HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - STREETS

City of Slidell; Slidell (LA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Slidell is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to support Public Works projects across Streets, Bridges, and Drainage. The role requires operating excavators, graders, and backhoes, with emphasis on safety and efficiency.

Typical duties include trenching, pipe installation, grading, and supervising assigned staff. A Class A CDL is mandatory, with potential state certifications and safety trainings as required. This on-site role supports critical municipal infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years experience operating major/large mechanical equipment.
• One year of that experience must be in operating heavy-duty construction or materials equipment such as bulldozers, road graders, excavators, tractors, Vac-Con/vacuum equipment, etc.
• An equivalent combination of higher education and experience; may substitute years of experience for education.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy-duty construction and material handling equipment to support Public Works projects (Streets, Bridges, Drainage).
• Use excavators, graders and backhoes for shoulder maintenance and drainage work.
• Perform duties including trenching, pipe installation, backfilling and final grading for drainage systems and rights of way.
• Supervise and assist other personnel as assigned; maintain logs and daily worksheets.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Oral and written communication

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Excavator

Grader

Backhoe loader

Vac-Con equipment

Job description

MUST POSSESS CLASS A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE

General Purpose:

The Heavy Equipment Operator position is distinguished from Senior Equipment Operator positions primarily by the type of equipment operated, the degree of difficulty of the tasks performed, and the amount of independence and authority allowed to the Heavy Equipment Operator. Position operates heavy-duty construction or materials handling equipment.

Supervision Received:

Works under the general supervision of a Sr. Crew Chief, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent.

Supervision Exercised:

Serves as lead worker over other personnel as assigned (Equipment Operator, Sr. Equipment Operator, Maintenance Tech, and/or Laborer).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Operates primarily heavy-duty construction and material handling equipment to assist with routine maintenance and special projects of Public Works (Streets, Bridges, and Drainage Division).
2. Uses Excavator to clean and reshape roadside ditches and load dirt and debris onto dump trucks. Also uses motor grader and backhoe loader to perform shoulder maintenance.
3. Uses Excavating Equipment to clean, reshape, remove downed trees, and repair erosion in drainage canals. Uses Heavy Grading Equipment to clear, fill, or repair erosion on Rights of Ways. Uses heavy equip. to clean and maintain drainage pump stations.
4. Duties include, but not limited to, excavating trenches for culvert and catch basin repair, removal, replacement, or new installs. Operates equipment to grade and set various sized reinforced concrete pipe, corrugated metal pipe, a-2000 plastic pipe, precast catch basins, and assist in loading materials needed to construct custom catch basins of various types and sizes. Heavy Equipment Operator also backfills, establishes final grades, and constructs swales to achieve efficient drainage after installation is complete. Heavy Equipment Operator also uses skills to perform other miscellaneous tasks in the field of Heavy Equipment Operation.
5. May build, level, and excavate land surfaces using graders and other construction equipment.
6. Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for Equipment/Material transport with the use of Tractor Trailer (Low Boy), or Dump Truck w/ Equipment Trailer, Also responsible for loading, proportioning, binding, securing, and offloading of Heavy Equipment and Materials.
7. Performs safe operation of chainsaws of various sizes (felling and trimming of trees, and cutting debris)
8. Heavy Equipment Operator is also responsible for material estimates, project layout, and communication with supervisor about special needs of each assigned task (man power or assistance needed, special materials or equipment needed, etc.).
9. At this level, Employee is expected to be proficient in identifying and overcoming obstacles in the absence of direct supervision.
10. Supervises and participates in the servicing, upkeep, and repair of various units of equipment operated.
11. Supervises Senior Equip. Operators, Equip. Operators, Maintenance Techs, and Laborers. Heavy Equipment Operator is expected to perform the duties of listed positions when necessary to maintain work flow.
12. Maintain accurate logs and records(Log Book and Daily Worksheets)

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

Assists with any other job related duties as assigned.

Desired Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

1. High school diploma or GED.
2. Two (2) Years experience in the operation of major/large mechanical equipment.
3. One (1) year of that experience must have been in operating heavy-duty construction or materials equipment such as bulldozers, road graders, excavators, tractors, Vac-Con/vacuum equipment, etc.
4. An equivalent combination of higher education and experience. Additional full-time related experience may be substituted, year for year, for the required education or has proven he/she can operate all required equipment through written and practical exam.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Considerable knowledge of heavy equipment operating principles; considerable knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions common to heavy equipment operations; considerable knowledge of the methods, materials and tools used in maintenance work for municipal streets, roadways, water and/or sewer systems and other facilities.
2. Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment according to specific Departmental requirements
3. Ability to issue, understand and follow oral or written instructions; Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; Ability to observe proper safety precautions; Ability to establish effective working relationships with other employees, supervisors and the public; Ability to perform heavy manual tasks under varying weather conditions; Ability to drive and operate a variety of equipment under varying conditions; Ability to work from construction specifications; Ability to work overtime.

Special Requirements:

Valid Class "A" commercial driver's license with required endorsement/s.

Depending upon Departmental requirements may be required to obtain State Agricultural Certifications, CPR and/or First Aid training.

Tools and Equipment Used:

Includes , but not limited to: Heavy and medium-sized motorized vehicles and equipment, including bulldozers, road graders, large tracked excavators, Walking excavators(Menzi Muck),Rubber tire telescoping excavator(Gradall), Tractor Trailer(Low-Boys), backhoe loaders and pavement breaker, High Pressure jetter/ inductor trucks (Vac-Con), small tracked excavator, Rubber tire and Tracked skid steer loaders with various attachments, 6 yd. single axel dump trucks, 12 yd. tandem dump trucks, tractors, tractor mounted side-arm rotary cutter, street sweeper, pickup truck with trailer, Chainsaws, Stump Grinders, augers, Wood Chippers, Forestry Cutters, leaf blowers, hedge cutters, watering equipment, and other lawn care maintenance equipment. Maintenance and repair equipment including saws, compressors, generators, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio and phone.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, pull; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions, including inclement weather. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.