Equipment Operator I - Streets - Public Works

Anticipated Hiring Range: $24.16 - $30.41 Hourly

Full Salary Range: $24.16 - $35.03 Hourly

Why Do I See Two Salary Ranges?

The City of Greeley, in compliance with Colorado state law, includes a salary range for all positions posted. This law improves wage transparency. We post both the full salary range and the anticipated hiring range, where we expect to make an offer. Offers are based on experience, education, certifications, and other factors.

City of Greeley's Total Rewards
The City of Greeley is committed to providing a comprehensive total rewards program that supports employees in their work by encouraging excellence and investing in employee development and recognition. This philosophy is grounded in fiscal responsibility, organizational effectiveness, and employee safety and well-being, ensuring the responsible stewardship of public resources while offering meaningful and comparable rewards. This approach ensures that the city remains an attractive, inclusive, and rewarding work environment, while also effectively serving the community.  

Benefits:  This position is benefits eligible. Please view our benefits guide here.

Job Summary:

The Equipment Operator I performs skilled work in the maintenance, repair, and construction of city streets, alleys, and any related infrastructure. This position operates a variety of light and heavy equipment, assists in snow and ice control, and ensures safe and efficient traffic flow through proper work zone setup. Work is performed independently and as part of a team under the general supervision of a Crew Supervisor. In the absence of a senior operator, this role may lead small crews in the completion of daily tasks assigned.

Experience, Education, and Skills

Minimum Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Current Class A or B CDL driver's license with air brake endorsements or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire date.
• Flagger certification, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire date.
• One to two (1-2) years of experience equipment operation, construction, maintenance, or related field.

OR

• Any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in successful performance of the essential functions of the job, AND possession of a valid driver’s license.

• AND

• Possession of a valid driver's license

Preferred:

• Three (3) years of experience operating light equipment to include, but not limited to, tractor with attachments, loader, asphalt roller, single / tandem axle dump trucks (w/o spreader and plow), single / tandem axle flush trucks, bucket truck, etc.
• Three (3) years of experience in concrete finishing.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of street maintenance practices, including pothole repair, gravel road maintenance, drainage systems, and right-of-way upkeep.
• Familiarity with snow and ice control techniques, including plow operations and deicing methods.
• Understanding of safety protocols, including PPE use, work zone setup, and traffic control standards.
• Knowledge of proper operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for a variety of light and heavy equipment (e.g., mowers, plows, loaders, tractors).
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with supervisors, coworkers, other departments, and the public.
• Ability to use software systems such as CityWorks and basic office applications for documentation and reporting.
• Awareness of City, department, and division policies and procedures related to public works operations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a physically demanding, outdoor environment.
• Ability to use sound judgment when operating equipment or addressing unexpected problems in the field.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and make decisions within established procedures and technical guidelines.
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism when responding to citizen inquiries or field-based concerns.
• Ability to work overtime and respond to after-hour calls, particularly during emergencies and inclement weather, as well as serve as on-call person on a rotational basis.

Essential Functions

• Follow all safety practices, including proper work zone setup, traffic control procedures, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Operate and maintain a variety of equipment, such as string trimmers, mowers, tractors with attachments, loaders, plows, and sprayers, etc.
• Perform routine maintenance activities including mowing, spraying, debris removal, tree trimming, alley and gravel road maintenance, shoulder repair, and basic equipment care.
• Maintain rights-of-way, detention ponds, and open ditches, including cleaning, mowing, and vegetation control.
• Assist in maintenance of alleys, gravel streets, and shoulders, including cleaning, hauling materials, supporting reconstruction activities, tree trimming, and site cleanup.
• Perform pothole repair tasks under direction and assist with tracking daily and monthly pothole maintenance activities.
• Assist with snow and ice removal operations, including operating plow trucks and supporting snow management activities as assigned.
• Support seasonal operations such as spring cleanup and other maintenance programs.
• Assist crew members with assigned tasks and follow direction from supervisors and higher-level operators.
• Complete basic work orders, time sheets, service requests, and documentation accurately and in a timely manner using CityWorks or other systems.
• Respond to routine citizen inquiries in a professional manner and refer concerns to the appropriate staff as needed.
• Participate in daily briefings, safety meetings, and training activities, including required certifications such as flagger and work zone traffic control.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to support daily operations.
• Identify and report safety concerns, equipment issues, or field conditions to supervisor.
• Assist with troubleshooting basic field issues within established procedures and guidelines.
• Support updates to operational documentation and contribute to process improvements as directed.
• Assist with stormwater-related activities during emergencies or as directed.
• Participate in an on-call rotation as assigned and assist with emergency or after-hours response, including snowstorms and severe weather events.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed primarily outdoors across a variety of municipal environments, including roadways, detention ponds, and construction sites, with occasional indoor tasks at maintenance shops.

• Routinely exposed to all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, and ice.

• Routinely exposed to all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, and ice.

• Duties include working in and around live traffic, construction zones, and active stormwater infrastructure requiring the use of appropriate PPE and traffic control practices.

• Stormwater operations may require working near standing water, biological hazards, or contaminated materials, with safety protocols in place.

