Equipment Operator - Public Works

Equipment Operator

The City of Rochester welcomes applications for :

Equipment Operator Public Works

Current opening - Third shift (11pm to 7am) Shift differential for third shift is $3.40 per hour

The Equipment Operator is an entry-level, skilled position that performs quality manual labor and operation of both light and heavy equipment to complete a wide range of maintenance activities on City infrastructure. Typical job duties may include, but are not limited to : reconstructing and maintaining City streets, bridges, alleys, and paths (including bituminous and concrete work); maintaining sanitary sewers and storm sewers and flood control structures; performing snow and ice control during winter months (must be available for call-in during off hours in the case of inclement weather); performing safety operations and completing other duties as assigned.

Basic types of equipment that Equipment Operators may operate include, but are not limited to : tandem and single axle snow plow trucks, street sweepers, wheel loaders, skid loaders, jackhammers, air compressors, spray patcher, crack sealer, various hand tools and related equipment. More experienced operators may operate grader, paver, distributor, water tanker / flusher, excavator and dozer.

To have your application considered with the first review of applications, please apply before October 1, 2025. The 2025 wage range for this opportunity is $28.46 to $36.93 per hour.

The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment.

• Infrastructure construction and maintenance

Repair and maintain bituminous streets including milling, paving, hand patching, seal coating, crack filling, adjusting surface utilities (manholes) etc.

Repair and maintain concrete streets, curbs, and sidewalks including joint re-sealing, spot repair, panel replacement, etc.

Clean and repair sanitary and storm infrastructure; i.e. reconstructing pipes, reconstructing and cleaning manholes, catch basins, storm water structures

Operate street sweepers, directional brooms and flusher trucks for routine sweeping and fall leaf sweeping.

Repair and maintain structures in the right of way including street signs, mailboxes, guard rails, etc.

Perform preventative maintenance and / or minor repair to City equipment; i.e. cleaning, greasing, etc.

Operate equipment to plow streets and sidewalks including application of snow / ice melt chemicals.

Remove snow in the Central Business District as needed (this is generally completed during overnight hours to cause the least disruption to the public)

Be available for call-in during off hours, weekends and holidays, in the case of inclement weather events.

Remove sediment, debris, trees, etc from storm drainage facilities.

Install rip rap, seed blankets, and other erosion control measures.

Install, repair, and maintain storm sewer pipes.

Install, repair, and maintain chain link fence, guard rails, grates, etc. around drainage structures.

Mow, cut down and spray weeds and / or small trees around storm water facilities and / or right of way.

Flush and clean bridge decks, sidewalks, medians, expansion joints, etc.

Perform concrete repairs.

Install, repair and maintain railings, fences, guardrails, etc.

Remove obstructions from waterways, clear intake grates, clear outlet pipes, etc.

Set up and remove temporary traffic control according to regulatory standards.

Inspect and maintain assigned equipment in accordance with proper safety requirements including DOT pre / post trip inspections.

Perform flagging and traffic control operations.

Log and report all unsafe conditions, maintenance needs, etc. to supervisor

Collaborate with supervisor on infrastructure maintenance needs.

Wash and clean equipment and facility buildings.

Assist with carpentry type work including mailbox repair, sign fabrication, guardrail repair.

Perform other related duties as assigned

Education and Experience : High school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years full-time equivalent employment experience operating and maintaining heavy construction equipment weighing over five tons

Licenses and Certifications : A Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brake and tank endorsements is required within 90 days of hire as a condition of continued employment.

Desirable Qualifications : Five (5) years progressive experience in the highway construction field operating heavy equipment. Three (3) years full-time experience constructing and repairing bituminous or concrete pavement.

THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY PUBLIC WORKS' RESPONSE TIME REQUIREMENT : Public Works employees currently in the position or individuals hired for this position must reside within an area which will allow them to report for work within thirty (30) minutes from the time notified. Those who do not currently meet this requirement shall be allowed no more than twelve (12) months after the date that they were hired to fill the position to meet this requirement. Promotions to positions may be withheld from employees who residence would prevent them from meeting the thirty (30) minutes response time.

Knowledge of : occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in the operation of assigned equipment; capabilities of the equipment operated including the adaptations and specialized uses to which equipment can be put in meeting emergency or other unusual conditions; proper techniques and procedures for operating a blade, crawler, sweeper and related equipment; traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations involved in equipment operation; and practices, methods, tools, and materials used in the maintenance and repair of equipment. Skill in : the care and use of tools and the operation of power equipment and construction equipment. Ability to : perform a variety of maintenance, repair and construction assignments; follow oral and written instructions; operate power operated and motorized equipment; operate piping tools and a variety of hand and power tools; operate a motor vehicles in all weather conditions; and direct or coordinate the work activities of others.

Physical and environmental criteria : In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation. In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Medium Work : Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and / or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands that may be required continuously (2 / 3 or more of the time), frequently (1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1 / 3 of the time) are noted below : Frequent demands : standing; walking; lifting; carrying; pushing / pulling; balancing; stooping; kneeling; crouching; crawling; twisting; bending; foot controls; fine dexterity; and simultaneous use of the hand, wrist and fingers. Occasional demands : sitting; reaching; handling; and climbing. Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include : sight, hearing, and touch. Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include : Extreme cold (below 32 degrees) Extreme heat (above 100 degrees) Noise (need to shout in order to be heard) Vibration (exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities of whole body) Exposure to dust / gas / fumes / steam / chemicals Work outdoors (no effective protection from weather) Walk on uneven ground (gravel, rocks, mounds, construction sites) Working around moving machinery (fork-lifts, tractors, mowers) Protective equipment required (respirator, mask,