Job Description

Posting number: 2026-01936

Department: Public Works

Division: Utility Cut

Job classification: EQUIPMENT OPERATOR III

Posting type: Internal/External

Categories: Public Works

The City of Asheville is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Equipment Operator III 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.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
This is the sixth level in the Equipment Operators series. Incumbents in this classification utilize equipment that has mechanisms that are complex to operate, require the highest degree of skill, dexterity, and finesse to perform work to exacting tolerances, as well as equipment included in lower levels in this job family, and provide lead guidance, direction, and training to assigned staff.

Examples of duties

What you'll be doing:

• 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.
• Required on call rotation.

Qualifications

We know your time is valuable. Applicants who meet the following minimum requirements or have comparable experience and/or education will be considered

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.