Job Description

Posting number: 2026-01935

Department: Public Works

Division: Utility Cut

Job classification: EQUIPMENT OPERATOR II

Posting type: Internal/External

Categories: Public Works, Trades

The City of Asheville is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Equipment Operator II within the Public Works Department - Streets Division Utility Crew. The ideal candidate will have experience operating a variety of heavy motorized equipment involved in the construction and maintenance of City streets. This equipment includes tractors, skid steers, trackhoe/excavators, loaders, dump trucks, trench rollers, tamps, or similar. They will perform skilled work in the operation of a variety of heavy motorized equipment.

Examples of duties

• Operates various equipment and vehicles to complete tasks related to the maintenance, repair and construction of City roadways, rights-of-way, sidewalks, storm drainage systems, and other infrastructure projects: drives vehicle over public roads, work sites, rights-of-way, parks, public works facilities, and other City property; maneuvers in and around traffic, parked cars, equipment, utilities, and other obstacles; obeys all traffic laws and safety guidelines; and monitors immediate environment and work area to ensure the safety of operator, other workers, the equipment, and the public.

• Operates bobcat, backhoe-mounted loader, and loaders of similar size to load and/or move gravel, dirt, sand, and other materials for smaller projects and loads: and utilizes bobcat to clear land or debris.

• Operates utility truck and using hand tools(shovels) to perform basic digging, trenching, and clearing of land or materials for maintenance, repair, and construction projects: controls placement of equipment and determines optimum approach to each digging scenario in order to minimize destruction of property and avoid electric, water, sewer, and other public utility lines.

• Fuels and performs routine maintenance of equipment in the field: and checks fluids and performs other minor repairs as appropriate.

• Inspects and prepares equipment for safe and proper operation prior to beginning work for the day: performs light maintenance on equipment, refueling, and refilling lubricants; cleans vehicles, beds, and mounted equipment upon completion of assignments; and secures vehicle after use.

• Performs manual labor in support of construction, maintenance, and repair projects: lifts, moves, loads, and unloads materials, equipment, tools, and supplies; digs ditches, trenches, and holes manually or utilizing power equipment; shovels, rakes, spreads, compacts, and levels dirt, rock, asphalt, cement, and other materials; retrieves supplies, materials, tools, equipment and other items and runs various errands as needed; collects, transports, loads and unloads materials, supplies, tools, and equipment to and from the worksite; Performs other duties in support of City operations: operates equipment and trucks included at the lower level in this job family; provides coverage during special events and activities; responds to emergency and disaster situations; provides assistance to other employees or departments; and performs other related duties as required.

• Follows established safety procedures: utilizes safety equipment and wears protective gear: monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; monitors traffic conditions surrounding trucks and equipment to identify obstructions, pedestrians, or unsafe traffic conditions; flags and directs traffic and places markers, signs and cones around project and work site to ensure safety of crew and the traveling public; and reports any incidents, accidents, problems, or unusual situations.

• Communicates with supervisor, other City employees, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

• On-call rotation is required.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED preferred, with vocational or technical training in heavy equipment operation or a related field; supplemented by one year of experience in heavy equipment operation; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Must obtain a valid North Carolina Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), including appropriate endorsement(s), within 6 months of hire.

Applicants with equivalent experience and/or education may be considered.