Equipment Operator III, Utility Services

Strategic Government Resources, Inc.; Alexandria (LA); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental/vision

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid leave (sick/vacation)

Job summary

City of Alexandria seeks an Equipment Operator III in the Utility Services Department to operate heavy equipment, perform maintenance on streets, drainage systems, and utilities, and sometimes lead crews. The role demands precise handling of machinery and adherence to safety protocols in a busy city environment.

Primary responsibilities include on-site operation, some driving on public roads, and availability for 24-hour call.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; 2 years of heavy equipment experience or equivalent
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class B CDL; State requirements may demand additional endorsements

Responsibilities

• Maneuvers heavy equipment and operates complex mechanisms for construction and maintenance of city roads, utilities, and right-of-way areas.
• Operates excavator, track hoe, and backhoe with exacting tolerances to avoid utility lines and property damage

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Tractor/Trailer ops

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CDL Class B

Job description

Equipment Operator III, Utility Services

Annual Salary: $39,855.19 Grade: 19

The City of Alexandria is seeking professional individuals to begin a career in the Utility Services Department, located in the heart of Central Louisiana, to operate heavy equipment and perform manual work functions associated with the construction, maintenance, and repair of City streets/roads, drainage systems, right-of-way areas, parking lots, parks, recreation facilities, grounds areas, utility systems, or other areas of assignment. Emphasis is on the operation of track or rubber‑tired construction equipment with specialized functions related to maintenance and construction activities where the operation of complex mechanisms requires the highest degree of skill, dexterity, and finesse, and where work is performed to exacting tolerances; incumbents may function as lead worker on occasion as needed. Classification is reserved for those positions where the operation of included equipment is the primary function of the job. Positions in Utilities are subject to 24‑hour call.

Benefits

• medical insurance
• dental and vision
• short/long term disability
• group and dependent life insurance
• sick and vacation leave
• 11 paid holidays
• EAP
• tuition reimbursement
• wellness clinic for employees and their dependents
• Retirement benefits: City of Alexandria’s Retirement System
• voluntary deferred compensation supplemental retirement plan

Duties and Responsibilities

• Maneuvers heavy equipment and operates complex mechanisms involving digging, moving earth and materials, grading, loading, and performing similar tasks in order to advance projects relating to construction and maintenance of City roads, grounds, property, utilities, rights‑of‑way, and other infrastructure; equipment is primarily driven and operated on‑site, but does require some driving over public roads; maneuvers in and around traffic, crew workers, equipment, utilities, and other obstacles; obeys all traffic laws and safety guidelines; monitors immediate environment and work area to ensure the safety of operator, other workers, the equipment, and the public. Operates tractor/trailer combinations for the use of hauling heavy equipment and materials to and from the job sites.
• Operates excavator, track hoe, and backhoe to perform skilled digging and trenching for maintenance, upkeep, and construction projects for public utilities and other infrastructure, where exacting tolerances and specifications are required; controls placement of equipment and determines optimum approach to each digging scenario in order to minimize destruction of property and avoid electric, water, sewer, and other public utility lines.

Applicants must be able to operate a Backhoe.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED. Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in the operation of heavy equipment used in roadway repair, maintenance, and installation of utility infrastructure (water, wastewater, gas, and electric), or similar work; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Class B commercial driver’s license, and any state or federal certifications required in the field of assignment. Will be required to obtain a valid State of Louisiana Class B commercial driver’s license at the time of appointment and maintain throughout employment for this classification. Assignment on some equipment may require a valid State of Louisiana Class A commercial driver’s license and/or special endorsements. May be required to obtain Flagging certification.
• Will be required to possess a valid State of Louisiana Class A commercial driver’s license and/or special endorsements.

Work Hours

40 hours per week; may work overtime, weekends, and holidays.

Accepting applications

July 29 – August 12, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. or the first 50 applications, whichever comes first.

Applicants must supply complete and accurate information concerning their previous training and experience including a detailed description of their work experience, the names and addresses of all previous employers and the dates of employment. The information is subject to verification. Examination may consist of a written test, a rating of training and experience, a performance test or any combination thereof deemed necessary to adequately screen and rank applicants. Examination notices will be sent out via email with a testing date, time, and location if applicable. ** If you prefer to receive text messages regarding your application update, please include a current cell phone number on your application. **

Must include copies of driver’s license, diploma, GED, DD214, degree, etc. with application.

Civil Service Department

Ph. (318) 449- 5077 or [phone] Fax [phone], Email: [e-mail]

The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer