Heavy Equipment Operator I

CITY OF ELKHART - JOB DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT


Street

POSITION


Heavy Equipment Operator I


DIVISION

Street


STATUS


Full-time


CATEGORY


Hourly, AFSCME


PG-9, $28.68


FLSA


Non-exempt

REPORTS TO


Street Commissioner

DATE


2026

JOB SUMMARY


Operates all types of Street Department equipment for street and other city owned property maintenance. Equipment includes: trucks, tractors, loaders, backhoes, graders, bulldozers, rollers, pavers, bobcat, and street sweepers, and any other city equipment. Position also serves to plow snow and other needed snow and ice removal work.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES

• Prepare ground for a variety of finishing materials
• Grade aggregate material surface areas such as alley ways to repair surface wear and damage
• Remove existing asphalt and concrete pavement or aggregate material surfaces
• Lay asphalt paving material on streets, alleys, parking lots, etc.
• Finish newly laid asphalt pavement
• Remove snow and ice, including plowing, salting, clearing large snow piles and drifts, from City streets, parking lots, walks, etc.
• Load, transport and unload heavy equipment needed for performing work duties
• Perform daily maintenance of equipment before and after use.

OTHER JOB DUTIES

• Remove various types of debris from public right-of-way and other properties.
• Load a variety of materials on dump trucks and other trucks or trailers
• Sweep City streets, parking lots, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervision.

PERSONAL WORK


TRAITS

• The ability to react and respond in a safe manner at all times.
• Good work record with prompt arrival and attendance.
• Ability to communicate, get along and work well with fellow employees.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE


Must have or obtain within probationary period

• Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License.
• Valid Department of Transportation physical exam card.
• Meet all DOT requirements.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Minimum of 6 years working knowledge and skill in the operation of heavy equipment.
• Basic knowledge of the mechanics of the equipment for maintenance and repair purposes.
• Knowledge of and ability to use proper tools in the performance of duties.
• Knowledge of traffic laws as they apply to heavy equipment.
• Ability to operate equipment in confined areas.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL SKILLS

• Ability to walk, bend, squat, stand, on a variety of surfaces and terrains.
• Ability to reach, hold, push, pull and lift.
• Ability to sit for long periods.
• Ability to ascend and descend steep steps and ladders.
• Ability to maneuver in, on and around various equipment surfaces, shapes and sizes.
• Physical agility and strength to shovel, rake, lift, push, pull material and objects with weights of up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to withstand extreme temperatures and other weather conditions.
• Clarity of vision with or without correction.

WORKING CONDITIONS


Work is done during a standard 40 hour workweek with required overtime when needed. The work environment is primarily outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions while exposed to engine noises, vibrations, fumes, and dirt. Work involves sitting in close quarters for long periods of times.

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. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by the Mayor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.