Heavy Equipment Operator/ Leverman|Captain

City of Virginia Beach

75d • $51,979 - $80,995 • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Virginia Beach Public Works Department is hiring a Heavy Equipment Operator/Leverman|Captain to perform labor and maintenance tasks on the City dredge, piping, and related equipment. The position operates the dredging vessel Rudee II while excavating material in Rudee Inlet; runs support boats and equipment; and operates heavy equipment in support of dredging operations. The employee uses onboard computer programs, maintains electronic logs and daily reports, monitors vessel traffic and weather conditions, and promotes safe work practices. In the supervisor’s absence, the employee leads and supervises crew members, trains employees, and assigns work as directed.

This is an ALPHA I position, requiring work beyond normally scheduled days or hours during inclement weather and City-wide emergencies. The position requires a mandatory pre-employment physical and a current, valid driver’s license. A CDL is required; candidates without one must obtain a Class A or B instruction permit within six months and a full Class A or B CDL within the first year of employment. Failure to obtain the CDL will result in termination. The position is safety-sensitive and subject to mandatory drug testing, and employees may be required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment. A $4,000 CDL hiring bonus is available to newly hired employees, paid in three increments during the first year subject to the stated performance conditions.

The work schedule varies seasonally and offers alternative schedules. During Memorial Day–Labor Day, the stated shift receives an additional 5% shift differential. Full-time employees contribute 5% of annual salary to their VRS retirement account through pre-tax payroll deduction.

Requirements

• Tenth grade education plus five years of experience in fields providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and associated with Motor Equipment Operator or Heavy Equipment Operator positions, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Current and valid driver’s license.
• Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License required. Candidates without a CDL must obtain a Class A or B instruction permit within six months of employment and a full Class A or B CDL within the first year of employment.
• Ability to meet mandatory pre-employment physical requirements.
• Subject to mandatory drug testing as a safety-sensitive employee.
• May be required to wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Must be registered in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, as applicable to CDL positions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience operating a dredge and boat.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate the Rudee II dredging vessel while excavating material in Rudee Inlet.
• Operate the skiff, tender, and other support equipment to maneuver the dredge and floating equipment; connect and disconnect pipelines; tow the dredge and pipelines; set and retrieve swing anchors; transport crew members; and maintain navigational aid assets.
• Safely operate heavy equipment, including a backhoe, bulldozer, forklift, excavator, crane, and HDPE pipe fusion machine, in support of dredging operations.
• Use onboard computer programs to maximize dredging production and maintain electronic logs and daily operational reports.
• Monitor vessel traffic, sea state, and weather conditions to ensure safe operation of dredging equipment and support vessels.
• Promote workplace safety by ensuring required PPE is worn, verifying routine inspections and documentation by the oiler, conducting pre-task safety meetings, and taking precautions to prevent accidents and incidents.
• Lead and supervise crew members in the supervisor’s absence, train employees in equipment operation and maintenance, and assign work as directed.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with citizens, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Follow instructions and perform other related duties as assigned.
• Work beyond normally scheduled days or hours during inclement weather and in response to short-term departmental needs or City-wide emergencies.

Benefits

• A $4,000 CDL hiring bonus for newly hired employees, paid in three increments during the first year subject to performance requirements.
• An additional 5% shift differential for the specified Memorial Day–Labor Day schedule.
• Full-time employees participate in VRS retirement, with a 5% annual salary contribution deducted pre-tax.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED