Heavy Motor Equipment Operator I - Temporary

Otsego County; Phoenix Mills (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Otsego County’s Highway Department seeks a skilled Motor Equipment Operator to maintain and operate heavy highway construction and maintenance equipment. The role involves applying safe operating practices, performing routine equipment servicing, and assisting in snow removal during winter months.

Two years of experience as a Motor Equipment Operator or higher are required, with winter months involving snow plowing or equipment operation.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of heavy equipment.
• Ability to service and make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Good mechanical aptitude and dependability.

Responsibilities

• Operate excavator, road grader, bulldozer, tractor with attached equipment, front end loader, tractor-trailer, screener/crusher and related equipment.
• Perform routine servicing and minor repairs on assigned equipment.
• Load and unload vehicles.
• Perform snow plowing or related winter highway maintenance tasks.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Mechanical aptitude

Follow written instructions

Job description

Highway Department

LAST DAY FOR FILING: November 2, 2026

EOE

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Work involves responsibility for the efficient operation of specialized heavy highway maintenance and construction equipment and performs a variety of manual tasks in connection with such operations. There is greater responsibility for the safety of others. Additional responsibilities include making minor repairs to equipment and for routine servicing. Supervision is received from the Working Supervisor who assigns the work, and who inspects the work in progress and upon completion.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Operates excavator, road grader, bulldozer, tractor with attached equipment, front end loader, tractor-trailer, screener/crusher and related equipment involved in the construction and maintenance of highways.
• Operates a dump truck type snow plow or power sander in the clearing of roads.
• Operates heavy equipment in connection with cutting banks, cutting and filling ditches, removing stumps, stripping gravel pits and related highway department tasks.
• Performs minor maintenance and repair work on assigned equipment;
• Loads and unloads vehicles.
• Performs a variety of simple manual tasks such a cleaning culverts, shoveling snow, painting and road maintenance work.
• May operate a rotary snow plo.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Good knowledge of the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment; ability to service and make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment; ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions; good mechanical aptitude; dependability; good physical condition.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Two (2) years experience as a Motor Equipment Operator or above in construction, public works, or related industry, which must have included experience in either snow plowing or operation of motor equipment in winter months.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATIONS:

Possession of a valid New York State CDL driver's license and acceptable driving record is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

CLASSIFICATION: Non-Competitive