Heavy Equipment Operator

Salary: $50,037.52 - $75,056.28 Annually
Location : Huntersville, NC
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 202600177
Department: PUBLIC WORKS
Opening Date: 05/05/2026


Job Description


Performs work in the operation of motorized equipment in the construction and maintenance of streets, storm drains, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, rights-of-way and other town facilities, and related work as required. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Public Works Crew Leader.

Essential Duties of the Position


The following duties are those considered most essential to the position. This does not preclude the delegation of other duties considered as necessary by management to successfully complete an assignment or project.

• Operates and maintains backhoes, bull dozers, loaders, multi-axle dump trucks, asphalt rollers, tractors and other medium and heavy equipment.
• Operates street sweepers and other specialized vehicles.
• Performs grading operations using medium and heavy-duty equipment in the delivery of various construction and maintenance projects including parking lot expansions, roadway widening, sidewalk installation and other projects.
• Mows street rights-of-way and other public grounds.
• Uses hand tools in performance of tasks.
• Repairs and maintains regulatory and street name signs.
• Participates in patching potholes, utility cuts, pours and finishes concrete for sidewalk, curb and gutter installation and repair.
• Washes and cleans assigned equipment; performs routine servicing such as checking fluid level and tire pressure.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Education and Experience


Knowledge of the practices and techniques of operating and servicing motorized vehicles and equipment; knowledge of traffic laws and regulations governing equipment operation; knowledge of occupational hazards involved and the safety precautions necessary to the proper equipment operation, and geography and soil characteristics; skill and care in the operation of several types of trucks and construction equipment; ability to read and interpret grade and construction staking; working knowledge of various materials of construction such as asphalt, concrete, stone, and soils; ability to perform manual labor for extended periods of time, often in unfavorable weather conditions; ability to learn geography of Town; ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions; ability to read sketches and plans; ability to demonstrate mechanical aptitude as required to make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.


High school diploma or GED and at least 2 to 4 years of public works and maintenance experience including operating medium to heavy construction equipment. Or a combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills to complete the essential functions and job responsibilities of this position.


Possession of a Class A Commercial Driver's License valid in the State of North Carolina. This position is subject to Emergency Call Back during emergency situations and inclement weather.

Supplemental Information


This position's physical requirements involve medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects, including the human body. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required: handling, hearing, lifting, reaching, speaking, visual acuity, and/or walking.

Work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and exposure to vibration, frequently working near moving mechanical parts and exposure to the risk of electrical shock and occasionally requires exposure to extreme cold (non-weather) and exposure to extreme heat (non-weather); work is generally in a very loud noise location (e.g. jack hammer work, construction equipment).

The Town of Huntersville is committed to providing equal opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), gender, national origin, religion, disability, military service or veteran status, genetic information or any other classification protected by applicable Federal, State, and local laws and ordinances. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Town of Huntersville will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with Human Resources staff.
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