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Posted: February 24, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Equipment Operator I

City of Grand Rapids

Public Services

Fresh

Location

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503-2206

Salary

$47,188 - $56,358

per year

Closes

March 7, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves operating heavy and medium equipment to maintain and repair roads, clear snow and waste, and handle other public services tasks in Grand Rapids.

Workers will also lead small crews, ensure safety during operations, and perform routine equipment upkeep.

It's a good fit for someone with basic experience in machinery operation who enjoys hands-on outdoor work and can handle varying weather conditions.

Key Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Less than one year of experience operating light and medium motorized equipment (or equivalent combination of education and training)
  • Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
  • Knowledge of operating light and heavy motorized equipment, routine maintenance, and safety standards
  • Skills in basic math, interpersonal communication, and multitasking
  • Ability to safely operate equipment, follow directions, and meet deadlines
  • Pass a performance exam on equipment operation

Full Job Description

The purpose of this job is to operate heavy and medium equipment in road maintenance. Performs various laboring and semi-skilled tasks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
  • Operates a variety of paving equipment to repair roads
  • Measures to figure amount of necessary paving material and tonnage
  • Performs preparation and layout for road stripping
  • Oversees traffic control for road segments under repair
  • Provides leadership to ground and hauling crews
  • Maintains roads for public safety during snow and ice storms; clears ice from overpasses and underpasses
  • Operates single and double brooms for street cleaning
  • Operates loader truck to remove yard waste
  • Drives sanitation trucks to remove refuse and pick up recycling materials from alleys
  • Grades, surveys and clears alleyways
  • Trims trees and bushes in alleyways
  • Performs trench repair, operates concrete saw; and operates backhoe to remove materials
  • Performs daily maintenance and cleaning of equipment
  • Performs related work as required


Requirements

Required Education and Experience

High school diploma (or GED equivalent)--AND--Less than one (1) year of experience in the operation of light and medium motorized equipment--OR--Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilitiesRequired Licenses or CertificationsDriver’s License (CDL)Please Note: A performance exam consisting of the preparation and operation of equipment to perform related work tasks will be part of this recruitment process.

Qualifications Knowledge of:Operation of light and heavy motorized equipmentRoutine equipment maintenanceSafety standards and precautions pertaining to the use and operation of motorized equipment and hand and power toolsAnti-icing proceduresMaterials calculation Power tool operationStreet markingOperation of high tech dual-plow system computers Skill in:Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different naturePerforming basic mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratiosAssigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignmentsEffective written and oral communicationAbility to:Meet schedules and deadlines of the workUnderstand and carry out oral and written directionsAccurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic filesMaintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundariesSafely operate various light and heavy equipmentUse hand and power tools in a safe and effective mannerMeasure and lay out materials Additional Information We Offer:Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day 1

  • 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit)
  • Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Account
  • Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan options
  • Twelve Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time
  • Paid parking (if applicable)
  • Employee Home Ownership Incentive
  • Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunities
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counseling
  • Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentive
  • Employee Discounts and Perks
  • Characters : 1112

    Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application


    The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

    Please Note:
    This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.

    Collective Bargaining Agreements

    Civil Service Rules

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 2/24/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/25/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-grandrapids-5244968