Public Works Heavy Equipment Operator

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Pensacola, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 01367
Department: Public Works & Engineering
Opening Date: 07/24/2026
Closing Date: 8/7/2026 11:59 PM Central


Job Description
Recruitment Range: $44,387.20-$51,594.40 annually, depending on knowledge and experience.
***Possession of Class B CDL, Class A preferred. ***
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent; and three (3) years of experience in the operation of heavy automotive equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Possession of an appropriate driver's license for equipment operated and any license, training, or certification required by law or regulation to complete assigned tasks.
• Possession of Class B CDL, Class A preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Serve as emergency critical staffing during and after any emergency management event.
• Periodically work special events.

JOB SUMMARY
The Public Works Heavy Equipment Operator performs skilled work in the operation of highly sophisticated tool or heavy equipment.


An employee in this class operates heavy equipment with complex controls requiring a high degree of skill and knowledge. Efficient operation of this equipment is essential to the fulfillment of the function of the unit to which this equipment is assigned. Only broad, general supervision is received. Supervision may be exercised over a small group of semi-skilled or unskilled workers.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Completes pre-trip inspections, checks equipment for routine servicing needs, and provides minor maintenance work when required which includes ensuring that all equipment and systems are operational.
• Operates equipment such as and not limited to concrete trucks, semi-trucks, asphalt patch trucks, dump trucks, vacuum trucks, or other vehicles requiring a CDL to perform maintenance and construction duties.
• Operates equipment such as and not limited to grading equipment, front-end loaders, backhoes, excavators, hydro-jet, jackhammer, striping equipment, skid steer, compactors, saws, and a variety of hand and power tools.
• Maintains and keeps in good condition various equipment and tools.
• Maintains, removes and/or replaces ponds, ditches, fence lines, concrete structures, storm drain systems, street signs, pavement markings, sidewalks, brick surfacing, pavement, structural base, dirt, curbs, and others.
• Operates saws, shovels, rakes, trowels, compactors, drills, and other hand tools to perform maintenance, cleaning, and construction work.
• Executes work orders for assigned tasks, documents time, equipment and materials used for use by the lead worker or supervisor.
• Performs all levels of maintenance and construction work to maintain public works infrastructure and overtime as needed.
• Follows safety rules and other accident prevention measures, acts as flagger to direct traffic as necessary.
• Periodically works with other public work divisions or city departments to complete tasks.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of various types of heavy automotive equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of the component parts and operating principles of heavy automotive equipment.
• Knowledge of the traffic laws of the City of Pensacola and State of Florida.
• Skill in the operation of complex construction, maintenance, and transportation equipment.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with associates and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to hold or feel, reach with hands and arms, walk, talk, smell, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, crouch, and crawl. Specific vision abilities include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, and depth perception.


The employee regularly lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 100 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
An employee in this job is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions, occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, and has a risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment may be loud.


The City of Pensacola has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.

The City of Pensacola provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.
01


Did you graduate from high school or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have three (3) years experience in the operation of heavy automotive equipment?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have an equivalent combination of education and experience?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you possess an appropriate driver license for equipment operated and any license, training or certification required by law or regulation to complete assigned tasks.

• Yes
• No

05


Do you have a Class A CDL?

• Yes
• No

06


Are you a current City of Pensacola employee?

• Yes
• No

07


If you are claiming veterans' preference, A DD214 or approved documentation from your current commanding officer (for current members of any reserve component of the United States Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard) is required that provides service dates, discharge type (if applicable), and honorable serving status (if currently serving). If claiming disability preference, a DD214 and a letter from the Department of Veterans' Affairs that states the percentage of disability are required. By making a selection below, I understand it is my responsibility to provide documentation with this application, If I need assistance, I can call View phone number on click.appcast.io. Are you claiming veterans' preference?

• Yes
• No

Required Question