Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee # 26-6-4

Leavenworth USD453; Leavenworth (KS); On-site; USD 24,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Leavenworth USD453 is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee to support public works projects with flagging duties, operate construction equipment, and assist with roadway maintenance. Responsibilities include communicating effectively with team members and ensuring the safety of work zones.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to operate heavy machinery under supervision and learn specific skills related to public works. This full-time position offers $24.45 per hour along with benefits.

Qualifications

• Ability to gain knowledge of road maintenance and construction activities.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely.
• Knowledge of equipment mechanical operations.

Responsibilities

• Flagging and mowing duties involved.
• Operate light duty construction equipment for daily operations.
• On-call for storm and winter watch.

Skills

Ability to operate light duty heavy construction equipment

Ability to follow safety protocols

Knowledge of Public Works activities

Skill in using hand tools

Tools

Snow plow

Dump truck

Loader

Tractor/trailer

Small broom

Roller

Bobcat/skid steer

Boom mower

Job description

Job Title

Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee

Working Title

Trainee Operator

Department

Public Works

Division

Road & Bridge

Pay Level

Level C - Step 13 (Non-exempt)

Location

Leavenworth County Shop, 23690 187th Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048

Pay and Benefits

$24.45 per hour (Full Time Benefits Eligible)

Duties Summary

While road construction and maintenance are being accomplished, performs flagging duties, allowing one line of traffic to proceed while stopping another. Communications with other workers by operating a two‑way radio; must stand for long periods of time in various weather conditions; must ensure signs are maintained and ready daily.

Serves as a Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee without general skills and with technical limitations established by the Director of Public Works under direct supervision of a crewman supervisor.

Provides general skills and non‑technical capabilities in the laborer and operator trainee area for various public works daily operations, maintenance, construction, and duties as assigned appropriate to the skill and technical level of an apprentice with 0–1 year of any laborer or operator experience.

Experience & Skill Overview

• Snow plow, dump truck, loader, tractor/trailer, small broom, roller, bobcat/skid steer, boom mowers.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

1. 40% – Flagging and/or mowing will be a component of this job.
2. 40% – Operator of light duty heavy construction equipment (e.g., dump truck, loader, tractor/trailer, small broom, roller, bobcat/skid steer, boom mower tractors) for various public works daily operation, maintenance, and construction projects.
3. 10% – Storm and Winter Watch on‑call status.
4. 10% – Safety attendant, traffic management, and equipment inspection.

Minimum Skills and Knowledge

1. Ability to gain knowledge of general Public Works roadway maintenance and construction activities.
2. Ability to gain knowledge of safety procedures and protocols for general labor tasks, heavy equipment operations, and proper loading, transporting and unloading of materials associated with road maintenance.
3. Ability to gain knowledge of basic mechanical operations to analyze any breakdown or failure of equipment operation and report to supervisor or mechanics.
4. Ability to gain knowledge of basic storm water prevention plans, best management practices, reporting associated with the duties as assigned to include but not limited to general housekeeping and trash collection, silt fences, seeding, and work area restoration.
5. Ability to gain skill in operation of light duty heavy equipment to perform Public Works activities.
6. Skill in use of hand tools such as chain saws, rakes, hammers, jack hammers, cutting torches, sand blaster, bridge jacks, power augers, and compactors.