Light Equipment Operator

Cookeville; Cookeville (TN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Paid Life Insurance

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Account

Voluntary Benefits

Pension and 401k Retirement Savings

Paid Holidays

Paid Sick time - 8 hours/month

Paid Vacation time - 8 hours/month

Job summary

City of Cookeville is seeking a Light Equipment Operator to perform maintenance and construction tasks using tractors, mowers, bush hogs, pup rollers, and light trucks. Responsibilities include inspecting equipment, minor repairs, and debris removal on city rights‑of‑way.

The role requires a valid TN driver's license and a CDL within six months, with ability to perform heavy labor in various weather conditions and work around traffic and construction sites. CDL preferred or obtainable.

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge of operating light equipment and safety practices.
• Must understand state and city traffic regulations.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor and work in varying weather.
• Good hand-eye coordination for operating machinery.

Responsibilities

• Operates light equipment such as tractors, mowers, bush hogs, and trucks up to 25 tons.
• Inspects equipment and performs minor repairs as needed.
• Maintains sanitation and debris removal on rights-of-way and city properties.
• Assists in installing signs, culverts, and sidewalks and may drive street cleaners.
• Responds to emergency tasks or call-outs as required.

Skills

Light equipment operation

Traffic regulations knowledge

Safety procedures

Manual labor

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Position Title: Light Equipment Operator
Pay Grade: F
Department: Public Works
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Foreman
Safety Sensitive: Yes - CDL
Position Supervises: No
Date Approved: 02/2025
On-call Required: No
Date Revised: 02/2026

JOB SUMMARY:

Employees in this class are under general supervision. Work is performed in operating light equipment such as tractors, mowers, bush hogs, pup rollers, trucks (up to 25-ton capacity) and could occasionally operation the street sweeper in a variety of maintenance and construction tasks.

Examples of work performed: Operates pup rollers on light work such as rolling patches on surface-treated roads; operates dump trucks, tractors, mowers and bush hogs; sees that assigned truck is properly loaded; inspects the equipment for mechanical problems and sees that these problems are corrected; maintains and performs minor repair work on equipment; operates mechanical saws to cut and fell trees, branches and brush; removes debris from rights-of-ways and other city property; occasionally drives street cleaners and street washers; builds and repairs sidewalks and catch basins, installs culverts; installs traffic and street signs; cleans equipment and tools; subject to call out; performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of practices used in the operation of assigned light equipment
• Knowledge of state and city traffic regulations
• Knowledge of safety precautions and maintenance of light equipment
• Knowledge of the care and use of motor vehicles
• Knowledge of the materials and equipment used in general maintenance and construction work
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions
• Ability to operate assigned light equipment
• Ability to carry out simple written and oral instructions
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods under unfavorable climatic conditions
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and co-workers

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Requires a valid TN driver's license. Must possess a TN commercial driver's license (CDL) or be able to obtain one within six (6) months of employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience in construction and/or operation of construction equipment is preferred. High school education or equivalent is preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

PHYSICAL:

Lift, pull, and carry objects weighing up to 100 pounds as required. Perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, including digging, pulling, and operating equipment. Operate equipment in ditches, on rough terrain, and in confined or uneven spaces. Exhibit excellent hand-eye coordination to safely operate light equipment, including tractors, mowers, bush hogs, pup rollers, and street sweepers.

ENVIRONMENTAL:

Perform duties in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, or snow. Operate equipment in moving traffic and on rough or unstable terrain. Perform tasks in environments with potential occupational hazards, such as debris removal and culvert installation. Be subject to call-out for emergency tasks or repairs.

FULL TIME BENEFITS SUMMARY:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Paid Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Voluntary Benefits
• Pension and 401k Retirement Savings
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick time - 8 hours/month
• Paid Vacation time - 8 hours/month

City of Cookeville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Qualified individuals with known disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the Human Resources department at [phone].

Successful applicants must pass a limited background check, pre-employment physical, and drug screen.