Benton Harbor City
Apply for the
Heavy Equipment Operator
role at
Benton Harbor City .
Base Pay Range $18.00/hr - $22.00/hr
Salary Range $17.71 - $21.53 / AFSCME Union / FLSA: Hourly
Public Works Department / Non-Exempt
Supervised by: Director of Public Works / Utility Service
Overview This is skilled work in the operation of heavy equipment, performing manual labor and operating various pieces of equipment to install, maintain, and repair water mains, hydrants, and new water service taps. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating various types of heavy machinery, including bulldozers, excavators, loaders, graders, sweepers, and leaf and sewer vacs. A strong understanding of equipment mechanics, excellent hand–eye coordination, and a commitment to safety standards are required. The role also includes maintenance of water meters, sanitary sewer, and lift stations, as well as customer interaction regarding water service issues.
Essential Job Functions
Operate heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, front‑end loaders, backhoes, cranes, graders, and other equipment as needed.
Perform routine inspections and maintenance of equipment to ensure optimal functioning and identify potential issues.
Follow safety protocols and company policies to maintain a safe working environment for all personnel.
Perform pre‑operational checks and report any defects or necessary repairs to maintenance staff.
Move and position raw materials, earth, and other materials according to project requirements.
Ensure efficient site preparation, grading, excavation, and material transportation.
Communicate with supervisors, project managers, and other team members to ensure project goals are met.
Maintain daily logs of equipment usage, fuel consumption, and other relevant data.
Adhere to local, state, and federal regulations for equipment operation and safety standards.
Perform a variety of unskilled and semi‑skilled construction, repair, and maintenance tasks such as applying asphalt patches, pouring cement for curbs, gutters, and sidewalks, and general repairs related to water or sewer excavation.
Assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of the utility system.
Assist in locating hidden and broken underground system problems.
Assist in the maintenance, repair, and construction of manholes, valves, and related appurtenances.
Set up signs and traffic warning devices during construction of manholes, hydrants, valves, and related appurtenances.
Act as a flagger when other employees are working in the streets.
Comply with OSHA Safety Rules for confined space entry, MDOT Rules for working in streets, and City of Benton Harbor General Safety practices.
Assist and help with the operations of the garbage truck.
Control and operate all equipment in accordance with policies and procedures.
Execute daily safety and maintenance checks.
Clean and maintain trucks as scheduled.
Collect and gather garbage from residential neighborhoods.
Ensure garbage is removed, transported, and disposed of in accordance with set policies and procedures.
Provide impeccable hospitality to each customer.
Carry trash bags, bulk items, and containers.
Work well within time constraints.
Operate sewer‑cleaning equipment to maintain sanitary sewer lines, providing repair or replacement as necessary.
Perform maintenance on lift station, check pump operation, clean, maintain, and repair pumps, motors, and other related equipment as needed.
Maintain records of work performed.
Perform manual labor such as digging and filling holes and shoveling snow away from hydrants.
Maintain records of daily activities, listing repairs made, materials and equipment used, and time spent on each job.
Operate truck to haul materials, equipment, and personnel for utility services projects.
May be required to respond to emergency calls outside regular work hours.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent.
Proven experience as a Heavy Equipment Operator or similar role.
Valid operator’s license and required certifications.
Must have a valid CDL license.
Strong knowledge of heavy machinery operation and safety standards.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and diagrams.
Good physical stamina and ability to work in various weather conditions.
Excellent hand‑eye coordination and spatial awareness.
Strong communication skills and teamwork ability.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Physical Demands/Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, bend, stand, sit, talk, hear, grasp, lift (up to 40 lbs.), climb, see, distinguish colors, read, write, comprehend, and communicate in English, and work under moderate stress conditions. The employee frequently uses hands and fingers and is occasionally required to travel to other locations. A valid CDL driver's license and transportation are required.
Compliance All applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol screening, driving records, and criminal background checks.
Equal Opportunity Statement The City of Benton Harbor is an equal‑opportunity employer and a drug‑free workplace.