• Work may involve navigating uneven terrain, confined spaces, and elevated surfaces, including manholes, culverts, embankments, at heights (such as on rooftops, ladders, or scaffolding).

• May involve extended shifts and irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency callouts as part of an on-call rotation.

Physical Requirements:

• Mobility: Ability to walk, stand, or work on uneven terrain for extended periods. Frequently climb ladders, steps, and equipment; enter and exit vehicles and equipment regularly.

• Strength: Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull tools, materials, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds regularly, and up to 100 pounds occasionally, with or without assistance as needed.

• Endurance: Ability to perform sustained physical labor in outdoor environments for extended periods (8–12 hours), including during inclement weather and emergency response.

• Dexterity: Sufficient manual dexterity to operate tools, equipment, and vehicle controls with precision and safety. Ability to complete fine motor tasks.

• Flexibility: Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach overhead and below waist level, and maintain awkward positions when performing work tasks.

• Vision and Hearing: Adequate visual acuity to read instruments, inspect work areas and monitor traffic and jobsite conditions. Ability to monitor surroundings and equipment operation. Ability to hear warning signals, verbal instructions, and equipment sounds in noisy environments.

• Ability to maintain DOT Medical Certificate

EOE Statement: The City of Greeley provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

ADA Statement: We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free search process. We provide accommodations for applicants requesting accommodation through the search process such as alternative formats of this posting.  Individuals with disabilities in need of accommodations throughout the search process should contact the ADA Coordinator at: HR@Greeleygov.com .

Conditions of Employment: The City of Greeley is an at-will employer.  Employees and the City may terminate employment at any time for any reason. Candidates must successfully complete all pre-employment screenings and employment eligibility verification. Pre-employment screenings include a drug test, a background and national sex offender search, a motor vehicle record search, and for some positions, a physical demands evaluation. For more information about City policies and practices during the recruitment process, including but not limited to EOE, Reasonable Accommodation, and pre-employment screenings, please visit our career page HERE. 

• Follow all safety practices, including proper work zone setup, traffic control procedures, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Operate and maintain a variety of equipment, such as string trimmers, mowers, tractors with attachments, loaders, plows, and sprayers, etc.
• Perform routine maintenance activities including mowing, spraying, debris removal, tree trimming, alley and gravel road maintenance, shoulder repair, and basic equipment care.
• Maintain rights-of-way, detention ponds, and open ditches, including cleaning, mowing, and vegetation control.
• Assist in maintenance of alleys, gravel streets, and shoulders, including cleaning, hauling materials, supporting reconstruction activities, tree trimming, and site cleanup.
• Perform pothole repair tasks under direction and assist with tracking daily and monthly pothole maintenance activities.
• Assist with snow and ice removal operations, including operating plow trucks and supporting snow management activities as assigned.
• Support seasonal operations such as spring cleanup and other maintenance programs.
• Assist crew members with assigned tasks and follow direction from supervisors and higher-level operators.
• Complete basic work orders, time sheets, service requests, and documentation accurately and in a timely manner using CityWorks or other systems.
• Respond to routine citizen inquiries in a professional manner and refer concerns to the appropriate staff as needed.
• Participate in daily briefings, safety meetings, and training activities, including required certifications such as flagger and work zone traffic control.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to support daily operations.
• Identify and report safety concerns, equipment issues, or field conditions to supervisor.
• Assist with troubleshooting basic field issues within established procedures and guidelines.
• Support updates to operational documentation and contribute to process improvements as directed.
• Assist with stormwater-related activities during emergencies or as directed.
• Participate in an on-call rotation as assigned and assist with emergency or after-hours response, including snowstorms and severe weather events.

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Current Class B CDL driver's license with air brake endorsement or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire date.
• Flagger certification or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire date.
• One (1) year of experience operating light equipment such as sweepers, tractors, and loaders.

OR

• Any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in successful performance of the essential functions of the job, AND possession of a valid driver’s license.

Preferred:

• Three (3) years of experience operating light equipment, including sweepers and loaders.
• Three (3) years of experience in concrete finishing.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of street maintenance practices, including pothole repair, gravel road maintenance, drainage systems, and right-of-way upkeep.
• Familiarity with snow and ice control techniques, including plow operations and deicing methods.
• Understanding of safety protocols, including PPE use, work zone setup, and traffic control standards.
• Knowledge of proper operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for a variety of light and heavy equipment (e.g., mowers, plows, loaders, tractors).
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with supervisors, coworkers, other departments, and the public.
• Ability to use software systems such as CityWorks and basic office applications for documentation and reporting.
• Awareness of City, department, and division policies and procedures related to public works operations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a physically demanding, outdoor environment.
• Ability to use sound judgment when operating equipment or addressing unexpected problems in the field.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and make decisions within established procedures and technical guidelines.
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism when responding to citizen inquiries or field-based concerns.
• Ability to work overtime and respond to after-hour calls, particularly during emergencies and inclement weather, as well as serve as on-call person on a rotational basis.

Travel:
Approximately 10% flexible, local travel required.