and material handling.
• Follows safety procedures and directs traffic as needed.
• Provides storm prep support and sets up traffic barriers for events.

Skills

Manual labor

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Equipment operation

Traffic control

Job 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.

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.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• 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.

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.

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.