Construction Equipment Operator

Job Summary

Construction Equipment Operators in the Merit System operate a variety of heavy, complex gasoline- and diesel-powered construction equipment requiring a high level of skill. Employees work with considerable independence and are responsible for the safe and proper operation of assigned equipment, often ensuring the safety of nearby workers and assisting less experienced coworkers. Work is assigned through work orders, verbal instructions, or general guidelines and is reviewed during progress and upon completion.

This classification is distinguished by the regular operation of large, often track-mounted equipment such as bulldozers, track hoes, motor graders, cranes, and similar machinery. Employees must exercise significant care to prevent equipment damage and ensure safe, effective operations.

Agencies provide competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more. Applications for this position will be considered for the following Merit System employing agencies. The pay range for this job varies depending upon the Merit System employing agency.

• Bessemer: $19.26 - $29.89
• Birmingham: $19.68 - $30.53
• Center Point: $18.57 - $28.81
• Fultondale: $20.49 - $31.79
• Gardendale: $22.97 - $35.63
• Homewood: $22.73 - $35.26
• Jefferson County: $21.86 - $33.91
• Mountain Brook: $24.69 - $38.30
• Tarrant: $16.97 - $26.32
• Vestavia Hills: $22.87 - $35.48

04/03/2026

Grade 18

Full time

• Class B commercial driver's license with the ability to obtain a Class A CDL and/or HAZMAT endorsement within 90 days if required by jurisdiction.
• Experience working in or around construction equipment (e.g., backhoe, motor grader, track dozer, track loader).
• Experience following safety standards related to heavy/construction equipment operation (e.g., setting up work zones, locating utility lines, flagging).

• Backfills, excavates, spreads, and scrapes specified parts of construction or maintenance projects using heavy or construction equipment to meet project specifications.
• Cleans, clears, and prepares roads, ditches, sewer lines and land using heavy or construction equipment for construction or property maintenance purposes.
• Communicates with members of the public, supervisors, and subordinates using verbal and written correspondence in order to exchange information concerning heavy or construction equipment operator job duties.
• Loads, unloads, lifts, and places various materials (e.g., dirt, biosolids, pipes, brush) using heavy or construction equipment in order to complete construction, cleanup, or maintenance projects.
• Performs preventative maintenance and basic repairs on heavy or construction equipment (e.g., checking fluids, changing parts) in order to maintain efficient equipment operations.
• Promotes safe work practices (e.g., setting up traffic work zones, wearing safety gear, obeying applicable traffic laws, using outriggers) to prevent accidents, injuries, and property/equipment damage.
• Supervises staff by assigning and distributing work, directing staff in their job duties, monitoring progress of work, providing feedback and/or training.

Job involves physical exertion required for sustained periods of light physical activity such as operating a refuse truck or standing for prolonged periods of time. May involve occasional lifting of items or objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

Work is primarily performed at outdoor worksites such as residential neighborhoods, landfills, etc. Work involves use of heavy equipment and construction equipment such as front bulldozers, backhoes, graders, etc., as well as a variety of hand tools. Job may require exposure to potentially hazardous work conditions (e.g., working in and around traffic, in and around landfills, working in and around heavy equipment and construction equipment).

May also require exposure to inclement weather when working outdoors (e.g., extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, wind), as well as working around foul odors and potentially harmful waste.

The Person nel Board of Jefferson County 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 with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Each Merit System member city/agency operates its own equal employment opportunity policies available on the individual…