HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Salary: $25.82 Hourly
Location : 1053 20th Place, Vero Beach, FL
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 00887
Department: W&S - WATER DISTRIBUTION
Opening Date: 11/17/2025


PRIMARY FUNCTIONS


Under general supervision, operates a variety of motorized equipment utilized in construction, repair, and maintenance of streets, storm sewers, water distribution and/or wastewater collection systems, canals, parks and public rights-of-way; and performs related duties as assigned.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES


The following duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed by positions within this job classification. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.

• Transports workers to work site, participates in the maintenance of drainage ditches, canals, swales, culverts and storm sewers and public rights-of-way and assists with maintenance work as necessary.

• Operates one or more general to specialized pieces of medium or heavy equipment such as, but not limited to, backhoe, trencher, bucket truck, Vac Con, dump and/or other trucks, street sweepers, specialized and/or other medium or heavy equipment.
• Hauls debris, concrete and asphalt, trims trees, digs, pushes, piles, and/or loads materials.
• Performs a variety of equipment preventative maintenance duties; cleans, greases, and fuels equipment, and identifies and/or performs basic service and repair work.

• Supports and actively promotes the City's safety programs. Follows standard operating procedures, observes safety practices and reports or corrects potential safety hazards.

• Performs other construction, repair, maintenance operations related work, and performs manual labor as required by work assignment.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of street and storm drainage maintenance practices and procedures including the proper use of tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices applicable to maintenance work.
• Ability to safely operate assigned vehicles, equipment, power or hand tools.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

OTHER JOB CHARACTERISTICS:

• Essential personnel; on call 24 hours for emergencies.
• Exposure to potential physical harm, dangerous machinery, moving traffic, infectious disease, and hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time in all weather extremes.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy or bulky items (80-100 lbs.) frequently.
• Must be able to wear PPE required to perform the essential functions of the job.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:

• City vehicles (dump trucks, boom truck, Vac Con truck, cranes, truck and trailer, tractor/trailer), various heavy construction equipment, front-end loader, backhoe, auxiliary pumps, air compressor, concrete saw, generators, jack hammer, chain saw and common hand tools.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
A minimum of one year of construction or other experience in performing heavy manual labor in an outdoor environment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.


LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:
Possession of a valid Florida Commercial Driver's License, Class B. Depending upon area of assignment, will be required to have Tanker Endorsement. Depending upon area of assignment, will be required to have a Confined Space Certification. Possession of F.D.O.T. Flagging Certificate. Class C license in Stormwater where applicable.
The City of Vero Beach provides a wide array of benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Our comprehensive benefit programs include medical, dental and vision plans; life insurance coverage for you and your dependents; employee long term disability coverage; flexible spending plans for medical reimbursement and dependent care; an employee assistance program for you and your dependents; a voluntary 401a Retirement Plan with generous employer contribution, and voluntary 457(b) tax-deferred compensation and ROTH IRA plans to supplement your retirement. We also provide an extensive wellness program that includes health fairs and much more!