Senior Heavy Equipment Operator

Salary: $46,851.57 - $74,943.78 Annually
Location : 714 Arrington Bridge Rd Goldsboro
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 2026-00019
Department: Public Utilities - Distribution & Collections
Opening Date: 03/23/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


SUMMARY OBJECTIVE
Hiring range is negotiable between $46,851 and $60,897 depending on a candidate's qualifications and experience.
Performs highly-skilled work in the repair, maintenance and replacement of the City's water distribution and sewer collection infrastructure systems, requiring advanced experience and skill in the operation of light and heavy duty construction equipment. An employee in this class will be highly skilled to operate most of the equipment used within the Distribution and Collection division, to include dump trucks, backhoes, front-end loaders, excavators, Jet-Vacs, farm tractors with various attachments, etc. Employee will supervise multiple employees on the jobsite and lead a work crew in performance of duties through task completion, including maintenance and repair of the water distribution and sewer collection lines, meters, valves, and appurtenances. Basic work requirements include, but are not be limited to, excavating jobsites; loading and hauling materials, supplies, soil, dirt and debris; maintaining, repairing and installing pipes, manholes, meters, and valves; jet-rodding lines; maintaining outfalls; basic masonry work, etc. Employee performs work in accordance with established safety rules and regulations. Employee may be required to work shifts or on weekends when responding to water leaks, meter malfunctions, sewer clogs, and other similar customer service issues. Employee may also be expected to perform "on-call" duties on a rotational basis as needed. Employee is required to completed yearly evaluations for each employee that they supervise.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Serves as crew leader for the distribution or collection crew on a daily basis.
• Oversees work of assigned work crew; observes work in progress and instructs crew members as needed; provides input to the operations manager regarding crew's performance.
• Operates various types of heavy equipment, including backhoes, front-end loaders, dump trucks, flatbed trucks, excavators, Jet-Vacs, tractors, etc. during the performance of daily responsibilities.
• Ensures machinery and equipment are properly maintained; completes daily checks and preventative maintenance requirements, and schedules maintenance and repairs accordingly to ensure equipment remains in good working order.
• Trains other employees in proper operation of equipment to assist in skill development.
• Uses GIS mapping technology to locate distribution and collection mains, service lines and laterals.
• Oversees loading and transporting of equipment and materials in preparation for work.
• Uses various pneumatic, gas or electric power tools, including compressors, jack-hammers, tapping machines, boring machines, tamps, concrete saws, drills, etc. to perform daily responsibilities.
• Uses various hand tools to perform daily tasks, including shovels, rakes, hoes, etc.
• Performs water distribution and sewer collection infrastructure maintenance, repair and replacement, including clearing, repairing and installing pipe; installing taps; exercising and replacing valves and hydrants; clearing outfalls; repairing and replacing meters; building and/or raising manholes, etc.
• Performs various landscaping duties to enhance jobsites, including leveling soil, seeding grass, spreading straw, etc.
• Ensures all safety procedures and protocols are in place and used effectively at all jobsites and work zones, including placement of safety signs, cones, flaggers, etc.
• Locates and marks City water and sewer lines for various construction projects.
• Serves as the crew leader and oversees small repair projects when operations manager is not on site.
• Works various shifts to operate equipment in support of natural disasters or major weather events.
• Prepares daily logs and other reports to track performance and completed tasks; uses computer and related software to input data.
• Assists other departments and agencies as needed
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITITES

• Knowledge of the tools, materials and methods used to maintain and repair water distribution and sewer collection infrastructure and associated appurtenances.
• Knowledge of the operational and preventative maintenance requirements for light and heavy duty construction equipment and vehicles assigned to perform primary duties.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and proper safety precautions associated with working around raw sewage, operating heavy construction equipment, working around traffic and performing daily responsibilities.
• Knowledge of the municipal water and sewer service policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the traffic laws and regulations governing equipment operation.
• Knowledge of street locations and the geographic layout of the City.
• Skill in the fundamental use of computers and basic administrative software applications.
• Skill operating and maintaining light and heavy duty construction equipment, and using basic hand tools.
• Ability to provide training on the preventative maintenance and operational use of light and heavy construction equipment used regularly within the distribution and collection division.
• Ability to lead a work crew and oversee a jobsite through task completion, ensuring quality job performance and work.
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions, both oral and written.
• Ability to read and interpret utility line maps and service manuals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other co-workers, supervisors, and the general public.
• Ability to train, assign, and coach the performance of team members.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to be tactful and use diplomacy in dealing with the public, especially in handling and resolving complaints.
• Ability to keep accurate detailed records.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS


MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ten (10) years of experience in utility maintenance and construction work.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Possession of a valid North Carolina Class "A" Commercial Driver's License or ability to acquire within one (1) year of hire date.
• Collections System Operator I certification and/or Distribution System Operator Level C certificate or ability to obtain one within one year and both within 2 years.
• Supervisor and/or crew leader experience preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, dancing, stretching, or lifting all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or exceptional skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving very close tolerances or limits of accuracy.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
  • Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
  • Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
  • Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
  • Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
  • Traffic; Moving machinery.
  • Electrical shock; Heights.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

The City of Goldsboro is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.


ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.


Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.
Benefits Summary

The following is a summary of the City of Goldsboro benefits:

Vacation Leave : Employees earn vacation leave as follows:

Years of Service Days per Year
0 - 4 years 12
5 - 9 years 15
10 - 14 years 18
15 - 19 years 21
20 + years 23

A maximum of 30 vacation days may be carried over from one calendar year to the next. Any excess of 30 vacation days on December 31 of each year may be transferred to employees sick leave balance, provided that they have taken five (5) days of vacation in the calendar year.
Holidays : City paid holidays are New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (2 days) and Christmas (3 days).


