The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties, locations, and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this job. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description, and incumbent(s) may be required to perform work-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description. This job description is not a “contract” between the employee and the Authority. The job duties and essential functions may be changed at the discretion of the General Manager.
Job Title:Heavy Equipment Operator (Resource Recovery)Job Code:S0219Supervises Directly:NoNew or Revised:RevisedRegular or At-Will:RegularDate Last Revised:7/14/2026Exempt or Non-Exempt:Non-ExemptCompensation Approval Signature: Union/ Non-Union:Union
Division:
Department:
Operations
Resource Recovery-Central Administration
Salary Schedule: Regular Wage Service (RW)Cost Center Code: 810500Grade:RW10Essential Position:YesReports To:Program Manager, Biosolids OperationsEEO Code:Skilled Craft WorkersWork FormatIn-Person
At DC Water, we provide more than 700,000 District of Columbia residents and 24.6 million annual visitors with essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services. DC Water also provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our diverse workforce and communities. To achieve this vision, we commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner.
The Heavy Equipment Operator (Resource Recovery) operates heavy equipment (e.g. front-end loader, backhoe, skid-steer, blending equipment) to process Bloom into marketable biosolids products. Makes deliveries of products and retrieves feedstock as needed. Monitors and adjusts greenhouse operating conditions. Operates overhead crane in biosolids loading facility and tunnel dewatering pump station as needed. Responsible for cleaning and general housekeeping in blending, curing facilities and the dewatered sludge loading facility (DSLF).
Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Key Working Relationships: Interacts with employees within the Authority, vendors of equipment and services, and representatives of private industry.
The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for an individual to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable amounts of training are provided.
Required Experience:Four (4) years of progressive experience that involves the operation of gasoline, diesel, or other powered engine equipment designed for excavation, lifting, and hauling.Minimum Education Requirements:High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate.Required Skills:
Knowledge of basic mechanical repairs. Skilled in the use of a variety of tools and/or equipment. Ability to perform a variety of manual dexterity tasks.
Skilled in oral communication and interacting with a wide range of individuals.
Required Licenses & Certifications: Must possess and maintain current a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License - Commercial Driver's License, Class A with air brakes endorsement.Must possess and maintain current DC Operating Engineer's License, Class 78.Required Languages:EnglishPhysical Requirements:
Subject to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions that include exposure to extreme cold and/or hot temperatures.
Subject to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gasses or poor ventilation that requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment to mitigate these conditions.
Exposure to a variety of hazards such as high voltage, noise, chemicals, oils and other solvents, bacteria, pathogens and toxic substances.
Ability to ascend and descend stairs and ladders.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
Preferred Experience: Experience operating cranes is preferred.Preferred Education Requirements:N/APreferred Skills: N/A
*The work environment characteristics described in the physical requirements section of the required skills & qualifications table are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities.
At DC Water, our people make us an industry leader. Join a group of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life’s most precious resource in the nation’s capital.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.
We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against “qualified individuals with disabilities”.
If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to
perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please
email complianceada@dcwater.com.
DC Water is an industry leader because of the caliber of our employees. We are thinkers and leaders.
We are innovators and problem-solvers. Every day we're helping to solve the environmental challenges of the nation's capital. We take pride in our work. Join us.
