Heavy Equipment Operator

Kearney, City of (NE); Kearney (NE); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Kearney is seeking a Senior Equipment Operator to perform street maintenance using heavy equipment under general supervision. You will operate loaders, dump trucks, graders, skid steers, and other machinery, assist with snow removal, and support concrete work and patching projects.

Primary duties include reading work orders, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety and efficiency in daily tasks. Strong teamwork and reliability are essential to this role.

Qualifications

• MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Education and experience equivalent to high school /GED with three years’ construction equipment operation, maintenance or related activities.
• Valid driver’s license with the ability to obtain a CDL with Air Brakes Certification within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials and the public. (Daily)
• Regular timely/punctual attendance. (Daily)
• Write and comprehend written material for work assignments and work orders. (Daily)
• Maintain and safely operate equipment. (Daily)
• Assigned projects are performed properly and efficiently. (Daily)
• Operate both manual and automatic transmission vehicles. (Daily)
• Apply the knowledge of materials, equipment and procedures to perform maintenance and construction activities. (Daily)

Job description

Under general supervision, operates heavy equipment and performs maintenance-related tasks at a senior level. Work varies; limited judgment within prescribed standards and procedures is required; adjusts work methods to meet task requirements.

Operate a variety of equipment including but not limited to: loader, dump truck, vac truck, motor grader, skid steer, mechanical street sweeper and tractor necessary for street operations; participate in snow removal; load, mix, and spread precise ratios of anti-icing chemicals during inclement weather; clean storm sewers; break up and remove concrete; patch streets; pour and finish concrete work on storm sewers; assist with crack sealing operating tar kettle; remove gravel and debris from streets; repair or replace worn or broken signs; paint and tape pavement markings, arrows, crosswalks, and curbs; perform routine maintenance on equipment; apply pesticides for weed control. Haul construction materials such as dirt, concrete, gravel, and other materials to various sites. Perform daily inspections and maintenance on equipment; make minor repair to equipment. Use small power tools for road/concrete installation and repair. Set up barriers, warning signs, and cones around work zones. Perform overtime as required and other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS

Serve as a lead worker when necessary.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials and the public. (Daily)
• Regular timely/punctual attendance. (Daily)
• Write and comprehend written material for work assignments and work orders. (Daily)
• Maintain and safely operate equipment. (Daily)
• Assigned projects are performed properly and efficiently. (Daily)
• Operate both manual and automatic transmission vehicles. (Daily)
• Apply the knowledge of materials, equipment and procedures to perform maintenance and construction activities. (Daily)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Work Type: Very heavy, exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects
• Climbing/Balancing: Climb inclines, uneven surfaces, balance required
• Walking: Extensive amount required
• Stooping/Bending: Frequently
• Stand/Sit: Sit about 10 percent of the time
• Reaching: Frequent, overhead as well as horizontal
• Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions
• Color Vision: Adequate to perform essential functions
• Hearing: Frequently perceive nature of sounds by ear
• Speech: Occasionally express ideas by means of spoken words
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently operates a clutch operated vehicle and construction equipment
• Manual Dexterity: Frequently operates construction equipment

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Inside/Outside: Work outside and inside
• Cold/Heat: Adverse conditions possible
• Wet/Dry: Adverse conditions possible
• Noise/Vibrations: Heavy packer and truck noise
• Hazards: Exposure to traffic safety areas
• Fumes/Dust/Odors: Exposure to dust, odors, and fumes
• Infectious Diseases: Low exposure

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Ability to read and comprehend written material.
• Ability to listen to and apply information and instructions.
• Ability to understand mathematical concepts to include basic arithmetic.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Education and experience equivalent to high school /GED with three years’ construction equipment operation, maintenance or related activities. Valid driver’s license with the ability to obtain a CDL with Air Brakes Certification within 6 months of hire.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

Thirty (30) minute response time by way of the most direct route from the employee’s permanent residence to the employee’s assigned work site and within posted speed limits.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND WORK AIDS USED

Mechanical street sweeper, Vac-all, loader, salt and sand spreader, dump truck, tar kettle, tractor, shovels, rakes, forklifts, skid steer loaders, brooms, computer two-way radio, phone, gloves, goggles, and various personal protective equipment.

REMARKS

The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all of his/her duties.