Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title

Lee County is hiring a Ditching Heavy Equipment Operator for our Transportation team.

Job Description

In this role, you'll help maintain Lee County right of ways and support safe, efficient public works operations. Much of your time will be spent performing ditching operations and working alongside the Ditching Operations Crew to support drainage, roadway, and maintenance activities. This job is perfect for someone who enjoys working outdoors, operating equipment, and helping keep the community safe and moving.

Duties and Responsibilities

What You Will Do

• Perform skilled work operating large vehicles and public works equipment to maintain County right of ways.
• Perform ditching operations as a primary responsibility.
• Work directly with the Ditching Operations Crew to support drainage and roadway maintenance tasks.
• Operate equipment such as pickup trucks with trailers and dump trucks hauling ditching materials.
• Haul debris to dump sites and transport road maintenance materials and stockpile materials.
• Perform labor duties such as laying sod, shoveling, raking, grading, landscaping, and clearing debris.
• Set up, maintain, and break down safe work zones in compliance with traffic regulations and IMOT standards.
• Complete in-house training to obtain IMOT certification.
• Assist with pipe installation as needed.
• Complete minor equipment maintenance, inspections, and basic servicing.
• Maintain daily logs and promptly report equipment concerns.
• Follow all safety rules, procedures, and regulations.
• Support supervisors and crew members and work effectively as part of a team.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, Licensing

What We're Looking For

• High School Diploma or GED, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• One (1) year of heavy equipment operation or closely related experience, such as:
• Roadway or public works maintenance
• Canal, stormwater, or drainage work
• Construction or sitework
• Mechanical or equipment operation
• Grounds or land maintenance
• Any similar hands-on job involving vehicles or machinery
• Ability to work safely and follow all procedures in a safety-sensitive role

Licensing Requirements

• Must possess a Florida Class B Commercial Driver's License

Preferred:

• Florida Class "A" Commercial Driver's License.
• Previous experience driving heavy machines on work sites.

Safety-Sensitive Position

• This is a safety-sensitive position and is subject to Drug and Alcohol Workplace Testing in accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR Parts 40 and/or 382).

Extra Skills

• Able to use hand tools, power tools, and equipment safely
• Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions
• Good teamwork and communication skills
• Able to solve simple equipment or material issues on the job

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule:

• Monday-Thursday 7:00 AM- 5:30 PM.
• Weekend or emergency response work may be required
• Additional hours may be needed during weather events or special operations

Why Join Us?

In this hands-on role, your work directly supports the safety and efficiency of Lee County's transportation system. You'll receive competitive pay, solid benefits, and a dependable retirement plan through the State of Florida. Most importantly, you'll join a team that takes pride in keeping our community's roads, drainage systems, and public spaces in top condition.

About the Department

The Lee County Department of Transportation (DOT) plans, builds, and maintains the county's roadway network. The department provides services such as roadway construction, traffic operations, drainage improvements, sidewalk installation, landscaping, and more. DOT is committed to safety, quality, and reliable service that supports a safe and efficient transportation system for all who travel through Lee County.

About Lee County:

Lee County is located in beautiful Southwest Florida and is home to over 800,000 residents. We are dedicated to serving our community with high-quality services and a focus on sustainability and innovation. Join us in making Lee County a great place to live, work, and visit.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Lee County Board of County Commissioners offers a comprehensive, and affordable benefits package. Our Board works in the best interest of employees and strives to provide the most complete, high-quality benefits package available at the lowest possible cost to the employee. Our Board continues to remain steadfast in maintaining one of the lowest levels of employee costs in our area. Lee County's benefits package is offered to both regular Full-time positions and Part-time positions that are regularly scheduled to work 60 hours or more bi-weekly. Medical benefits may be offered to On-Call, Temporary, Seasonal, and Intern employees who meet the Affordable Care Act eligibility criteria. Lee County employees eligible to participate in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) are required to contribute 3% of each paycheck to FRS. If you have retired from the Florida Retirement Pension plan you will not be eligible for renewed membership in either of the FRS retirement plan options. Retirees of the Investment Plan are eligible for renewed membership in the Investment Plan only. FRS reemployment rules apply for both.

Health Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Plans include, but are not limited to: routine, preventative, mental health, hospitalization, and prescription drug benefits.
• Vision, Fitness, Weight Management, Natural Products and Services, and Hearing discount programs available.
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Medical Reimbursement Account
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
• Pharmacy, including Mail-Order Pharmacy
• Informed Health Lines (Nurse Hotline)
• Basic Life Insurance (1x or 2x Annual Salary at no cost to employee)
• Optional Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (60% of pre-disability salary at no cost to employee)
• Short-Term Disability
• Sick Leave Pool
• Flu vaccinations
• Wellness Programs

Financial Benefits:

• Florida Retirement System (FRS)
• Two Retirement Plan Options:
• FRS Pension Plan (Defined Benefit)
• FRS Investment Plan (Defined Contribution)
• Deferred Compensation (457) Plans
• Financial Savings/Management Programs
• Eligible for membership with Suncoast