This recruitment is open until the position is filled.
First review of applications will occur on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Pay Grade
Heavy Equip Operator – Pay Grade 105
Senior Heavy Equip Operator - Pay Grade 107
Hourly Salary Range
Heavy Equip Operator: $22.06 - $32.54
Senior Heavy Equip Operator: $24.32 - $35.86
The successful candidate’s placement in the salary range will depend upon previous experience in a similar role. The placement shall not exceed the midpoint of the salary range.
This position is part of a flexible classification. Qualified candidates may be hired at either level based on their experience, education and training as determined by the hiring authority.
The City of Tempe offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- 13 Paid Holidays and 1 Personal Day
- Vacation Accrual starts at 9.33 hours/month. Higher monthly vacation accrual rates may be available with prior ASRS service.
- Sick Leave Accrual; 8 hours/month
- Uniform Credit, Jeans and Safety Boot Allowance
- Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits
- Wellness Program Discount on health premiums
- Medical Reimbursement Program; $61.16/month
- Tuition Reimbursement; $6,500/year
- Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Defined benefit plan with mandatory employer and employee contributions currently at 12% which includes a Long-Term Disability benefit
- Supplemental Retirement Plans through Nationwide; 457, 401K, and Employer contribution
- Position is eligible for up to 24 hours of floating holiday leave
To view the employee benefit summary, please visit:
Employee Benefit Summary
Department / Division:
Public Works / Solid Waste
Job Type:
Full-Time Regular
This position is classified as safety sensitive. Employees in safety sensitive positions are prohibited from all marijuana usage whether medical or recreational.
Schedule:
5:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. either Monday – Thursday OR Wednesday - Saturday
4/10 schedule
Job Number:
RC# 902443
DESCRIPTION / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
This position operates light and heavy equipment in the performance of semi-skilled and skilled tasks in the construction, street maintenance and solid waste areas.
Duties include, but are not limited to the following,
- Operates solid waste heavy equipment including front-loaders, roll-offs, side-loaders, rear-loaders, skid steers or street maintenance heavy equipment including jackhammers and drills, paving and troweling machines, concrete mixers.
- Performs general manual labor, maintenance, and repairs on city streets, rights-of-way and medians.
- Installs traffic cones and barricades; routes and controls traffic around work site or special event. Responds to accidents and emergencies to assist in traffic control and clean-up.
- Performs daily routine inspection of the heavy equipment prior to and at the conclusion of use. Report any mechanical issues.
- Completes commercial or residential collection or sweeping routes, uncontained solid waste collection, and support services duties.
- May perform responsibilities of a similar nature and level as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS
Experience:
Heavy Equip Operator
One (1) year of experience in heavy equipment operation
Senior Heavy Equip Operator
One (1) year of experience in either street maintenance or solid waste heavy equipment operation, depending on assignment. (when assigned to solid waste – experience operating two (2) pieces of solid waste equipment)
Candidates must have the minimum amount of work experience. Years of experience are based upon a full-time work schedule (2,080 hours per year). The sum of an applicant’s full-time and/or part-time qualifying work experience must meet or exceed the stated minimum qualification. Education will not substitute for the required work experience; however, related unpaid and/or volunteer work experience may be used as qualifying work experience.
Education:
High school diploma or GED.
Professional Licensure and/or Certifications:
- Class A Commercial Driver’s License
Additional:
Applicants considered for this job classification must pass the following:
- Criminal history review
- Post offer/pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
- Post offer/pre-employment physical
For a complete list of City of Tempe job descriptions go to:
Job Descriptions | City of Tempe, AZ
This position is FLSA Non-Exempt which means employees are eligible for overtime compensation and/or compensatory time
Employees in this position are represented by the United Arizona Employee Association (UAEA)
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The City of Tempe is an Equal Opportunity / Reasonable Accommodation employer. The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, familial status, age, disability, and United States military veteran status. Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will make a reasonable accommodation(s) during the recruitment & selection process. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 480-350-8276. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.
