Heavy Equipment Operator I

Custer County • Custer, SD

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Custer County is hiring a full-time Equipment Operator I for the Custer County Highway Department in Custer, South Dakota. The role helps maintain more than 400 miles of County roads through heavy equipment operation, road maintenance and repairs, snow and ice removal, roadside clearing, sign maintenance, and routine equipment upkeep. The position requires working outdoors in varying and extreme weather, responding to seasonal and emergency road maintenance needs, and performing hands-on physical work independently and as part of a team. A valid South Dakota Class A Commercial Driver's License with Tanker Endorsement is required. The schedule is Monday through Thursday, 10-hour days, with weekends and holidays generally off except when weather events or emergencies require road maintenance. Starting pay is $23.88 per hour. The position reports to the Highway Superintendent and requires successful completion of a 12-month probationary period.

Requirements

• Valid South Dakota Class A Commercial Driver's License with Tanker Endorsement.
• Ability to read, write, and understand basic instructions, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and perform physical labor.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in varying and extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to work independently, follow directions, and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
• Must successfully complete a 12-month probationary period.
• Ability to regularly lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, climb, balance, and perform overhead work as required.
• Ability to operate equipment using hand and foot controls and perform repetitive motions and other physical tasks associated with road maintenance.
• Ability to work in conditions involving loud noise, dust, fumes, vibrations, and temperature extremes.
• Ability to hear and respond to radio communications and verbal instructions.
• Ability to safely use tools and power equipment, including chainsaws, mowers, and vibratory tools.
• Ability to work at heights, including bridges, slopes, and embankments, when required.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience operating heavy equipment or driving trucks is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment, including loaders, graders, dump trucks, snowplows, mowers, pickups, and other County equipment.
• Operate trucks and equipment for snow and ice removal.
• Perform road maintenance, repairs, and manual labor associated with maintaining County roads.
• Clear brush, trees, and other roadside debris.
• Install and maintain road signs.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and minor repairs.
• Follow County safety procedures and operate equipment safely and responsibly.
• Respond to weather-related, seasonal, and emergency road maintenance needs.
• Work collaboratively with Highway Department staff, supervisors, other County departments, and the public.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Health, dental, and life insurance options.
• Enrollment in the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS) with a 6% employer match.
• Stable, full-time employment with a four-day work week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed