Equipment Operator - Public Works

Equipment Operator - Public Works

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Equipment Operator - Public Works

Salary

$29.60 Hourly

Location

Rochester MN 55906, MN

Job Type

Regular FT

Job Number

20260018

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

02/12/2026

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The City of Rochester welcomes applications for:

Equipment Operator

Public Works

Current Opening - Third shift (11pm to 7am)

Shift differential for third shift is $3.80 per hour

Nature of Work

The Equipment Operator is an entry-level, skilled position that performs quality manual labor and operation of both light and heavy equipment to complete a wide range of maintenance activities on City infrastructure. Typical job duties may include, but are not limited to: reconstructing and maintaining City streets, bridges, alleys, and paths (including bituminous and concrete work); maintaining sanitary sewers and storm sewers and flood control structures; performing snow and ice control during winter months (must be available for call-in during off hours in the case of inclement weather); performing safety operations and completing other duties as assigned.

Basic types of equipment that Equipment Operators may operate include, but are not limited to: tandem and single axle snow plow trucks, street sweepers, wheel loaders, skid loaders, jackhammers, air compressors, spray patcher, crack sealer, various hand tools and related equipment. More experienced operators may operate grader, paver, distributor, water tanker/flusher, excavator and dozer.

The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.

We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress, and culture of our community.

It takes us all working together.

To have your application considered for the first round of interviews, please apply by Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The 2026 starting wage for this opportunity is $29.60 per hour.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment.

*Infrastructure construction and maintenance

• Repair and maintain bituminous streets including milling, paving, hand patching, seal coating, crack filling, adjusting surface utilities (manholes) etc.

• Repair and maintain concrete streets, curbs, and sidewalks including joint re-sealing, spot repair, panel replacement, etc.

• Clean and repair sanitary and storm infrastructure; i.e. reconstructing pipes, reconstructing and cleaning manholes, catch basins, storm water structures

• Operate street sweepers, directional brooms and flusher trucks for routine sweeping and fall leaf sweeping.

• Repair and maintain structures in the right of way including street signs, mailboxes, guard rails, etc.

• Perform preventative maintenance and/or minor repair to City equipment; i.e. cleaning, greasing, etc.

*Perform snow and ice control

• Operate equipment to plow streets and sidewalks including application of snow/ice melt chemicals.

• Remove snow in the Central Business District as needed (this is generally completed during overnight hours to cause the least disruption to the public)

• Be available for call-in during off hours, weekends and holidays, in the case of inclement weather events.

*Construct and maintain flood and storm drainage facilities

• Remove sediment, debris, trees, etc from storm drainage facilities.

• Install rip rap, seed blankets, and other erosion control measures.

• Install, repair, and maintain storm sewer pipes.

• Install, repair, and maintain chain link fence, guard rails, grates, etc. around drainage structures.

• Mow, cut down and spray weeds and/or small trees around storm water facilities and/or right of way.

*Repair and maintain bridges and flood control structures

• Flush and clean bridge decks, sidewalks, medians, expansion joints, etc.

• Perform concrete repairs.

• Install, repair and maintain railings, fences, guardrails, etc.

• Remove obstructions from waterways, clear intake grates, clear outlet pipes, etc.

*Perform safety operations

• Set up and remove temporary traffic control according to regulatory standards.

• Inspect and maintain assigned equipment in accordance with proper safety requirements including DOT pre/post trip inspections.

• Perform flagging and traffic control operations.

• Log and report all unsafe conditions, maintenance needs, etc. to supervisor

*Miscellaneous duties and responsibilities

• Collaborate with supervisor on infrastructure maintenance needs.

• Wash and clean equipment and facility buildings.

• Assist with carpentry type work including mailbox repair, sign fabrication, guardrail repair.

• Perform other related duties as assigned

• ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years full-time equivalent employment experience operating and maintaining heavy construction equipment weighing over five tons

Licenses and Certifications

A Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brake and tank er endorsements is required within 90 days of hire as a condition of continued employment.

Desirable Qualifications

Five (5) years progressive experience in the highway construction field operating heavy equipment.

Three (3) years full-time experience constructing and repairing bituminous or concrete pavement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

*THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CITY'S RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM

Employees in this position are required to use respiratory equipment and the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements in administering this program.

*THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CITY'S HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Employees in this position are required to use hearing protection and the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements in administering this program.

*THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CITY OF ROCHESTER DRUG TESTING POLICY

The drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures of the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements, including Minnesota Statutes 181.950 through 181.957; the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988; and/or the US Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

*Pre-employment and/or periodic testing may be required.

THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY PUBLIC WORKS' RESPONSE TIME REQUIREMENT:

Public Works employees currently in the position or individuals hired for this position must reside within an area which will allow them to report for work within thirty (30) minutes from the time notified. Those who do not currently meet this requirement shall be allowed no more that twelve (12) months after the date that they were hired to fill the position to meet this requirement. Promotions to positions may be withheld from employees who residence would prevent them from meeting the thirty (30) minutes response time.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in the operation of assigned equipment; capabilities of the equipment operated including the adaptations and specialized uses to which equipment can be put in meeting emergency or other unusual conditions; proper techniques and procedures for operating a blade, crawler, sweeper and related equipment; traffic laws, ordinances, and regulations involved in equipment operation; and practices, methods, tools, and materials used in the maintenance and repair of equipment.

Skill in: the care and use of tools and the operation of power equipment and construction equipment.

Ability to: perform a variety of maintenance, repair and construction assignments; follow oral and written instructions; operate power operated and motorized equipment; operate piping tools and a variety of hand and power tools; operate a motor vehicles in all weather conditions; and direct or coordinate the work activities of others.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:

Frequent demands: standing; walking; lifting; carrying; pushing/pulling; balancing; stooping; kneeling; crouching; crawling; twisting; bending; foot controls; fine dexterity; and simultaneous use of the hand, wrist and fingers.

Occasional demands: sitting; reaching; handling; and climbing.

Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, and touch.

Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include:

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Noise (need to shout in order to be heard)

Vibration (exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities of whole body)

Exposure to dust/gas/fumes/steam/chemicals

Work outdoors (no effective protection from weather)

Walk on uneven ground (gravel, rocks, mounds, construction sites)

Working around moving machinery (fork-lifts, tractors, mowers)

Protective equipment required (respirator, mask, earplugs, gloves, eyewear, etc.)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT AND RETIREMENT SUMMARY (https://www.rochestermn.gov/home/showdocument?id=36357&t=639016691729370000)

01

The following supplemental information may be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Be certain that the choices you make correspond to the information you have provided in your application and resume. You must be honest and accurate in answering the supplemental questions and do not type "see resume". You may also be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview for this position. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is true and accurate. Any information provided may be reviewed by the hiring manager. Any misstatements or falsification of information will eliminate you from consideration or may result in dismissal. Do you understand and agree with this statement?

• Yes

• No

02

What is your preferred name?

03

Which of the following best describes your level of education?

• High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.

• Less than 2 years post-secondary training

• Completion of a 2 year program or degree

• Completion of a 4 year program or degree or higher

• None of the above

04

Which of the following best describes your years of full-time equivalent employment experience operating and maintaining heavy construction equipment weighing over five tons?

• No experience

• Less than 1 year

• More than 1 year, but less than 5 years

• More than 5 years, but less than 10 years

• 10 or more years

05

Did your employment experience operating and maintaining heavy construction equipment weighing over five tons include any of the following? (Select all that apply)

• Front-end loader

• Dump Truck (Over 26,000 GVW)

• Snow Plow Truck (Over 26,000 GVW)

• Excavators

• Bulldozer

• Motor Grader

• Crack sealer

• Tow Behind Air Compressor

• Oil distributor

• Flusher truck

• Roller

• Paver

• Skid loader

• N/A - I do not have any employment experience operating heavy construction equipment weighing over five tons

06

Which of the following best describes your experience constructing and/or repairing bituminous pavement, concrete pavement, sidewalks, or curbs?

• No experience

• Limited - I have done some minor concrete or asphalt work at my home

• Moderate - I have some experience constructing driveways or sidewalks; and/or patching streets or parking lots

• Extensive - I have worked on a paving or concrete crew

07

Which of the following best describes your snow removal experience?

• N/A - No experience

• Limited - I have used a snowblower on my driveway at home

• Moderate - I have experience plowing snow off of private property (parking lots and driveways) with a pick-up truck, tractor or skid-steer

• Extensive - I have employment experience plowing snow on public streets and roads, with a dump truck which requires a CDL to operate

08

Which of the following best describes the level or class of the driver's license that you currently possess?

• N/A - I do not currently possess a valid driver's license

• Class A: Any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GWVR) of 26,001 or more pounds, provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds

• Class B: Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR

• Class C: Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is placarded for hazardous materials

• Class D: passenger car or truck

09

If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), please indicate which endorsements, if any, that you currently possess. (Select all that apply)

• N/A - I do not have a CDL

• Air brakes

• I have a CDL, but I do not have any of these endorsements

• T - Double/Triple Trailers

• P - Passenger

• N - Tank Vehicle

• H - Hazardous Materials

• X - Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials

10

Which schedule are you interested in working?

• First Shift (7am-3:30pm)

• Third Shift (11pm-7am)

• I can work either shift

11

I understand that if I am offered this position, I consent to being tested for drugs and/or alcohol as a condition of employment. If the test result is positive, or if I refuse to submit to a pre-employment test, the job offer will be withdrawn.

• Yes

• No

12

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected as a finalist, are you willing to undergo a background investigation which may include, but not limited to: verification of employment and educational records, identification verification, driver's license record and a criminal history?

• Yes

• No

Required Question

Employer

City of Rochester

Address

201 4th Street SE Rochester, Minnesota, 55904

Phone

(507) 328-2555

Website

https://www.rochestermn.gov/employment

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