Equipment Operator II (Storm Water Management)

City of Norfolk; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CDL stipend $5,000

Job summary

City of Norfolk, Department of Public Works, seeks an Equipment Operator II for the Division of Environmental Storm Water Management to maintain stormwater infrastructure and reduce flooding. You will operate heavy equipment to inspect and repair underground pipes, BMPs, and pump stations, supporting routine maintenance and emergency response.

The role requires a valid CDL, ability to work outdoors in varied conditions, and lifting up to 75 pounds.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy construction equipment preferred.
• Must possess valid Commercial Driver's License and provide driving record at interview.
• Class A CDL and tanker endorsement preferred.
• One year related experience or completion of City apprenticeship program.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy equipment such as dump trucks, vacuum trucks, loaders, backhoes.
• Performs routine maintenance and inspections on equipment.
• Supports ditch, BMP, and stormwater system maintenance and cleaning.
• Assists with traffic control and site preparation.
• Provides courteous service to residents and supports emergency responses.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Pre/post-trip inspections

Safety compliance

Traffic control

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience with heavy equipment or City apprenticeship program

Tools

CDL Class A

Tanker endorsement

Job description

CITY OF NORFOLK: Department of Public Works is currently seeking an Equipment Operator II within the Division of Environmental Storm Water Management. An Equipment Operator II in Storm Water Management plays a key role in maintaining the City of Norfolk's stormwater infrastructure to help reduce flooding and protect water quality. This position operates and maintains heavy equipment used to clean and repair underground pipes, drainage structures, roadside and off-road ditches, BMPs, and pump stations. By supporting routine maintenance, system inspections, and emergency response during rain and tidal events, the Equipment Operator II helps ensure the stormwater system functions properly, minimizes flooding impacts, and supports the safety and resilience of Norfolk's communities.

The Department of Public Works builds, maintains, and operates the physical facilities that support and enhance the lives of Norfolk's citizens, businesses, and visitors, including the City’s Street Network, Traffic Management System, Storm Water System, Waste Management, and Recycling.

The Division of Environmental Storm Water Management is responsible for reducing the threat of flooding and improving water quality throughout the City of Norfolk. The division's crews maintain and operate the city's stormwater infrastructure, including underground pipes, drainage structures, roadside and off-road ditches, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and pump stations. By performing routine maintenance, system inspections, and emergency response during rain and tidal events, the division works to minimize flooding impacts, protect public safety, and ensure the continued function and reliability of Norfolk's stormwater system.

Departmental Hiring Salary Range: $44,994.56-$48,199 (with an additional $5,000 CDL Stipend)

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Operates heavy construction equipment such as dump trucks, vacuum trucks, front-end loaders, backhoes, and other mechanical equipment.
• Participates in the routine daily functions of a stormwater maintenance crew including assisting with cleaning and maintaining stormwater infrastructure, performing manual digging and debris removal, supporting ditch and drain cleaning, loading and unloading materials, setting up traffic control, maintaining BMPs, and helping restore and clean job sites.
• Supports vacuum truck operations by assisting with the safe setup, operation, and cleanup of equipment used to remove sediment, debris, and blockages from stormwater pipes, catch basins, and drainage structures. Position the truck, manage hoses and vacuum lines, guide excavation and cleaning activities, and ensure debris is properly handled and disposed of.
• Supports the street sweeping program by assisting with debris disposal, equipment staging, and maintenance activities that help ensure clean streets and proper stormwater system function.
• Supports the best management practice (BMP) maintenance by operating equipment to remove sediment, debris, and overgrown vegetation from ponds, outfalls, swales, and other BMPs. Assist with dredging, grading, repairing structural components, restoring proper flow paths, and ensuring BMPs remain functional and compliant with stormwater performance requirements.
• Excavates around damaged stormwater pipes, catch basins, and drainage structures. Operators help install or replace pipe sections, reset or rebuild catch basins, backfill and compact soil, and restore the site to ensure proper function and flow.
• Supports ditch maintenance by operating equipment to remove sediment, debris, and overgrown vegetation from roadside and off-road ditches. They help shape, grade, and restore ditch lines to ensure proper drainage and flow, assist with clearing blockages, and support erosion control efforts.
• Transports workers, equipment, and construction materials to and from job sites.
• Assists with traffic control, site preparation, and basic equipment care, enabling efficient and safe maintenance of the stormwater system.
• Conducts daily pre- and post-trip inspections to check fluids, tires, lights, hydraulics, and overall equipment condition, documenting any issues to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Performs routine maintenance and minor repairs on assigned equipment, including checking fluid levels, inspecting hoses and fittings, replacing filters, greasing components, tightening bolts, and cleaning equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation. Reports mechanical issues promptly and assists with basic troubleshooting to prevent breakdowns and extend equipment life.
• Supports job site operations by helping load and unload tools, materials, and equipment, and assists with cleaning and restoring work sites to ensure safe, organized, and efficient stormwater maintenance activities.
• Provides direction and basic instruction to helpers, assistants, interns, and temporary employees.
• Provides courteous customer service to residents at job sites by answering basic questions, addressing concerns, and representing the Storm Water Division in a professional and respectful manner.
• Provides support during emergency response efforts, particularly during storm, flooding, or snow events, by assisting with debris removal, clearing drainage paths, operating equipment as needed, and helping ensure public safety through rapid stormwater system response.
• The position requires performing physically demanding tasks, including lifting and carrying up to 75 pounds, working in confined, elevated, or hazardous environments, and performing manual labor such as digging, bending, climbing, and standing for extended periods. Work is performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and around heavy equipment and active job sites.
• Requires sufficient hearing to detect equipment alarms, communicate with crew members, and remain aware of job site hazards. Must have adequate vision and depth perception to safely operate heavy equipment, judge distances, read gauges, and perform detailed inspections of stormwater structures and tools.
• Assists with traffic control at job sites by setting up cones, signs, and barricades, directing vehicles and pedestrians as needed, and ensuring a safe work zone for crew members and the public.
• Work in adverse weather conditions, including extreme hot and cold temperatures and wet / rainy environments during both emergency and non-emergency conditions.

Work requires knowledge necessary to understand basic operational, technical, or office processes. Level of knowledge equivalent to four years of high school or equivalency.

One year of experience in maintenance and operating heavy construction equipment or successful completion of the City apprenticeship program.

• Must possess valid Commercial Driver's License. Must provide a copy of Division of Motor Vehicle driving record (obtained within last 30 days) during the interview.

• Preferred candidate will have Class A CDL.

• Preferred candidate will have tanker endorsement.