Heavy Equipment Operator (0766)

Southwest Florida Water Management District•Bartow, FL

2d•$17 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

This position offers a unique opportunity to support our Field Operations Section through essential maintenance and stewardship of District lands. In this role, you will contribute to the care of recreation sites, well sites, fences, buildings, and other key assets while helping ensure the long-term functionality and resilience of our natural systems. A major focus of this position is overseeing and performing critical maintenance on the Peace Creek Canal—an increasingly important responsibility as surrounding population growth has heightened both the complexity and necessity of this work. Your efforts will help the canal operate at peak performance, maximizing its flood‑protection benefits for our communities. You will collaborate with a variety of teams, assist in developing scopes for contracted maintenance, manage contractor activities, and perform hands-on maintenance tasks. This role provides meaningful impact, professional growth, and the opportunity to help preserve Florida’s vital natural resources while enjoying flexibility and true work-life balance.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
Three (3) years related work experience
Obtainment of a Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement within 1 (one) year of hire
Valid IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and NFES S130/190 and L-180 burn certificate within one year

Nice To Haves

Four (4) years related work experience
Valid Class A CDL
CDL Tanker Endorsement within 6 (six) months
Valid IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, and NFES S130/190 and L-180 burn certificate within one year
Six (6) years related work experience
Valid Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement
Valid IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, NFES S130/190 and L-180, and Basic Fire Control Training Certificate or equivalent (Must obtain within 6 months of hire)
Preferred Southern Area Engine Academy
Six (7) years related work experience
Valid IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, NFES S130/190 and L-180, and Basic Fire Control Training Certificate or equivalent (Must obtain within 6 months of hire)

Responsibilities

Mows and performs general maintenance of canals and waterways utilizing tractors, batwing mowers, front end loaders, bulldozers, and other types of heavy equipment.
Mows and trims around fence lines, gates, and culverts utilizing zero turn mowers, line trimmers, equipment trailers and pickup trucks.
Sprays herbicide to maintain fence lines, gates, riprap embankments, and culverts.
Operates chainsaws and other handheld equipment as required.
Picks up and disposes of trash and debris.
Operates tractor-trailers, dump trucks, heavy duty trucks, and trailers to transport heavy equipment, rock, dirt and construction materials to job sites.
Maintains District conservation lands utilizing harrow discs, bush hog mowers, bulldozers, and other heavy equipment to maintain roads, firebreaks, creeks, and natural systems.
Participates in prescribed burning and wildfire suppression activities.
Performs routine maintenance and makes minor repairs to the equipment operated.
Operates, maintains and transports heavy equipment; oversees and executes projects on District lands.
Completes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers canal inspections and maintenance, road grading, culvert installation and low water crossings.
Operates forestry equipment for various tasks including prescribed burning, disking and chopping underbrush.
Participates in all aspects of the District's emergency operations during storm events, wildfires and other declared emergencies.
Operates loaders, dozers, excavators, tractors, transports, graders, skidders, boom mower, dump trucks, light and heavy vehicles, back-hoe, skid steer, gooseneck trailers, and chainsaws.
Enters data for timecards, work orders, vehicle/fuel logs, reports, e-mails, and District Cyber training classes.
Respond to emergency management activities or other incidents requiring response in support of District designated events.

Benefits

Florida Retirement System (FRS) District Total Contribution 14.03%
9 paid holidays (+ 1 floating holiday)
Generous vacation and sick leave
Paid Parental Leave, including Maternity, Bonding and Family Supportive Work Program
Medical and dental insurance (91- 97% District paid)
Vision insurance
Deferred Compensation Program
Basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance
Long-term disability (District Paid)
Prescription drug coverage & mail order program
Health savings & flexible spending accounts
Flexible schedule for work-life balance
Legal and Identity Theft protection
Wellness program
Public service loan forgiveness qualified employer
Tuition reimbursement ($5,250/year)
State adoption benefit qualified employer
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Transfer in years of service for other public sector work – towards the FRS program and sick time