Heavy Equipment Operator (closes 09/15/26)

Ellensburg Washington; Ellensburg (WA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Ellensburg is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to perform semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work, operating a variety of equipment for streets, sidewalks, and rights of way.

You will maintain streets and shoulders, plow snow, patch and repair sidewalks, install signs, trim trees, and assist with training and safety meetings; this is a full-time, benefited position with retirement options and union representation.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience operating equipment and performing similar duties.
• Equivalency of education, training, and/or experience may be accepted.
• Valid WA driver’s license; CDL with tanker endorsement preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment for maintenance of streets, sidewalks, and rights of way.
• Perform snowplowing and deicing during inclement weather.
• Repair sidewalks, curbs, gutters and patch brickwork as needed.
• Install and maintain street signs; respond to damaged signs promptly.
• Trim trees, mow and apply pesticides in public right of way; assist safety meetings.
• Assist training of temporary/new employees; may act as foreperson.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Road maintenance

Safety compliance

Employee training

Education

Adequate education / equivalence allowed

Tools

Class B CDL (Class A preferred) with tanker endorsement

Forklift certification

First Aid/CPR/AED certification

Flagging certification

Pesticide Applicator License

IMSA Tech I Signs & Pavement Markings

Job description

Open Date: September 1, 2026

Close Date: September 15, 2026

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Salary: $27.56 - $36.75/hour – 40 hours/week

View full job posting here, Heavy Equipment Operator

The City of Ellensburg is accepting applications for Heavy Equipment Operator.

The person in this position will perform semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work. Operate a variety of equipment in the construction, maintenance, repair and replacement of City streets, sidewalks, and rights of way.

• Maintain streets, alleyways, and shoulders, which includes, but is not limited to: asphalt paving, patching, and crack fill; pavement paint striping and marking; grading and laying gravel, etc.
• Perform snowplowing and roadway deicing of the public right of way during periods of inclement weather.
• Monitor creeks during periods of high water and keep catch racks clean; maintain and repair damaged banks, rip rap and catch racks and other appurtenances as needed.
  
• Repair, grind, and replace concrete sidewalk, curbs, and gutters; patch brickwork as needed.
• Install new street signs and replace weathered or damaged signs; respond to reports of damaged or missing signs in a timely manner; install and/or maintain sign spots; assist other divisions, agencies, and the public with special events (i.e., rodeo, fair, parade, etc.) affecting streets and traffic as assigned by preparing signs, closing streets, and placing/removing signs.
  
• Trim and remove trees where limbs and bushes are blocking roadways, pathways, sidewalks, and signs; mow weeds and apply pesticides in the public right of way.
  
• Grease equipment after use and perform preventive maintenance checks on equipment; report problems to mechanics and follow mechanic recommendations for proper operation; clean equipment with high-pressure water as needed; maintain clean and orderly work area.
• Assist training of temporary and new employees to ensure they are operating equipment in a proper and safe manner; serve as acting foreperson as assigned; perform carpentry work such as building of no parking signs, etc.; attend and participate in safety meetings.

Other duties may be assigned.

This is a full-time, benefited position. Benefits include medical, dental, life, and disability insurance; Retirement under the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), VEBA, vacation, sick leave, holidays, and employee choice days. This position is represented by Teamster’s Local Union #760.

Regular City of Ellensburg employees (applicants) covered by Teamster’s Local Union #760 will be given first consideration.

REQUIRED EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Must have adequate education to be able to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Two (2) years of experience operating equipment and performing similar duties and responsibilities.
• Please Note: An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the requirements above, as determined by management.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License including a Class B Commercial Driver's License (Class A preferred) with tanker endorsement; must possess and maintain insurable driving record.
• Must possess the following certification or have the ability to obtain within a reasonable time period as approved by the supervisor:
  • Forklift certification
  • First Aid/CPR/AED certification
  • Flagging certification
• The following will be required for personnel assigned to these duties:
  • Pesticide Applicators License (desirable for all Operators)
  • International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Certification for Signs and Pavement Markings - Tech I, within one (1) year from becoming eligible (previous traffic control experience with either the City or other employers shall count toward this requirement).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The City of Ellensburg is required by federal regulation to administer a testing program for controlled substance and alcohol use for employees required to have and maintain a CDL. This position is covered under the City of Ellensburg Substance Abuse Testing Policy.