Equipment Operator II - Solid Waste

Gfoat; La Porte (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job summary

City of La Porte seeks an Equipment Operator II for Solid Waste to operate heavy construction and transportation equipment on sanitation routes and perform related tasks. You will act as a lead for a team of Solid Waste Workers and ensure safety and efficiency on daily pickups.

Qualifications include two years of heavy equipment experience, a high school diploma or GED, and a valid Texas driver’s license with Class B CDL. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience operating heavy trucks or construction equipment.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License and a Texas Class B CDL.

Responsibilities

• Operate a residential refuse collection vehicle and lead assigned collectors.
• Collect and transport refuse on designated routes.
• Perform basic maintenance and safety inspections on the vehicle; report issues.

Skills

Operate heavy equipment

Lead supervision

Safety inspections

Independent work

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR II - SOLID WASTE
Category: Full-Time
Status: Open
Hourly: Min. $21.799 - Mid. $27.249
Published: August 18, 2026
Closing: Until Filled

DEFINITION

To operate heavy construction, maintenance and transportation equipment in performing sanitation collection, loading and related operations according to required standards; and to perform semi-skilled and skilled maintenance tasks.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level class in the equipment operator class series. All positions assigned to this class require the ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative. This class can be distinguished from lower level classes by assignment of duties involving the operation of moderately complex mechanical equipment related to specific area of assignment. This class can be distinguished from the senior level by assignments that routinely involve operating a smaller range of heavy equipment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from Solid Waste Supervisor.
Exercises lead supervision over Solid Waste Workers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Drive a residential refuse collection vehicle; assume lead responsibility for the work of assigned collectors.
• Collect and transport refuse on an assigned collection route.
• Perform minor maintenance, daily cleaning and washing, and safety inspections on assigned vehicle; report mechanical problems as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• For indefinite periods of time - mobility within a field environment; exposure to mechanical, dust/mites, fume, and odor hazards; exposure to extreme cold, heat, and constant noise; walking; twisting body; stooping; standing; squatting; sitting; seeing; pushing, dragging and pulling up to 40 pounds; lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds; kneeling; climbing; reading; decision making; reaching above shoulder level; using both hands for simple and firm grasping; clarity of hearing; communicating clearly and effectively, in person and by two-way radio; fine finger manipulation; operating all type of solid waste vehicles through city traffic.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Operation and maintenance requirements of trucks and heavy power-driven equipment.
• Practices, methods, and materials used in construction, maintenance, and sanitation work.
• Traffic laws, ordinances, and rules involved in truck and heavy equipment operations.
• Safe work practices and procedures.

ABILITY TO

• Operate a variety of heavy and light power-driven equipment.
• Attach auxiliary pieces of equipment to power-driven equipment.
• Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled construction and maintenance tasks and duties as required.
• Learn the geography and street system of the City.
• Perform maintenance on assigned equipment in an efficient, safe manner.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Work independently or in a crew situation, as assigned.
• Assist in the training of others in the safe operation of equipment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Two years of experience in the operation of heavy trucks or construction equipment. A High School Diploma or GED, is desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid Texas Driver’s License as well as a valid Texas Class B Commercial Driver's License.

*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

*Duties, responsibilities and actions may change at any time with or without notice.

The City of La Porte is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Qualified Individuals.

Pay Range: $21.80 - $27.24 per hour