Heavy Equipment Operator

Salary: $26.05 Hourly
Location : 1919 15th Avenue, Kearney, NE
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00219
Department: Public Works
Division: Streets
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt


Description
Under general supervision, operates heavy equipment and performs maintenance-related tasks at a senior level. Work varies; limited judgment within prescribed standards and procedures is required; adjusts work methods to meet task requirements.

Essential Functions
Operate a variety of equipment including but not limited to: loader, dump truck, vac truck, motor grader, skid steer, mechanical street sweeper and tractor necessary for street operations; participate in snow removal; load, mix, and spread precise ratios of anti-icing chemicals during inclement weather; clean storm sewers; break up and remove concrete; patch streets; pour and finish concrete work on storm sewers; assist with crack sealing operating tar kettle; remove gravel and debris from streets; repair or replace worn or broken signs; paint and tape pavement markings, arrows, crosswalks, and curbs; perform routine maintenance on equipment; apply pesticides for weed control. Haul construction materials such as dirt, concrete, gravel, and other materials to various sites. Perform daily inspections and maintenance on equipment; make minor repair to equipment. Use small power tools for road/concrete installation and repair. Set up barriers, warning signs, and cones around work zones. Perform overtime as required and other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION - RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK OF OTHERS:

Serve as a lead worker when necessary.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials and the public. (Daily)
Regular timely/punctual attendance. (Daily)
Write and comprehend written material for work assignments and work orders. (Daily)
Maintain and safely operate equipment. (Daily)
Assigned projects are performed properly and efficiently. (Daily)
Operate both manual and automatic transmission vehicles. (Daily)
Apply the knowledge of materials, equipment and procedures to perform maintenance and construction activities. (Daily)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Work Type: Very heavy, exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects
Climbing/Balancing: Climb inclines, uneven surfaces, balance required
Walking: Extensive amount required
Stooping/Bending: Frequently
Stand/Sit: Sit about 10 percent of the time
Reaching: Frequent, overhead as well as horizontal
Vision: Adequate to perform essential job functions
Color Vision: Adequate to perform essential functions
Hearing: Frequently perceive nature of sounds by ear
Speech: Occasionally express ideas by means of spoken words
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently operates a clutch operated vehicle and construction equipment
Manual Dexterity: Frequently operates construction equipment

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Inside/Outside: Work outside and inside
Cold/Heat: Adverse conditions possible
Wet/Dry: Adverse conditions possible
Noise/Vibrations: Heavy packer and truck noise
Hazards: Exposure to traffic safety areas
Fumes/Dust/Odors: Exposure to dust, odors, and fumes
Infectious Diseases: Low exposure

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Ability to read and comprehend written material.
Ability to listen to and apply information and instructions.
Ability to understand mathematical concepts to include basic arithmetic.

Qualifications


MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Education and experience equivalent to high school /GED with three years' construction equipment operation, maintenance or related activities. Valid driver's license with the ability to obtain a CDL with Air Brakes Certification within 6 months of hire.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:
Thirty (30) minute response time by way of the most direct route from the employee's permanent residence to the employee's assigned work site and within posted speed limits.

Supplemental Information


MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT AND WORK AIDS USED:

Mechanical street sweeper, Vac-all, loader, salt and sand spreader, dump truck, tar kettle, tractor, shovels, rakes, forklifts, skid steer loaders, brooms, computer two-way radio, phone, gloves, goggles, and various personal protective equipment.

REMARKS:
The above position description is intended to describe the duties of an employee in general terms and does not necessarily describe all of his/her duties.
Rates effective January 1, 2026 and are subject to change. Benefits are effective on the 1st day of employment.


Health and Dental Insurance: The City of Kearney Health Insurance Plans includes health, prescription, and dental coverage. The City offers two plans (traditional PPO and a high deductible option) Employee spouses' who have health/dental coverage available through their own employer are not eligible to participate in the City's health/dental insurance.

Health/Dental (4 Tiers) - Traditional PPO

• Single Coverage $ 92.20 biweekly
• Employee + Spouse Coverage $196.62 biweekly
• Employee + Dependents Coverage $156.73 biweekly
• Family Coverage $229.57 biweekly

Health/Dental (4 Tiers) - High Deductible Health Plan with HSA option

• Single Coverage $ 81.50 biweekly
• Employee + Spouse Coverage $174.03 biweekly
• Employee + Dependents Coverage $138.56 biweekly
• Family Coverage $203.05 biweekly

HSA City Contribution: Individual - $750
Family - $1,200

Vision Insurance: EyeMed Vision coverage is available. Employee only - $3.32; Employee/Spouse - $6.30; Employee/Dependents - $6.64; Family - $9.76. All rates are bi-weekly payroll deductions.

IdentityForce: Identity Theft Protection available, Employee/Children (children 26 and under) $8.49; Family $14.49 per month.

Retirement: City contributes 6% if the employee contributes 6%.

Life Insurance: The City pays 100% of the cost of employee life insurance of $50,000, spouse coverage $10,000, and dependent children coverage $5,000. Supplemental life insurance available at a discounted group rate.

Cafeteria/Section 125: Can be used for medical and daycare expenses per IRS guidelines.

Deferred Comp: Voluntary deferred compensation program (457 & Roth IRA Plans).

EAP: Employee Assistance Program provides 6 free counseling sessions per issue for employees and dependents.

Long Term Disability: Long term disability insurance provided by the City.

Longevity: Annual payment of $300 after 5 years of continuous years of service with $50 increases every 5 years with a maximum payment of $550.

Vacation: Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments in the following manner: 80 hrs years 1 - 4; 120 hrs years 5 - 14; 160 hrs years 15+. New employees receive 40 hours of vacation upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Vacation leave may accumulate to a maximum of 240 hours.


Medical Leave: Medical leave is accrued at a biweekly rate equal to 12 days a year. New employees receive 40 hours of medical leave upon hire with biweekly accruals beginning on the sixth month of employment. Medical leave may accumulate to a maximum of 1,440 hours.


Parental Leave: 3 weeks paid leave.


Personal Leave: 2 personal days are provided on the first of every calendar year. Employees must be employed on January 1st to receive personal leave days. Unused personal leave does not carry over to the next year.

Holidays: Twelve paid holidays per year.

Military: Active members receive 120 hours of military leave annually. Military leave does not carry over to the next year.