Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO)

City of Durham; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 49,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Durham is hiring Heavy Equipment Operators to join the Water & Sewer Maintenance Division, responsible for operating various heavy machinery. Ideal candidates will have experience in equipment operation, a valid driver's license, and the ability to work in physical and diverse conditions. This role offers a competitive salary and the chance to serve the community.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of heavy equipment operation or technical repair experience required.
• Valid NC Class A Commercial Driver's License with good driving record is a must.
• Must be comfortable working at heights and in confined spaces.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain heavy equipment.
• Install and repair water and sewer infrastructure.
• Ensure safety and maintain records.

Skills

Heavy Equipment Operation

Maintenance

Safety Management

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Excavator

Backhoe

Dump Truck

Job description

Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City of Durham

Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve.

Hiring Range: $49,026 - $59,617

Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

The City of Durham’s Department of Water Management (DWM) invites YOU to join our team of over 380 dedicated employees providing critical water and sewer services for Durham’s 309,000+ residents. We deliver the Best Tasting Water in the state daily and ensure wastewater is carefully treated to protect the environment. We offer a variety of positions matching diverse skill sets, including mechanics, engineers, maintenance specialists, technicians, and customer billing techs. If you are passionate about managing vital water resources, environmental protection, and delivering excellent customer service, bring your talents to Durham!

We currently have vacancies for Heavy Equipment Operators (HEO) within the Water & Sewer Maintenance Division. HEOs operate specialized heavy-duty machinery with complex requirements, including:

• Backhoe
• Track-hoe
• Skid-Steer
• Excavator
• Rubber Tire Loader
• Front-end Loader
• Tractor with attachments
• Track Loader
• Dump truck
• Jet Vac truck
• Flushers
• Pump-oriented water tanks

This role also involves operating vehicles that haul heavy loads or tow equipment, such as bulldozers and construction machinery. The job requires working near high voltage lines, climbing on equipment over 4 feet high, and working in tight spaces. This position requires working on a weekend rotation for standby/recall, overtime, and during all weather conditions.

HEOs typically work in teams within Outfall Maintenance or Excavation teams and cross-train across various work groups:

• Excavation: Maintains pipelines, installs services, hydrants, valves, manholes, and meters.
• Outfall Maintenance: Clears easements, assists with manhole repairs and inspections, responds to sewer overflows.
• Distribution Systems: Repairs and maintains valves and fire hydrants.
• Collection Systems: Assists with CCTV inspections, flush truck operations, and sewer overflows.

Responsibilities include operating construction equipment, performing maintenance, installing and repairing water and sewer infrastructure, inspecting equipment, ensuring safety, and maintaining records.

Minimum qualifications include:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSet, TASC)
• Four years of equipment operation or related technical repair experience

Must have:

• A valid North Carolina Class A Commercial Driver's License with a good driving record
• Ability to operate at least 3 types of heavy equipment listed above
• Comfort working at heights over 4 feet and in confined spaces

Preferred qualifications include:

• Supervisory experience in field operations
• OSHA Competent Person, Confined Space Entry, and Trenching/Shoring certifications or ability to obtain within 1 year
• NC Water Distribution and Wastewater Collections certifications