Heavy Equipment Operator

HEO: Towing And Recovery Operator

Public Works Automotive Services is hiring a HEO: Towing and Recovery Operator, to provide professional and safe recovery and towing of vehicles associated with city fleet.

HEO/Towing and Recovery Operator Duties:

• Safely and legally operate light-, medium-, and heavy-duty wreckers (10-ton, 16-ton, and 50-ton) in compliance with all safety regulations.
• Drive, load, and manage lowboy trailers, flat-bed haulers, tow trucks, and other towing equipment.
• Inspect wreckers and related equipment to ensure proper operating condition; report maintenance needs or equipment issues promptly.
• Load and unload vehicles without causing damage, following all safety requirements.
• Perform minor mechanical repairs and adjustments on vehicles and equipment.
• Operate heavy equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, draglines, excavators, landfill compactors, forklifts, and similar machinery.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with team members and supervisory staff.
• Follow proper procedures when responding to accidents, injuries, or damage involving City property; adhere to City policies and all applicable state and federal laws.
• Respond to after-hours calls as needed.

• This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to mandatory drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination.
• This position requires on call/standby hours on a rotational basis, at least one weekend per month.
• This position is designated ALPHA I and the individual may be required to work in emergency events and inclement weather.

Preferences:

• Extensive experience operating all types of wreckers: Light Duty (10 ton), Medium Duty (16 ton), and Heavy Duty (50 ton)
• Experience performing recovery of vehicles and equipment
• Knowledge of safety regulations and all laws governing wrecker operation
• Experience operating all types of vehicles and heavy equipment
• Basic experience with computerized fleet focus programs
• Class 5 to class 8 truck experience

CDL Hiring Bonus:

Newly hired employees with a valid Class A or B CDL will be eligible for a $4,000 hiring bonus paid three (3) increments during the first year of employment:

• $1,000 with first paycheck
• $1,000 first pay period following six-month interim evaluation (with "meets expectations" performance rating)
• $2,000 at conclusion of probationary period (with "meets expectations" performance rating)

The City of Virginia Beach complies with all federal mandates related to positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The city will verify that all employees and prospective employees are registered in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

The City offers a generous benefits package, which includes health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans, maternity/paternity and parental leave, holidays and leave.

This position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed, and interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis until the position has been filled. Once a candidate has been selected, the position will close.

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications: Tenth grade plus five (5) years' experience in fields providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities and associated with positions as Motor Equipment Operator or Heavy Equipment Operator; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must have a current and valid driver's license. Special Requirements: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies. This position may require that incumbents wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves, or other designated safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. Specific requirements will be determined and communicated by the employee's supervisor based on position assigned. This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to mandatory drug testing. Positive drug test results may result in counseling and/or discipline, up to and including, termination. A Commercial Driver's License may be required.

Skills:

Working Conditions:

Per HR Policy 6.19, Americans with Disabilities, the City follows the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all hiring and employment decisions. The City shall not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring and employment practices. The City shall make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability upon request unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the City's business.