SALARY: $23.75 – $34.95, Hourly (DOE&Q)
OPENING DATE: 07/02/2026
CLOSING DATE: 07/09/2026 by 5:00 P.M.
JOB SUMMARY:
To perform a variety of skilled tasks in the operation of equipment for various public works activities and operations including excavation, sanitation collection, construction, loading and related operations according to required standards; and to participate in a wide variety of maintenance and construction work.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the full journey level class in the equipment operator class series. All positions assigned to this class require the ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative. This class can be distinguished from lower level classes by assignment of duties involving the operation of complex mechanical equipment related to specific area of assignment. Positions assigned to this class are further distinguished from those allocated to the Equipment Operator I class in that incumbents may provide lead supervision to a small crew of lower level maintenance staff.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from higher level supervisory and management staff.
May exercise functional and technical supervision over lower level maintenance staff.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES -
Essential and other -important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Operate a variety of equipment including trucks, backhoes, tractors, air compressors, mixers, rollers, loaders, bobcats and other similar equipment and machinery in excavating, filling, constructing, repairing, maintaining and moving various materials and property.
Inspect and restore equipment fluid levels including oil, fuel, and water and transmission fluid; verify operation of gauges and tires; lubricate equipment as needed; service and adjust as necessary.
Assist with identifying equipment needs for each assigned site or route; ensure proper materials and tools are available to the crew when they are needed.
Perform minor repairs on equipment and report the need for major repairs.
Utilize a variety of manual tools to complete assigned projects including shoveling various materials, hammering nails, building small wooden objects and repairing equipment.
Participate in a variety of activities involving travel between various city facilities, properties and other related external business and government agencies which may include site preparations and hauling materials and debris.
Install, repair, clean and maintain various public works materials and city property including fireplugs, water and sewer taps, water and service lines, water meters and valves, utility piping, manholes and refuse containers.
Ensure safety of worksite; setup barricades and other safety devices.
Provide technical support to assist division staff in the completion of their duties and responsibilities; provide functional and technical direction as needed.
Assist with preparing grades and elevations for project construction; prepare and pour concrete; set wood forms and position steel as necessary; remove wooden forms; clean site.
Collect and complete daily schedules and timesheets; report all daily work to appropriate division member.
May mark various city property with a variety of marking materials including paint and chalk dust.
Measure a variety of areas including cuts, trenches, depths and curb lines.
May respond to emergency situations as requested.
May plant, cut or trim herbage as requested including trimming trees and planting flowers and trees; remove and transport a variety of debris and excess material.
When Assigned to The Landfill:
Operating bulldozers, landfill compactors, off-road dump trucks, tractors, air compressors, and water pumps as required.
Operating bulldozers to spread waste, build terraces and slopes and build and repair roads.
Follow current grades, cut waste to current grade utilize the blade and able to observe differences.
Keep floor leveled and dumping area free of debris and waste.
Continually keep floor on grade (leveled).
Cover waste and repair erosion.
Seal dirt.
Knocking down trees when needed.
Spreading and compacting waste on side, front and back slopes.
Cut material to grade utilizing the blade on compactor.
Collect litter, replace signs, construct berms, construct temporary roads and direct traffic.
Utilize various manual tools to perform other tasks associated with landfill operation.
Prepare grades and elevation for landfill development and complete logs of inspection.
Apply knowledge of the Site Operating Plan (SOP), and appropriate federal and state laws governing landfill operation.
When Assigned to the Department of Parks and Recreation:
Assist in the development of operational plans to ensure appropriate mowing and maintenance of city parks and right-of-ways, including route development, audit and assessment.
Assist in, or oversee annual inspections of all playground equipment and related facilities.
Effectively engage and represent the Department of Parks and Recreation to citizens and organizations, regarding departmental activities as directed, or those encountered in work activities.
Coordinate with other City departments and divisions to accomplish departmental project completion and to provide assistance as approved.
Other Important Responsibilities and Duties:
Collect, empty and distribute commercial and recyclable material containers; tarp, paint and repair containers as necessary.
May rebuild private property damaged by site operations.
Perform related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operational attributes of a variety of equipment and vehicles in associated divisions.
Practices, methods and materials used in various public works services.
Traffic laws, ordinances, safety procedures and rules involved in truck and heavy equipment operations.
City and departmental policies and procedures.
Safe work practices.
Ability to:
Operate a variety of equipment including regular and off-road trucks, backhoes, tractors, air compressors, mixers, rollers, loaders, bobcats and other similar equipment and machinery in excavating, filling, constructing, repairing, maintaining and moving various materials and property.
Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled construction, repair and maintenance tasks.
Learn the geography and street system of the city.
Perform maintenance on assigned equipment in an efficient, safe manner.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Work independently or in a crew situation as assigned.
Read blueprints, sketches and construction drawings.
Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
- making observations
- reading and writing
- operating and maintaining assigned equipment
- communicating with others
Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of:
- making sound decisions
- determining and avoiding dangerous situations
- interpreting written communication including drawings
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:
- walking, stooping, kneeling, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
- crawling or climbing to perform construction, maintenance or repairs lifting various heavy materials and equipment
- operating assigned equipment
Effectively deal with personal danger which may include exposure to:
- hazardous and toxic chemicals and materials
- various fumes
- electrical hazards
- confined or high work places
- various weather conditions
- temperature extremes
- extremely loud noises
- hazards associated with working in and near traffic
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES - Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience performing maintenance work involving the operation of heavy construction equipment.
Training:
Must have completed the twelfth grade and possess a high school diploma, or have a GED.
License or Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate Texas Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
When Assigned to the Landfill:
Changes in TCEQ, or successor agency regulations, may require attaining appropriate licensure.
When Assigned to the Department of Parks and Recreation:
Possession of, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment, an Herbicide license issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Note: Employees in this classification may be deemed essential personnel for emergency management purposes.
Equipment Operator II – Public Works - Landfill – Posting #26-066.
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
Attn: Hiring Manager
P.O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, Texas 77641-1089
(EEO/AA/V/F/RC/H)
The City of Port Arthur is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
