Equipment Operator - Public Works

City of Rochester•Rochester MN 55906, MN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Rochester is hiring an entry-level skilled Equipment Operator for Public Works. The position performs manual labor and operates light and heavy equipment to maintain and construct City infrastructure, including streets, bridges, alleys, paths, sanitary and storm sewers, flood-control structures, and drainage facilities. Duties also include snow and ice control, equipment maintenance, traffic-control and safety operations, and other related work. The current opening is on third shift, 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., with a $3.80-per-hour shift differential. The 2026 starting wage is $29.60 per hour. Employees must be available for call-in during off-hours, weekends, and holidays during inclement weather. Public Works employees in this position must reside where they can report to work within 30 minutes of notification; employees who do not meet this requirement when hired have up to 12 months to comply. The position is covered by the City's Respiratory Protection Program, Hearing Conservation Program, and drug-testing policy. Employees are required to use respiratory and hearing protection as applicable. Pre-employment and/or periodic drug and alcohol testing may be required. This is classified as Medium Work, involving exertion of up to 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly. Work may take place outdoors in extreme temperatures, noise, vibration, dust, fumes, chemicals, uneven terrain, and around moving machinery. Protective equipment may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Two years of full-time-equivalent employment experience operating and maintaining heavy construction equipment weighing over five tons.
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.
Ability to report to work within 30 minutes of notification; employees who do not meet this requirement when hired must meet it within 12 months.
Ability to perform a variety of maintenance, repair, and construction assignments; follow oral and written instructions; operate motor vehicles in all weather conditions; and operate power, motorized, construction, piping, hand, and power tools.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions; equipment capabilities and specialized uses; equipment operating techniques; traffic laws and regulations; and methods, tools, and materials used to maintain and repair equipment.
Ability to direct or coordinate the work activities of others.
Availability for call-in during off-hours, weekends, and holidays in the event of inclement weather.
Ability to perform the essential job functions with or without accommodation, including the stated physical and environmental demands.
Compliance with applicable respiratory protection, hearing conservation, and drug-testing requirements.

Nice To Haves

Five years of progressive experience in highway construction operating heavy equipment.
Three years of full-time experience constructing and repairing bituminous or concrete pavement.

Responsibilities

Repair and maintain bituminous streets through milling, paving, hand patching, seal coating, crack filling, and adjustment of surface utilities.
Repair and maintain concrete streets, curbs, and sidewalks, including joint resealing, spot repairs, and panel replacement.
Clean and repair sanitary and storm infrastructure, including pipes, manholes, catch basins, and stormwater structures.
Operate street sweepers, directional brooms, and flusher trucks for routine and fall-leaf sweeping.
Repair and maintain right-of-way structures such as street signs, mailboxes, and guardrails.
Perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs on City equipment.
Operate equipment to plow streets and sidewalks and apply snow- and ice-melt chemicals.
Remove snow in the Central Business District as needed.
Be available for call-in during off-hours, weekends, and holidays during inclement weather.
Construct and maintain flood and storm drainage facilities, including removing sediment, debris, and vegetation and installing erosion-control measures.
Install, repair, and maintain storm sewer pipes, chain-link fences, guardrails, grates, and other drainage structures.
Mow, cut down, or spray weeds and small trees around stormwater facilities and rights of way.
Repair and maintain bridges and flood-control structures, including cleaning bridge features, performing concrete repairs, and maintaining railings and fences.
Remove obstructions from waterways and clear intake grates and outlet pipes.
Set up and remove temporary traffic control in accordance with regulatory standards.
Inspect and maintain assigned equipment according to safety requirements, including DOT pre- and post-trip inspections.
Perform flagging and traffic-control operations.
Log and report unsafe conditions and equipment or maintenance needs to a supervisor.
Collaborate with a supervisor on infrastructure maintenance needs.
Wash and clean equipment and facility buildings.
Assist with carpentry-type work, including mailbox repair, sign fabrication, and guardrail repair.
Perform other related duties as assigned.