When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the previous Friday shall be observed. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed. In order to receive a paid holiday, an employee must be on paid status before and after the holiday.

Sick Leave: Sick leave is accrued at one day per month or 12 days per year.

Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program is available to all full-time employees and covered dependents on the employee's health insurance plan. Part-time employees who work 30 hours or more per week on a continuous year-round basis are also eligible for EAP services. Employees and dependents each receive three free visits per year. Services include, but are not limited to, financial counseling, depression, mental illness, and end of life/terminal illness.

Medical and Dental Insurance: The City of Goldsboro is fully-insured, and provides medical, dental, and vision insurance through the State Health Plan (SHP), MetLife, and Community Eye Care respectively. Medical, dental, and vision coverage is available to all full-time employees. Part-time employees who are scheduled to work 30 hours or more per week on a continuous year-round basis may, if they so desire, purchase available group health through the City for themselves and qualified dependents. The coverage for medical is the first day of the month following the date of employment and dental is effective on the first day of employment, vision insurance is effective the first day of the month following the effective date of employment. Medical insurance is provided to full-time employees at a minimal cost and pro-rated for part-time employees. The types of coverage available are individual (Employees only), Employee/Child, Employee/Spouse, and family. Dental and vision insurance is available at cost to the employee and/or his/her dependents. Premiums are paid through payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis.

Life Insurance: All regular employees are provided a basic term life insurance coverage policy in the amount of $20,000.00 at no cost.

Wellness Assistance Benefit
The City of Goldsboro offers a wellness assistance benefit of $25/month to employees. This can be used to offset the cost of dental insurance or gym membership. Employees must meet eligibility requirements for the State Health Plan and show proof of membership (if gym membership is selected).


Flexible Spending Account
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) provide you with an important tax advantage that can help you pay for health care and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis. By estimating your family's health care and dependent care costs for the next year, you can lower your taxable income and save money. The City of Goldsboro offers a FSA through Health Equity. The Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is available to all full-time employees who are scheduled to work 40 hours per week. The FSA is effective the first day of the month following the date of employment. These are some of the expenses FSAs can be used for: medical and dental services, chiropractic services, orthodontia, and the child or adult dependent care.


Social Security: The City employees are members of the Social Security System. The employee contributes 6.2% (FICA) and 1.45% (Medicare) for a total of 7.65% of their annual salary and the City contributes the same amount. Social Security benefits include retirement and disability payments and survivor's insurance.

Tuition Reimbursement: Tuition reimbursement is available to all full-time employees up to $2500 per fiscal year for job-related courses or required courses leading to a job-related degree. This is subject to department approval and an employee must complete probation before reimbursement is granted.

Promotion Opportunities: Employees are encouraged to apply for internal positions. Employment opportunities for current employees are posted on the City's Intranet.
Retirement: All employees who are in a regular position that requires 1,000 hours or more of service per year are covered under the North Carolina Local Governmental Employee's Retirement System (NC LGERS). The employee contributes 6% of their annual salary on a tax deferred basis. The City contributes to the employee's retirement account. Eligibility for unreduced monthly benefits begins upon retirement after 30 years of service at any age, at age 65 with 5 years creditable service or at age 60 with 25 years creditable service. Police Officers and Park Rangers may retire at age 55 with 5 years of service and receive an unreduced benefit. Eligibility for reduced monthly benefits begins after you reach age 50 and complete 20 years of creditable service or you reach age 60 (age 55 if you are a firefighter) and complete five years of creditable service. Police Officers may retire early with a reduced retirement benefit after you reach age 50 and complete 15 years of creditable service as an officer.
457 & 401K Supplemental Retirement Plan: The City of Goldsboro offers the NC Supplemental Retirement Plans, 401K and 457. The City contributes 4% to the 401K for all non-sworn full-time employees and 5% for sworn police officers (as approved by the Council) and the 457 plan is voluntary with no contribution by the City.


The 457 and the 401k allow employees to set aside funds which is through payroll deduction and is tax deferred. Income tax is due when the deferred earnings are returned to the individual normally at retirement.

Worker's Compensation: All City employees are covered under the North Carolina Worker's Compensation Act. This act covers those employees who suffer injuries as a result of an accident while performing duties. The Workers' Compensation program will pay medical expenses and a portion of the employee's salary, after 7 days, if the individual is out of work as a result of a work-related disability.

Compensation, Performance Appraisals and Merit Process: The City of Goldsboro is committed to hiring and retaining high quality personnel. As a result, we offer competitive salaries that are consistent with market growth. New hires may serve a six month probationary period upon date of hire and are evaluated in six-month increments.

The eligibility for merit is based upon the following criteria:
Employee must have an overall appraisal rating of 2.0. Employee should score at least 2.0 in competencies; any competency with a score less than 2.0 will result in employee's ineligibility.

Note: The merit eligibility criteria is subject to change at the City Manager's discretion.

The appraisal process in the City of Goldsboro includes an evaluation of each employee's duties and responsibilities applicable to their position. Upon completion of the probationary period, employees are evaluated on an annual basis. The appraisal period is from October 1 - September 30 of each year.

The City of Goldsboro may provide merit incentives for high performing employees subject to City Council approval.
01


Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
• No

02


Do you have a high school diploma or its GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03


Do you have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in utility maintenance and construction work; Or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you possess a valid North Carolina Class "A" Commercial Driver's License or have the ability to acquire within one (1) year of hire date?

• Yes
• No

05


Do you possess a Collections System Operator I certification and/or Distribution System Operator Level C certificate. or have the ability to obtain one within one year and both within 2 years?

• Yes
• No

06


Do you have supervisor and/or crew leader experience?

• Yes
• No

Required Question