Heavy Equipment Operator - Kickapoo Turnpike (Newalla)

978 OKLAHOMA TURNPIKE AUTHORITY; Newalla (OK); On-site; USD 43,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator for the Kickapoo Turnpike in Newalla, Oklahoma. This full-time role runs roughly 7:30am–4:00pm and offers a two-tier compensation level with CDL requirements for advancement.

Level I pays $20.50/hour (~$42,630/year); Level II pays $23.78/hour (~$49,455/year). Candidates must be able to perform physically demanding tasks and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment is preferred for Level II.
• Must obtain Class A CDL within five months of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment and power machinery for highway maintenance and repair.
• Perform minor repairs and maintenance on equipment and facilities.
• Repair roadway shoulders or bridge decks as needed.
• Install or repair signs, posts, guardrails and fences.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Physical endurance

Education

Class A CDL

Job description

Why join the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority?

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) has been serving Oklahomans since 1947, managing and maintaining a modern, safe, and efficient turnpike system across the state. With a commitment to customer service and innovation, OTA plays a vital role in ensuring smooth and reliable travel for millions of motorists each year. As a part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in a collaborative and supportive environment. OTA offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for growth, making it an excellent choice to build your career in public service.

Position Overview

This is a full-time position working approximately 7:30am – 4:00pm, located on the Kickapoo Turnpike in Newalla, Oklahoma. The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating power equipment and performing related tasks in the maintenance and repair of highways. Compensation Level I – $20.50 per hour or $42,630 annually (potential to promote to Level II after obtaining CDL within the first 6 months, and with years of experience as required for Level II) Level II – $23.78 per hour or $49,455 annually

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate equipment or heavy machinery such as trucks, tractors, road graders, dozers, front-end loaders, cranes, backhoes, paint machines, semi-trailers, snow removal equipment and other equipment as needed.
• Performs minor repairs and maintenance on equipment and facilities.
• Repairs failures in the roadway shoulders or bridge decks.
• Repairs and/or replaces signs, posts, guardrails and fences.
• Provides traffic control assistance using a stop/slow sign or flag to direct highway traffic.
• Applies herbicide to highway rights-of-way to control weeds and other unwanted vegetation.
• Remove debris including tires, animal carcasses, spilled items and other obstacles.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employees are frequently required to stand, walk and reach; and talk and hear. Routinely, employees are required to sit; to manipulate or feel objects, tools or controls; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Employees must regularly lift 80 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.

Minimum Qualifications

• LEVEL I - Education and Experience requirements at this level are none.
• LEVEL II - Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of one year of experience in operating heavy equipment (preferably within road construction/maintenance) and possess a current Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

Knowledge of the operation and servicing of equipment or heavy machinery used in highway construction and maintenance; of materials used in highway construction and maintenance; and of proper highway traffic control during maintenance operations. Ability is required to operate heavy equipment or machinery used in highway construction and maintenance; to use highway construction and maintenance materials; to follow instructions; and to communicate effectively. Persons appointed to the position must possess or obtain a commercial driver’s license, class A, no later than five months from the date of appointment. Applicants must be willing and able to perform all job-related travel normally associated with this position; be willing to work hours other than on regular shifts during emergency situations; and possess a working telephone to receive emergency on-call duty messages.

Level Descriptor

This is the basic level where incumbents work under close supervision operating and maintaining power equipment and performing related unskilled and semiskilled tasks in the construction, maintenance and repair of highways.

Benefits Highlights

• Generous Annual Benefit Allowance: Up to $21,934 to help cover insurance premiums for employees and their families.
• Comprehensive Insurance Plans: A variety of options with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Retirement Savings Plans: o Pathfinder Defined Contribution Plan: Employer matches 6% of a minimum 4.5% employee contribution (up to 7% if the employee contributes 7%).
• o OPERS Defined Benefit Plan: Available for reenrollment to employees enrolled prior to November 1, 2015.
• Paid Leave: o 15 days annually during the first 1–5 years of service.
• o 18 days annually for 5–10 years of service.
• o 20 days annually for 10–20 years of service.
• o 25 days annually for over 20 years of service.
• o Sick leave: Accrued at 15 days per year.
• o Paid Maternity leave for eligible employees.
• Holidays: Eleven paid holidays annually.
• Employee Discounts: Special rates with various vendors and companies.
• Longevity Payment: Monetary rewards beginning at two years of service to recognize dedicated tenure.
• Thrive: Empower Oklahoma State employees to improve & enhance their well-being.

Equal Opportunity Employer

OTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities may be provided upon request.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.