Heavy Equipment Operator(Backhoe) 4214

City of Greensboro, NC; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 44,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

The City of Greensboro, NC is hiring a Heavy Equipment Operator (Backhoe) to maintain streets, rights‑of‑way, and public infrastructure. The role focuses on safely operating a backhoe while supporting asphalt maintenance, street repairs, and field construction throughout Greensboro.

This is a non-remote, on‑site position with a strong emphasis on safety and teamwork. Ideal candidates bring hands‑on equipment experience and a willingness to learn.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED required; 1–3 years operating heavy equipment such as backhoes, pavers, skid steers, and/or motor graders.
• OR no high school diploma/GED with 5–7 years of heavy equipment experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate a backhoe and other heavy equipment safely and efficiently.
• Support asphalt maintenance and street repair operations.
• Assist crews with asphalt placement, spreading, and paving activities.
• Perform maintenance and construction work on streets, rights‑of‑way, and City‑owned facilities.
• Drive trucks and transport materials and equipment as needed.
• Participate in snow and ice removal operations and seasonal tasks.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma/GED

No High School Diploma/GED with 5-7 years experience

Tools

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Tanker Endorsement

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator (Backhoe)

Put Your Heavy Equipment Skills to Work — Build Greensboro’s Future.

Compensation and Benefits:

Estimated Hiring Salary Range: $43,755 - $57,573 Full Salary Range: $43,755 - $78,299

Benefits:

We offer an outstanding benefits package that supports your well-being.

Learn more Here

Work Schedule:Monday - Thursday (6:30a - 5:00p) “or” Tuesday - Friday (6:30a-5:00p)

The schedule may change during holiday weeks or emergency operations. Employees may be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, extended hours, or emergency call-ins with little or no notice. This position works outdoors in all weather conditions and participates in seasonal and emergency operations, including snow and ice removal, storm debris removal, and loose-leaf collection.

Operate the Equipment That Keeps Greensboro Moving

The City of Greensboro is seeking a dependable and motivated Heavy Equipment Operator (Backhoe) to join the Transportation Department. This hands‑on position plays an important role in maintaining the City’s streets, rights‑of‑way, and public infrastructure. As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you will primarily operate a backhoe while supporting asphalt maintenance, street repairs, construction projects, and other field operations throughout Greensboro. Whether you're an experienced equipment operator or ready to build your skills in a career with the City, this position provides an opportunity to learn, grow, and see the direct results of your work in the community.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us:

Build Greensboro. Serve the Community. Grow Your Career.

• Make a visible impact: Help repair and maintain the roads and infrastructure residents depend on every day.
• Operate essential equipment: Develop experience with backhoes, pavers, skid steers, motor graders, loaders, rollers, and other specialized equipment.
• Learn on the job: Build your knowledge of asphalt placement, street maintenance, equipment operation, and field construction.
• Serve your community: Take pride in completing a project from start to finish and knowing your work directly benefits Greensboro residents.
• Build your future: Develop the skills needed to advance into positions such as Crew Leader and Crew Supervisor.
• Be part of a team: Work alongside experienced Transportation professionals who are committed to keeping Greensboro safe, accessible, and moving.
• Experience variety: No two days are necessarily the same, with opportunities to support street repairs, seasonal operations, emergency response, and other City projects.

About the Role:

The Heavy Equipment Operator (Backhoe) performs general maintenance and construction activities supporting the City's street infrastructure. The primary responsibility is to safely, effectively, and responsibly operate a backhoe in support of asphalt maintenance and repair activities.

Depending on operational needs, the employee may also operate:

• Pavers
• Skid steers
• Motor graders
• Dump trucks
• Rubber tire loaders
• Rollers
• Track excavators
• Sweepers and other light equipment

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate a backhoe and other heavy equipment safely and efficiently.
• Support asphalt maintenance and street repair operations.
• Assist crews with asphalt placement, spreading, and paving activities.
• Perform maintenance and construction work on streets, rights‑of‑way, and City‑owned facilities.
• Drive trucks and transport materials and equipment as needed.
• Perform emergency tree removal and storm debris operations.
• Operate hand and power tools, including shovels, rakes, chainsaws, and related equipment.
• Participate in snow and ice removal operations.
• Participate in seasonal loose‑leaf collection.
• Support emergency response and storm recovery operations.
• Conduct routine inspections of assigned equipment.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance, including lubrication and cleaning.
• Follow established safety procedures and manufacturer's guidelines.
• Follow verbal and written instructions.
• Maintain dependable attendance and report for emergency assignments as required.
• Perform physically demanding work, including standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, walking on uneven surfaces, shoveling, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

A skills test will be administered to evaluate Heavy Equipment Operator knowledge and practical operating skills.

We're looking for someone honest, motivated, dependable, willing to learn, and comfortable working outdoors.

The ideal candidate:

• Takes pride in completing quality work.
• Is comfortable working in all weather conditions.
• Demonstrates good attendance and reliability.
• Follows safety procedures and instructions.
• Is willing to learn new equipment and construction techniques.
• Works effectively as part of a team.
• Understands the importance of serving residents.
• Wants to build a long‑term career in public service.

What Success Looks Like

During your first 90 days, you will:

• Become familiar with City Transportation procedures and safety practices.
• Develop proficiency with the City’s equipment and field operations.
• Build knowledge of asphalt maintenance and paving activities.
• Demonstrate safe operation of assigned equipment.
• Become familiar with small hand tools and light equipment such as sweepers and rollers.

Must obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's Permit within 30 days of employment within the required timeframe if you do not already possess one

Must obtain and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with Tanker Endorsement within 120 days of employment.

Within your first year, you will:

• Confidently operate the backhoe and other assigned equipment.
• Demonstrate safe and effective equipment operation.
• Contribute independently to street maintenance and repair projects.
• Support seasonal and emergency operations.
• Continue developing construction and asphalt maintenance skills.
• Position yourself for future career advancement within Transportation.

Potential Career Path

Build Your Skills. Build Your Career.

This position provides an excellent foundation for developing technical, equipment-operation, and leadership skills within the City’s Transportation organization.

Potential Career Progression: Heavy Equipment Operator (Backhoe), Crew Leader, Crew Supervisor, Section Supervisor, Division Manager

Employees can also use the technical and field experience gained in this role to pursue opportunities in other skilled trades, transportation operations, construction, maintenance, and supervisory positions throughout the City.

This job is Non-Exempt and subject to the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

What You Bring:

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED with 1-3 years of experience operating heavy equipment i.e., backhoes, pavers, skid steers, and/or motor graders
• “OR” No High School Diploma/GED with 5-7 years of experience operating heavy equipment, i.e. backhoes, pavers, skid steers, and/or motor graders
• Valid Driver's License

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with concrete and/or asphalt.
• Experience reading blueprints or cut sheets.
• Experience interpreting grade stakes and digging on grade.
• Valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License.
• Tanker Endorsement.

Ready to Lead?

Your Work Builds Greensboro.

If you're ready to put your equipment skills to work, learn new skills, and make a visible difference in the community, the City of Greensboro wants you on our team. As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you won't just operate equipment—you'll help repair the roads residents depend on, support emergency operations, maintain public infrastructure, and build a stronger Greensboro.

Bring your skills. Learn something new. Serve your community. Build your career.