Lead Equipment Operator (Right of Way)

Town of Garner, NC; Garner (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Garner, NC seeks an experienced Lead Equipment Operator for the Streets Division to guide a crew in daily ROW maintenance, mowing, edging, mulching, and litter pickup. You will operate a range of equipment and supervise field operations under the Streets Supervisor.

Applicants should have a high school diploma, NC CDL-A with Tanker, and a pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain within 12 months. Government benefits and outdoor work are part of the role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Driver’s license valid in NC with good driving record.
• Must possess Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement or obtain within 12 months of hire.
• Must possess or obtain a pesticide applicator license within 12 months of hire.
• Exercise sound decision making, comply with safety regulations, and follow written and oral instructions.
• Previous team/crew leadership experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads a crew along Town Right-of-Ways and properties; directs work.
• Oversees daily field operations, plans routines and resource needs.
• Performs maintenance tasks: mowing, trimming, pruning, litter pickup, trash removal.
• Operates equipment including zero-turn mowers, dump trucks, knuckleboom trucks, tractors, loaders and trailers.
• Responds to inclement weather, snow removal, and storm debris cleanup.
• Performs minor repairs to equipment and completes related paperwork.

Skills

Team leadership

Equipment operation

Safety compliance

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Zero-turn mowers

Dump trucks

Knuckleboom trucks

Tractors

Loaders

Plow trucks

Trailers

Job description

The Public Works Department for the Town of Garner is seeking an experienced Lead Equipment Operator for the Streets Division (Right-of-Way). This position serves a vital role leading a team in completing daily assignments, mowing, blowing, edging, mulching, and litter pickup in the Town's right-of-way areas. The Lead Equipment Operator works under general supervision from the Streets Supervisor.

Examples of Duties:

• Leads a crew of maintenance workers that primarily work along Town Right-of-Ways and Town properties. Supervises other employees in the completion of assigned tasks; directs work of maintenance workers.
• Assists the Street Maintenance Supervisor in scheduling, directing and overseeing the daily field operations of a small crew including conferring with supervisor to plan daily routines and resource needs of the crew.
• Performs a variety of maintenance tasks such as mowing, trimming, pruning, litter pickup and trash removal. Ability to operate all the necessary equipment to complete tasks including manual and powered hand-held equipment, zero-turn mowers, dump trucks, knuckleboom trucks, tractors, loaders, plow trucks and trucks with trailers.
• Responds to inclement weather events, including snow removal and storm debris cleanup.
• Cleans weeds and debris from storm ditches, catch basins, and other drainage structures.
• Applies general-use pesticides to vegetation along Town Right-of-Ways, Town properties and mulched areas.
• Completes work orders, work authorizations and other minor paperwork.
• Makes minor repairs to equipment.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must have:

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• A driver’s license valid in NC and a good driving record are required.
• Must possess valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with a Tanker Endorsement or obtain within 12 months of hire.
• Must possess a valid pesticide applicator license or obtain within 12 months of hire.
• Must be able to exercise sound decision making, comply with workplace safety regulations, and follow written and oral instructions.
• Previous team/crew leadership experience is strongly preferred.

Additional Information:

The salary range shown is the hiring range. The starting salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s skills and qualifications.

Applications should be submitted by September 11, 2026, to ensure consideration.

Participation in emergency response activities and support of Town special events is expected.

Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer