Heavy Equipment Operator

Salary: $21.70 - $30.38 Hourly
Location : New Port Richey, FL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 14195-0926R
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 09/18/2026
Closing Date: 10/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Salary Range: $21.70 - $30.38
Pay Grade: N35 (Non-exempt position)
Salary Disclosure: Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level and internal equity.


General Description
JOIN OUR TEAM AS A HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - ROAD & BRIDGE

Performs work of more than ordinary difficulty in the operation of heavy grading equipment and other related equipment. Duties include lead work responsibility.

Essential Job Functions
In addition to the equipment operated by the lower class operator, employee operates heavy and complex equipment requiring skill and the exercise of independent judgment. Employee may operate vehicle combinations 26,000 lbs. GVWR or more with towed vehicles under 10,000 lbs. GVWR. Performs skilled duties in the operation of A-Boom mowers, motor graders, wheel loaders, dozers, distributors, asphalt pavers, 6 - 12 ton rollers, tractor backhoe, striping machine, scrapers, brush chipper, aerial lift truck, and Bobcat loader/auger/backhoe/forks, road mixers, off road trucks and solid waste handling equipment; performs light maintenance and service work in connection with the type of equipment operated. Ensures that equipment is operating in a safe and sound manner and keeps records pertaining to such operations. Performs manual labor incidental to the assigned task. Functions as lead worker on a construction job.Ability to lift and/or move up to 90 pounds and also push or pull heavy objects. Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the use and capabilities of public works/solid waste handling equipment and machinery used in maintenance, construction, and operation tasks.
• Knowledge of both traffic and safety rules.
• Knowledge of the practices and techniques applied to the safe operation of heavy equipment.
• Ability to keep records and make oral or written reports.
• Ability to make simple arithmetic computations.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 90 pounds and also push or pull heavy objects.

Minimum Requirements
PHYSICAL SKILLS/WORKING CONDITIONS: Ability to lift and/or move up to 90 pounds and also push or pull heavy objects. May use a handling device (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects. Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time. Ability to climb, bend, stoop, and squat frequently. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public. Ability to work long hours out-of-doors, occasionally under adverse weather conditions. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written and visual communication.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Must possess a High School Diploma or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. Three (3) years of experience in public works and/or construction/operations work, one (1) year of which involves the operation of a variety of heavy equipment.


LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Florida Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL), with air brakes.


TESTING TO BE ON ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT: OPERATIONS MANUAL MUST BE READ PRIOR TO TESTING. TESTING LOCATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT LATER DATE. QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF EQUIPMENT AND TESTING DATE. MANUALS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC WORKS MAIN OFFICE IN NEW PORT RICHEY AND AT "C" BARN OFFICE IN SAN ANTONIO.

Testing:
BACKHOE,SKIDSTEER AND MINI TRACK EXCAVATOR
TRACTOR LOADER, BACKHOE, AND BOBCAT SKID LOADER
AERIAL BUCKET TRUCK AND CHIPPER
ASPHALT PAVER, ROLLER AND DISTRIBUTOR TRUCK
MOTOR GRADER AND WHEEL LOADER
A-BOOM MOWERS

ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pasco County is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law. EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens. VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference-eligible applicants.

PASCO COUNTY WAS VOTED ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP WORKPLACES FOR 2021
Benefits include:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) retirement plan
• PTO (Paid Time Off)
• Paid holidays
• Group insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Deferred compensation
• Medical leave pool
• Annual medical leave buy-back
• Mid-management/Professional grade, and management personnel may receive 40 hours of admin leave per calendar year.

Effective July 1, 2011, FRS members must contribute 3% of their salary as retirement contributions, on a pre-tax basis (the salary is reduced by the amount of the employee contribution before determining the federal income tax deduction). The employer will automatically deduct the employee contributions.
01


I am aware that the following supplemental questions will determine my eligibility for this position.

• Acknowledge
• Decline

02


Are you a current Pasco County BOCC Public Works employee?

• Yes
• No

03


Which best describes your highest level of COMPLETED education?

• GED
• High School
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate
• None of the above

04


Which best describes the years of experience you have in public works and/or construction/operations work, one (1) year of which involves the operation of a variety of heavy equipment.?

• Ten or more years of experience
• Nine years but less than ten
• Eight years but less than nine
• Seven years but less than eight
• Six years but less than seven
• Five years but less than six
• Four years but less than five
• Three years but less than four
• Two years but less than three
• One year but less than two
• Less than one year of experience

05


Do you possess a valid Florida CDL B or higher with Air Brakes?

• Yes
• No

06


Please specifically explain how your prior work experience and education match the qualifications for this position. (1000 characters or less)
Required Question