Motor Equipment Operator

Tompkins County; New York (NY); On-site; USD 37,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Tompkins County is seeking a Motor Equipment Operator to safely operate trucks, tractors, and related equipment for road maintenance, snow removal, and other duties. A New York CDL Class A or B with tank endorsement is required, with no Air Brakes restriction at the time of application.

This is a full-time civil service position, with residency requirements and the potential to perform manual labor and operate a variety of equipment.

Qualifications

• Valid New York State CDL Class A or B is required at time of application.
• Tank endorsement (N) required for certain assignments; evidence of endorsements must be maintained.
• No Air Brakes restriction at the time of application; ability to operate heavy trucks with manual transmission if required.

Responsibilities

• Operate trucks, tractors, and other highway equipment for snow removal, paving, and maintenance.
• Perform preventative maintenance and support for department equipment.
• Conduct manual labor tasks such as lifting, digging, and cleaning as needed.
• Respond to emergencies and be available for overtime and special assignments.
• May supervise Laborers or others on specific tasks.

Skills

Manual truck operation

Physical stamina

Safety awareness

Education

CDL Class A/B with Tank Endorsement (N)

Job description

TOMPKINS COUNTY CIVIL SERVICEVACANCY

Inclusion Through Diversity

OPEN TO THE PUBLICTompkins County Department of Human Resources Office

125 E. Court StreetIthaca, NY 14850

[phone]Tompkins County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply

TITLE: Motor Equipment Operator

SALARY: $31.50 per hour

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Full Time

ISSUE DATE: 08/11/26

THE FINAL DATE TO FILE APPLICATIONS: 09/30/26

DATE THAT THIS ANNOUNCEMENT SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM POSTING: 10/01/26

RESIDENCY

Candidates must have been legal residents of Tompkins County or one of the six adjoining counties (Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga) for at least one month immediately preceding the date of application and maintain residency. For Examinations: The eligible list resulting from the examination will be established in accordance with the final earned numerical ratings of passing candidates regardless of residence. A municipality or district may exercise its right under section 23-4-a. of Civil Service Law to request a certification of eligible candidates who have been residents of that municipality or district for at least one month prior to appointment. After the names of residents have been exhausted, Tompkins County must then certify the names of non-residents on the list.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The applicant must possess a valid New York State Commercial Driver’s License, Class A or B, at the time of application and maintain such license for the duration of employment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE TOWN OF LANSING AND TOMPKINS COUNTY HIGHWAYDEPARTMENT

The candidate must possess a valid New York State Commercial Driver’s License, Class A or B at the time of application. There can be no Air Brakes restriction listed at the time of application. Depending on the vehicles owned by the agency in which hired, the candidate may be required to demonstrate the ability to safely and effectively operate a heavy truck which utilizes a manual transmission. The incumbent must possess a Tank endorsement (N) within 90 days of appointment. The employee must maintain the CDL and appropriate endorsements for the duration of employment. Failure to maintain the required license may result in termination of the employment situation.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE TOWN OF ITHACA

The candidate must possess a valid New York State Commercial Driver’s License, Class A or B, with tank endorsement, at the time of application. There can be no Air Brakes restriction (L or Z) listed at the time of application but are allowed to have non-manual transmission (E) restriction. Class A license may have an O (non-tractor-trailer) restriction. The candidate is expected to demonstrate the ability to safely and effectively operate a heavy truck (utilizing manual or automatic transmission), truck and trailer combinations and/or other such heavy equipment as required. Incumbents must maintain CDL and appropriate endorsements for the duration of employment. Failure to maintain the required license may result in termination of the employment situation.

Tompkins County is committed to Equity and Inclusion. We encourage those with similar values to apply.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

This is manual work involving responsibility for the safe and efficient operation of various types of motor equipment and the performance of manual duties related to the operation of the equipment. The work also involves the performance of a variety of unskilled labor tasks. This class is distinguished from that of Heavy Equipment Operator in that the work primarily involves the operation of motor equipment that is not classified as heavy equipment. The Motor Equipment Operator may, however, operate heavy equipment on a relief or trainee basis. The work is performed under general supervision with some leeway allowed for the exercise of independent judgment. Supervision may be exercised over the work of Laborers or others on specific tasks. The incumbent will perform all related duties as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

• Operates a truck in connection with the removal of snow and refuse, and the transportation of stone, gravel, and supplies
• Operates a tractor with mowing or snow removal attachments or a truck with a snow loader, snow plow, or other attachments
• Operates other street construction equipment
• Performs preventative maintenance of department equipment
• Performs manual labor such as loading trucks, digging ditches, cutting trees and brush, flushing sewers, cleaning culverts, raking blacktop, mulching, chipping wood, and landscaping related duties
• Acts as an essential personnel and may be required to respond to emergency call-ins
• May supervise others, as specific tasks require

IN ADDITION TO THE TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITES LISTED ABOVE THOSE THAT WORK AT VARIOUSTOWNS MAY ALSO

• May perform water maintenance work on water distribution systems such as fire hydrants and watermains
• May perform sewer maintenance work on manholes, and sewer collection systems
• May assist with water distribution and sewer collections monitoring, as assigned
• May perform parks cleaning and preparation for recreational activities
• May perform general facility upkeep, cleaning and maintenance duties
• May perform other highway / public works related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Good knowledge of the operation of tractors, trucks and other automotive equipment
• Good knowledge of the geography of the area
• Skill in the use of basic hand and power tools (e.g., hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, power drills, and circular saws)
• Ability and willingness to perform routine tasks requiring physical exertion such as lifting, climbing, painting, washing, sweeping/mopping, moving furniture, shoveling, raking, and mowing
• Ability to operate and maintain a variety of buildings and grounds equipment and vehicles such as scaffolding, pumps, lifts, riding and walk-behind mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, blowers, plows, spreaders, pressure washers, and (depending upon the appointing authority) trucks (pickup, dump and lift-gate), (depending on appointing authority)
• Ability to understand and follow simple oral and written directions
• Ability to identify, avoid, and report potentially hazardous working conditions
• Ability to understand, interpret, and follow all applicable safety policies
• Mechanical aptitude for vehicles and facilities
• Willingness to respond to emergencies and perform overtime work
• Willingness to work outside under adverse weather conditions
• The employee’s physical and mental condition shall be commensurate with the demands of the position, either with or without reasonable accommodations

Originally created 7/17/81M9.doc