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Heavy Equipment Operator
role at
Benton Harbor City .
Base Pay Range $18.00/hr - $22.00/hr
Salary Range $17.71 - $21.53 / AFSCME Union / FLSA: Hourly
Public Works Department / Non-Exempt
Supervised by: Director of Public Works / Utility Service
Overview This is skilled work in the operation of heavy equipment, performing manual labor and operating various pieces of equipment to install, maintain, and repair water mains, hydrants, and new water service taps. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating various types of heavy machinery, including bulldozers, excavators, loaders, graders, sweepers, and leaf and sewer vacs. A strong understanding of equipment mechanics, excellent hand–eye coordination, and a commitment to safety standards are required. The role also includes maintenance of water meters, sanitary sewer, and lift stations, as well as customer interaction regarding water service issues.
Essential Job Functions
Operate heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, front‑end loaders, backhoes, cranes, graders, and other equipment as needed.
Perform routine inspections and maintenance of equipment to ensure optimal functioning and identify potential issues.
Follow safety protocols and company policies to maintain a safe working environment for all personnel.
Perform pre‑operational checks and report any defects or necessary repairs to maintenance staff.
Move and position raw materials, earth, and other materials according to project requirements.
Ensure efficient site preparation, grading, excavation, and material transportation.
Communicate with supervisors, project managers, and other team members to ensure project goals are met.
Maintain daily logs of equipment usage, fuel consumption, and other relevant data.
Adhere to local, state, and federal regulations for equipment operation and safety standards.
Perform a variety of unskilled and semi‑skilled construction, repair, and maintenance tasks such as applying asphalt patches, pouring cement for curbs, gutters, and sidewalks, and general repairs related to water or sewer excavation.
Assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of the utility system.
Assist in locating hidden and broken underground system problems.
Assist in the maintenance, repair, and construction of manholes, valves, and related appurtenances.
Set up signs and traffic warning devices during construction of manholes, hydrants, valves, and related appurtenances.
Act as a flagger when other employees are working in the streets.
Comply with OSHA Safety Rules for confined space entry, MDOT Rules for working in streets, and City of Benton Harbor General Safety practices.
Assist and help with the operations of the garbage truck.
Control and operate all equipment in accordance with policies and procedures.
Execute daily safety and maintenance checks.
Clean and maintain trucks as scheduled.
Collect and gather garbage from residential neighborhoods.
Ensure garbage is removed, transported, and disposed of in accordance with set policies and procedures.
Provide impeccable hospitality to each customer.
Carry trash bags, bulk items, and containers.
Work well within time constraints.
Operate sewer‑cleaning equipment to maintain sanitary sewer lines, providing repair or replacement as necessary.
Perform maintenance on lift station, check pump operation, clean, maintain, and repair pumps, motors, and other related equipment as needed.
Maintain records of work performed.
Perform manual labor such as digging and filling holes and shoveling snow away from hydrants.
Maintain records of daily activities, listing repairs made, materials and equipment used, and time spent on each job.
Operate truck to haul materials, equipment, and personnel for utility services projects.
May be required to respond to emergency calls outside regular work hours.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent.
Proven experience as a Heavy Equipment Operator or similar role.
Valid operator’s license and required certifications.
Must have a valid CDL license.
Strong knowledge of heavy machinery operation and safety standards.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and diagrams.
Good physical stamina and ability to work in various weather conditions.
Excellent hand‑eye coordination and spatial awareness.
Strong communication skills and teamwork ability.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Physical Demands/Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, bend, stand, sit, talk, hear, grasp, lift (up to 40 lbs.), climb, see, distinguish colors, read, write, comprehend, and communicate in English, and work under moderate stress conditions. The employee frequently uses hands and fingers and is occasionally required to travel to other locations. A valid CDL driver's license and transportation are required.
Compliance All applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol screening, driving records, and criminal background checks.
Equal Opportunity Statement The City of Benton Harbor is an equal‑opportunity employer and a drug‑free workplace.
#J-18808-Ljbffr