Heavy Equipment Operator I

Job Posting Title:
Heavy Equipment Operator I
Department:
Operations & Maintenance
Location:
2400 BROADWAY SE
Pay:
Probationary hourly rate of $23.96
Union hourly rate of $24.45

Close Date:
August 9, 2026

Employees at Bernalillo County enjoy the ability to team up with each other to build a high quality of life for our county residents, communities, and businesses. In addition to being an organization with a strong focus on work-life balance, building a culture of flexibility, learning, and belonging the County offers many benefits. Employees of Bernalillo County enjoy many thoughtful rewards such as, but not limited to generous leave accruals; career development opportunities; remote & flex-work options as appropriate; longevity pay; education assistance program; health benefits; lucrative retirement; and so much more.

The Heavy Equipment Operator I, under the direction of a Public Works Maintenance Supervisor, operates and maintains light to heavy equipment to perform public works projects, road maintenance, and construction activities. Performs duties and responsibilities in accordance with safety standards in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs safety inspections and operate on and off-road vehicles and equipment in accordance with safety standards which includes but is not limited to the safe operational status of equipment; testing of tire conditions and air pressure; brakes; mechanical and engine fluids; water; brake lights; headlights; and other related systems and equipment.
• Operates vehicles under adverse weather conditions and works on a schedule other than the normal work hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as scheduled and/or required.
• Functional use of the mobile access management work order system for assignments and entries of related system tasks.
• Operates light to very heavy motorized equipment which includes but is not limited to bulldozers, motor graders, backhoes, trench diggers, lifts, bucket truck, scrapers, snowplow truck, belly dump, salt spreader truck, asphalt distributer and loader, rotary broom, tandem water and dump truck, bobtail truck, sweeper, tractor weed mower, flatbed truck rubber tire roller, and steel wheel roller.
• Operates vehicles for the purpose of towing, backing, and transport of other vehicles and equipment; hauling sand, aggregate, and other road building material street paving; pumping and draining water; maintenance of rights-of-way and unpaved road and parking surfaces; and cutting of weeds and grass along county roads.
• Performs other labor-intensive duty which includes but is not limited to using hand and power tools to break, mix, and place concrete and asphalt; installation of pipe sections, valves and fittings; lifting and loading of materials and equipment; cutting and clearing trees, brush and debris such as trash.
• Operates pumps, hydrants, hoses and other auxiliary equipment as needed or required.
• Attends department meetings and complete paperwork as needed in the performance of job responsibilities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

*The above information is intended to outline the general nature and scope of the duties required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list and may vary depending on specific job assignments and responsibilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three (3) years of general road construction experience including the operation of various types of heavy equipment; two (2) of those years must include the full-time operation of motor graders, OR one (1) year in the full-time operation of motor graders plus certification from a vocational trades training facility as a motor grader operator. (Experience as a motor grader operator must be specifically and clearly defined on employment application.)

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

SCREENING AND COMPLIANCE
The offer of this Bernalillo County position requires compliance with the following:

• Successful completion of a post-offer employment medical examination and background investigation.
• Adherence to all County safety guidelines.
• Complete all FEMA training(s) assigned to this position.
• Must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License, Class A OR must obtain a valid New Mexico CDL, Class A license prior to employment date.
• Complete required supervisor training, if applicable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Performs work both indoors and outdoors. Most vehicle cabs are enclosed and may or may not have heating and air conditioning units.
• Worker is exposed to snow, wind, possible lightning, and extreme cold and heat.
• Work in extreme weather conditions is required.
• Worker is exposed to intermittent noise and vibration factors.
• Worker is exposed to exhaust fumes, dust, and mists.
• Work is conducted primarily during daylight hours.
• Work is performed on even or uneven terrain, while operating equipment and performing general labor work. Surfaces may be wet or dry, muddy, paved or dirt roads. Grease or oil may be found on working surfaces. Work may be performed on inclines.
• Work hazards include gas/electrical lines, vehicle traffic, and exposure of skin to gases and fumes.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS

• Utilizes the vehicles described in the Duties and Responsibilities section.
• Utilizes the following hand operated tools: shovel, rake, axe, pick, pitchfork, chain saw, digging bars, handheld weed trimmer, sledgehammer, hand tools (e.g. hammer, screwdriver, wrenches), tamper, jackhammer, auger, and cutting torch.
• Petroleum products, tire chains, construction signs, chemicals, paint, water, weeds, salt, sand, and canvas.
• Eye goggles, dust masks, earplugs, gloves, rubber boots, reflecting vests, cones, and flags are used as safety precautions.

*NOTE*

• You are not required to disclose information about physical or mental limitations that you believe will not interfere with your ability to do the job. On the other hand, if you want the employer to consider special arrangements to accommodate physical or mental impairment, you may identify that impairment in the space provided and suggest the kind of accommodation that you believe would be appropriate.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

• Must be able to ask questions, listen to and follow verbal directions in English.
• Must be knowledgeable of all traffic laws and regulations.
• Must be able to communicate verbally with co-workers.
• Must be able to read accurately all gauges on equipment and make correct judgments in the operation of equipment.
• Must be able to accurately estimate distances in order to maintain safety while operating equipment.

PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

• Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds occasionally (i.e. up to one-third of workday), from ground to waist level. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. frequently to constantly (i.e., from one-third up to entire workday), from ground to shoulder level.
• Ability to sit up to four (4) hours at one time, and up to seven and one-half (7.5) hours total per day.
• Ability to stand and/or walk up to four (4) hours at one time, and up to eight (8) hours total per day.
• Ability to climb in and out of equipment cabs at least six (6) times daily at an estimated height of six (6) to seven (7) feet.
• Ability to crouch, kneel, and remain in a prone position for up to 30 minutes at one time.
• Ability to bend at waist and twist/rotate waist if necessary for up to one-third of workday.
• Ability to work with arms extended and bent for up to four (4) hours at one time, and seven and one-half (7.5) hours total per day.
• Ability to push/pull with arms with a force of up to 50 plus lbs. while performing labor work.
• Ability to use hands and wrists to screw/unscrew oil caps and filters as part of a maintenance routine.
• Ability to maintain balance while climbing in and out of equipment cabs.
• Ability to push with legs up to 40 lbs. of force to operate foot controls for up to four (4) hours at one time, and seven and one-half (7.5) hours total per day. Ability to twist/rotate legs in operating foot controls.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to grasp/manipulate levers and steering wheel in a bilaterally coordinated manner.
• Ability to coordinate use of hands and eyes in operation of equipment.