Mobile Equipment Operator 1-2

State of Louisiana; Lutcher (LA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Pontchartrain Levee District is seeking a Mobile Equipment Operator 1 to support levee maintenance and public safety across its jurisdiction. You will operate a range of equipment, including zero-turn mowers and tractors with various attachments, and assist with basic repairs under supervision.

The role emphasizes teamwork, safety, and efficient maintenance of levee infrastructure, with a 6:00 AM–4:30 PM schedule and potential for additional duties as assigned by supervisors.

Qualifications

• No experience or formal training required; entry-level role.
• Familiarity with basic equipment operation is a plus.
• Willingness to perform manual labor and follow safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate zero-turn mowers to maintain levee grounds.
• Operate field tractors with attachments (bush hogs, blades, loaders).
• Operate tractors with gang or slope mowers as needed.
• Assist mechanics with minor repairs to tractors/mowers.
• Assist with fueling and greasing of equipment.
• Per supervisor instructions, operate other equipment as needed to complete work objectives.

Skills

Zero-turn mower operation

Tractor operation

Basic vehicle maintenance

Teamwork

Tools

Tractors with attachments

Job description

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Pontchartrain Levee District (PLD) includes the following:

• Maintain the existing levee systems in a condition that will ensure its integrity and capability to safely withstand the river stages and hurricane tidal surges anticipated by their design and construction
• Improve by construction or support the construction by others, of new or enhanced levels of protection as design parameters change or higher levels of protection are authorized
• Anticipate weaknesses in the system before and as they develop and actively report with necessary emergency measures when the levees are being subjected to river stages or hurricane tidal surges that would cause flooding within the jurisdiction of the PLD as defined in R.S. 38:291 L.

The above listed missions are paramount and other activities in which the PLD becomes involved are secondary missions and will receive lower priority for utilization of PLD’s available resources.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

The Pontchartrain Levee District was created by the legislature in 1895. It is a multijurisdictional agency, representing six (6) east bank parishes, namely a portion of East Baton Rouge, and all of the parishes of Iberville, Ascension, St. James, St. John the Baptist, and St. Charles.

The Pontchartrain Levee District has the responsibility of levee maintenance, such as grass cutting, levee drainage assistance, borrow pit drainage and maintenance/cleanup and clearing along the levee and its rights-of-ways. At all times, District personnel maintain and monitor the federal levee systems within their jurisdiction, looking for any and all dangers or operations on or near the levees that may be detrimental to the integrity of the flood risk reduction system.

Personnel work together as a team. Personnel turnover within this agency is minimal due to the pleasant work environment and leadership within the organization. There may be opportunities for advancement as positions arise. For over a century, the Pontchartrain Levee District has served the public in numerous capacities, ranging from levee maintenance and repairs to project permitting for activities along the levee system. Protecting life, property, and critical infrastructure remains the mission of the Pontchartrain Levee District today.

No experience or training is required.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

As a Mobile Equipment Operator 1, you will be instrumental in the care and maintenance of the levees within the PLD’s jurisdiction. In this role, you will:

• Operate zero-turn mowers
• Operate field tractor will power rating over 98 hp; tractors may be equipped with attachments such as bush hogs, belly attachments, blades, hoes, loaders, etc.
• Operate tractor with gang mowers or slope mowers
• Assist mechanics with minor repairs to tractors/mowers
• Assist with fueling and greasing of tractors/mowers
• May be requested to operate any operator any equipment enumerated for a Mobile Equipment Operator 1 when necessary to accomplish work objectives eg: cutting grass with swing blade around levee station markers and signs on crown of levee and fence lines; with chain saw (to clean levee servitude of trees, bonfire residue); clean debris from levee crown, levee toe, levee ditch including but not limited to trash (paper, wood, plastic, tires, etc) and residue from yearly bonfire; and perform other duty as described by supervisor to operate any piece of equipment or accomplish duty designated by supervisor

Position-Specific Details

Appointment Type: Probational - up to 24 months

Career Progression: This position does participate in a Career Progression Group, it may be filled as Mobile Equipment Operator 1 or 2.

Work Schedule: Work hours are 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Thursday.

Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.