Heavy Equipment Operator

Submit cover letter and resume with online application.

Job Description

The second level of the Public Works Series is responsible for performing semi-skilled and skilled manual labor by maintaining and repairing County highways, township roads, bridges, and other properties. Responsibilities may include operating heavy equipment for the maintenance of highways and bridges; and performing manual labor to maintain roads and other properties.

Job Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Operates a wide variety of medium to heavy equipment, which may include tandem dump trucks, snowplows, tractors/mowers, motor graders, chainsaws, front-end loaders, and/or other related equipment, to maintain highways, bridges, facilities, other properties, and equipment.

Performs semi-skilled and skilled manual labor for highway, bridge, and other maintenance, including removing snow and ice from roadways; and graveling, patching, crack sealing, grading roads, work zone flagging, and assisting with sign replacements and painted pavement message installations.

Performs routine cleaning and preventive maintenance and repairs on applicable vehicles and equipment, and inspects work performed by contractors. Performs building and grounds cleaning and maintenance at county shops. Indirectly supervises part-time employees assisting in ditch mowing, snow & ice removal, or other operations, as necessary.

Prepares, updates, and maintains a variety of logs, records, and/or equipment maintenance schedules.

Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Education and/or Experience

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

High School diploma or G.E.D and two years equipment operation or related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS:

Incumbents in this class typically require:

• Minnesota Class A Commercial Driver's License with air brake endorsement and no restrictions.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS:

• Applicable medium and heavy equipment;

• Equipment maintenance and repair principles and practices;

• Occupational hazards and safe work methods;

• Safe driving practices;

• Customer service principles;

• Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment.

SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Operating a variety of medium to heavy equipment;

• Performing preventive maintenance to applicable equipment;

• Preparing and maintaining a records and logs;

• Transporting equipment to work sites;

• Providing customer service;

• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications;

• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
  

FUNCTIONAL SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES MIGHT INCLUDE:

Positions assigned to Blade Operator may be responsible for:

• Operating a motor grader for summer maintenance as well as snow & ice removal of County and Township roads.

• Communicating regularly with Township officials and attending Township meetings, as necessary, to discuss Township road concerns.

Positions assigned to the Litchfield Crew may be responsible for:

• Routine participation in crew operations and equipment knowledge as it relates to crack sealing, patching, shoulder maintenance, and other roadway maintenance crew activities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 75 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Incumbents may be exposed to hazardous physical conditions, such as, mechanical parts, electrical currents, and vibrations; hazardous materials, such as chemicals, blood, and other bodily fluids; extreme temperatures; intense noise and work in close proximity to roadway traffic.

Additional Information

2025 Salary Information: GRADE LEVEL: HB23 STARTING SALARY: $25.49

Full range for candidates with direct experience is $25.49-$34.26.

In addition to competitive starting wages that are based on experience and education Meeker County also offers the following benefits:

• 24-hour vacation bank upon hire for FT employees pro-rated for PT employees

• Retirement pension through MN PERA

• Student Loan Assistance Program

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Employment with Meeker County qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

• Employee Referral Program

• Catastrophic Medical Leave Program

• Employee Recognition Program

• $20,000 Basic Life Insurance at no-cost to eligible employees

• County contribution towards Health Savings Accounts

• Medical Insurance

• Spending Accounts (HSA, VEBA & FSA)

• Dental Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Short Term Disability

• Long Term Disability

• Vision Insurance

• Group Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital

• Employee Assistance Program
  

For detailed information about Meeker County Employee Benefits, please go to our website:

https://www.hrconnection.com/default.aspx?u=MeekerCounty&p=Meeker1

Application Special Instructions

Submit cover letter and resume with online application.

Meeker County is an Equal Opportunity Employer