Equipment Operator III- Streets/Stormwater
About The Position
The City of Wilmington is seeking a skilled Equipment Operator III to join their Streets/Stormwater team. This role involves working outdoors, operating specialized equipment, and maintaining city infrastructure. Employees will gain hands-on experience, opportunities for CDL, CPR/First Aid certifications, and heavy equipment training. This position is ideal for hardworking, dependable individuals looking to learn new skills and advance their careers. The primary purpose is to maintain and improve the City’s stormwater drainage system and/or assist in the maintenance of public roads to ensure safety and reliability. This is accomplished by operating power-driven equipment requiring a CDL in the construction and maintenance of public roads and sidewalks and/or in the construction and maintenance of stormwater drainage systems. This position is part of the Equipment Operator career series, handling more complex equipment and tasks than entry and mid-level operators, requiring strong technical ability, attention to detail, and confidence in operating machinery with accuracy. Work includes operating equipment such as motor graders, dump trucks with snow plows and brine tanks, crack sealers, sweepers, vac-cons, and road patchers. Lighter machinery may also be operated as needed. Beyond equipment operation, responsibilities include supporting team members, assisting in training less experienced staff, maintaining equipment, and completing daily logs and documentation. The role operates under regular supervision while contributing to essential infrastructure.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED, with vocational or technical training in the operation of CDL-operated vehicles.
- Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in construction, maintenance, groundskeeping or a related field.
- Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience operating the types of equipment identified in this class.
- Valid Driver's license.
- Ability to obtain Class B within 90 days of hire.
- Knowledge of the basic operation and maintenance requirements of the equipment operated by this classification.
- Ability to communicate and work cooperatively with colleagues, City leadership, and the general public.
- Ability to obtain Flagger & WorkZone Safety certifications within 90 days of hire.
- Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to work tasks and handle practical situations and requests made by supervisor and/or lead workers; to comprehend and respond to a variety of situations in an efficient manner; to understand and follow simple oral and written directives and perform the relative tasks using sound judgment.
Responsibilities
- Operates complex heavy equipment to perform digging, grading, trenching, loading, and material movement for City infrastructure and maintenance projects.
- Plans and executes work to ensure accurate grading, slopes, and placement while minimizing impact to property and avoiding underground utilities.
- Identifies equipment needs; transports, inspects, and secures equipment before and after use.
- Operates backhoes, motor graders, excavators, and boom mowers for construction, maintenance, and right-of-way work, including hard-to-reach areas.
- Performs basic preventive maintenance and maintains daily logs and records of completed work.
- Assists crews with general labor tasks, including digging, grading, and handling materials and equipment.
- Ensures safe work zones by following safety procedures, monitoring surroundings, directing traffic, and placing appropriate signage and barriers.
- Assists with storm response, special events, and other assigned duties.
- Provides guidance and training to lower-level staff.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
- Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System
- Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
- Free on-site city gym access
- Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
- 6-weeks paid parental leave
- Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
- Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
- Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
- Tuition assistance benefits
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
