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 seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator for its Water Management Department. This role involves operating specialized heavy equipment to maintain essential water and sewer services while ensuring safety compliance. Candidates must possess strong technical skills and a valid NC Class A Commercial Driver's License.

Qualifications

• Four years of equipment operation or technical repair experience.
• Completion of safety and job-related training.
• Ability to operate at least 3 specified heavy equipment or vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment (e.g., backhoes, excavators, dump trucks).
• Maintain and repair water and wastewater systems.
• Perform safety inspections and set up work zones.

Skills

Equipment operation

Technical repair

Safety compliance

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City of Durham

Advance 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) is seeking YOU to join our team of more than 380 dedicated employees providing essential 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 various positions matching different skill sets, including mechanics, engineers, maintenance specialists, technicians, customer billing techs, and more. If you are passionate about managing vital water resources, protecting the environment, providing excellent customer service, and maintaining water and wastewater systems, bring your skills and talent to Durham!

We currently have vacancies for Heavy Equipment Operators (HEO) within the Water & Sewer Maintenance Division. HEOs operate specialized and heavy-duty motorized equipment and vehicles with complex operating requirements. Responsibilities include the safe and efficient operation of at least 3 of the following: Backhoe, Track-hoe, Skid-Steer, Excavator, Rubber Tire Loader, Front-end Loader, tractor with attachments, Track Loader, dump truck, Jet Vac truck, flushers, and pump-oriented water tanks.

This role also involves operating vehicles that haul heavy loads and tow equipment, including bulldozers, tractor-type construction equipment, and other similar heavy earthmoving machinery. The job requires working near high voltage wires, climbing on equipment over 4 feet high, and working in tight spaces. This position requires working weekend rotations for standby/recall, overtime, and during all weather conditions.

HEOs typically work in teams within Outfall Maintenance or as part of the Excavation teams and are cross-trained across various work groups:

• Excavation: Maintains pipelines, installs new 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.

Key duties include:

• Operating construction equipment such as backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, front-end loaders, rollers, compactors, camera trucks, and flush trucks.
• Performing maintenance operations, installing, operating, and repairing various equipment and systems, including plumbing, carpentry, concrete work, masonry, painting, welding, and HVAC maintenance.
• Inspecting equipment and safety conditions, setting up work zones, directing traffic, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring safety compliance.
• Maintaining reports, processing work orders, and updating systems and databases.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications include:

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

Additional requirements:

• Valid North Carolina Class A Commercial Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.
• Completion of safety and job-related training, such as lockout/tagout, confined space entry, ladder safety, respirator, and emergency evacuation.
• Ability to safely operate at least 3 of the specified heavy equipment or vehicles.
• Comfort working at heights over 4 feet and in confined spaces.

Preferred qualifications include:

• At least 1 year of supervisory experience leading a crew.
• OSHA Competent Person, Confined Space Entry, and Trenching/Shoring certifications (or obtained within 1 year of hire).
• NC Water Distribution Grade C, B, or A certification.
• NC Wastewater Collections Grade I, II, III, or IV certification.