Heavy Equipment Operator

CITY OF ELKHART - JOB DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT

Public Buildings & Grounds


POSITION

Heavy Equipment Operator


DIVISION

Building Maintenance


STATUS


Full-time


CATEGORY


Hourly, AFSCME PG 8, $28.11

FLSA


Non-exempt


REPORTS TO


Public Buildings & Grounds Department Head


DATE


2026

JOB SUMMARY


The Heavy Equipment Operator performs skilled work in general building maintenance, construction, carpentry, facility repair, equipment operation, and irrigation system management for City-owned properties and facilities.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safely operate, maintain, and train other employees on the proper use of assigned heavy equipment and related tools.
• Perform a wide range of building repair and maintenance tasks, including carpentry and construction-related work.
• Request, procure, and manage needed inventory, tools, parts, materials, and supplies.
• Maintain all City-owned irrigation systems, water fountains, and drinking fountains.
• Maintain and test all backflow prevention devices that are the responsibility of the Buildings & Grounds Department.
• Assist at Water Facilities and Ice Park as operationally needed.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain equipment and tools.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment.
• Perform other maintenance duties as may be assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical or trade school training in a relevant field preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in construction and/or building repair and maintenance.
• Must possess, or obtain, a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) as required by the Indiana Department of Transportation within probationary period.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Must obtain Backflow Prevention Certification within probationary period.
• Must obtain Pool Operator Certification within probationary period.
• Working knowledge of materials, tools, and equipment used in construction and building maintenance.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply blueprints and technical diagrams.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively.
• Ability to train and lead other employees in equipment operation and safety protocols.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL SKILLS

• Must be able to regularly lift up to 100 pounds and maneuver up to 200 pounds.
• Must be able to work outdoors year-round in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Must be able to safely work with potentially hazardous equipment and tools.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces and at heights up to 40 feet above ground.

WORKING CONDITIONS


Work outside year- round. Temperature extremes are: summer 95+ degrees and winter -10 degrees. There is exposure to dirt, dust, snow, rain, and noise, equipment movement and vibrations, hazardous chemicals and electrical shock.

POST OFFER TESTING REQUIRED

• The City of Elkhart is a Drug Free Workplace. Therefore, successfully passing a post offer drug screen is required (random drug testing may be conducted after employment).
• Background checks producing acceptable BMV and criminal history reports required.

POLICY STATEMENT

• The incumbent is required to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities, and the physical, mental, and visual skills described in this job description to perform the principal duties, responsibilities and essential job functions.
• This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job and "other" duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.
• This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employee holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.