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The City of Philadelphia seeks qualified applicants for skilled heavy-duty vehicle operator work. Typical duties include operating earthmoving and roadbuilding equipment, performing safety checks, and maintaining equipment under supervision.
Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED and relevant CDL credentials, with experience requirements outlined for City positions. City benefits and structured exam processes apply.
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.
The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov. For more information, go to: www.phila.gov/humanrelations
The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodation for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Office of Human Resources (OHR) at 215-686-2350 or by email at janine.labletta@phila.gov. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant and OHR. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.
Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.
For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at hrhelpdesk@phila.gov
This is skilled heavy-duty vehicle operations work, involving such equipment as earthmoving and roadbuilding vehicles, small mobile equipment with crane attachments of limited flexibility, or compactors with multiple axles or high density.
Work is distinguished from the lower-level equipment operations classes by complexity of operator functions performed, which require a substantial degree of coordination. Work may include light or heavy physical labor when not operating equipment or driving it to and from the work site. Work is performed under the supervision of crew chief or supervisor.
The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is
Please note the application review and assessment process takes about 30 to 40 days. The Office of Human Resources is responsible for this process. It can take another 30-60 days for the interview process, depending on the position you are applying for and your position/rank on the eligible list used by departments. The hiring department, not the Office of Human Resources, is responsible for this process.
Please note that the Office of Human Resources offers Zoom information sessions once per month for candidates to learn more about the hiring process for City careers and connect with our team. The schedule and link for the Zoom can be found at the link below.
Notes to Applicants and Projected Exam Information
OPEN-COMPETITIVE - Only an open competitive eligible list will be established as a result of this examination. Permanent City employees will receive no promotional preference in this examination.
Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.
Philadelphia residency is not required to submit an application; however, applicants must have established bona fide residency in the city of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment for this civil service opportunity.
As a condition of employment with the City, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that such person either is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the City; or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with the City. For so long as the person is employed by the City, the amount of the payment as set forth in the payment agreement (not to exceed, for any pay period, twenty percent (20%) of the person’s gross pay for such period, without the person’s consent) shall be withheld from each paycheck until such payment agreement is fully satisfied.
Such person shall also be required to certify as a condition of employment that he or she is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with PGW.
Failure to enter into a payment agreement shall result in the cancellation of the appointment and removal from the certification. The name of the eligible candidate will be returned to the eligible list.
Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other people receiving an identical test score.
To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence later in this form. The response on this application will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.
If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.
Candidates who pass Open-Competitive exams may be eligible for additional points added to their final score. Preference Points may be claimed from the time of application until 30 days after the eligible list is established. The required documentation for the preference must be provided to receive the points.
Ten points will be added to the scores of eligible veterans. You must be honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. Attach a DD214, member 4, or NGB-22 to your application if you wish your eligibility to be reviewed. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered. Veteran’s Points may be claimed at any time before the list expires.
Ten points will be added to the scores of the children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty.
Up to 5 points will be added to the score of any candidate who has:
Such Candidates Will Have
Up to 5 points will be added to the score of candidates who have completed and graduated from a career technical education (CTE) program of the School District of Philadelphia within the last three years before the examination announcement date. If the 5 additional points from the CTE preference would rank a CTE graduate above a veteran, additional points shall be applied to the CTE candidate’s passing score to rank them directly below the veteran.
This examination will be scheduled for the week of October 19, 2026. Please note that this examination date is subject to change.
An Eligible List will be established the week of November 2, 2026. Please note that this date may change.
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.
High school/GED
The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.
Candidates must meet requirements within 30 days after the last date for filing applications.
Option 1: City of Philadelphia Experience
Option 2: External Experience
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
Possession of a valid proper-class motor vehicle operator's license with appropriate endorsements in air brakes and/or hazardous materials, as required by assignment, issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania before the scheduled examination and during tenure of employment as a Heavy Equipment Operator 1.
Candidates MUST submit a copy of their license, registration or certification.