Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Summary

Heavy Equipment Operators in the Merit System are responsible for the operation of a variety of street maintenance and utility heavy equipment. Individuals in this classification perform work that involves the execution of specific rules, regulations, or procedures, and employees in this classification are responsible for the efficient and safe operation of heavy equipment. The following is an example of some of the equipment operated by this classification: asphalt distributors, backhoes, farm equipment, front‑end loaders, fuel trucks, mechanical brush pickers, rock beaters, rubber tire loaders, sewer flusher machines, sewer rodding machines, sewer vacuum machines, steel wheel rollers, street sweepers, tractor‑trailer trucks, and other related equipment.

Work assignments are received either orally or as written work orders and are usually assigned by an immediate supervisor daily. After work assignments are given, the work is usually performed with limited supervision. Work is reviewed by on‑site observation, results obtained, and through evaluations. Supervision may be exercised over Laborers, Skilled Laborers and Truck Drivers if HEO’s supervisor is not at the work site.

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: $18.35 - $28.46
• Birmingham: $18.74 - $29.08
• Center Point: $17.69 - $27.44
• Fultondale: $19.52 - $30.28
• Gardendale: $21.87 - $33.93
• Homewood: $21.65 - $33.58
• Hueytown: $19.28 - $29.92
• Irondale: $22.25 - $34.52
• Jefferson County: $20.82 - $32.29
• Leeds: $19.23 - $29.84
• Mountain Brook: $23.51 - $36.48
• Tarrant: $16.16 – $25.07
• Vestavia Hills: $21.78 - $33.79

04/03/2026

Grade 17

Full time

• Class B commercial driver’s license.
• Experience working in or around heavy equipment (e.g., brush truck, rubber tire loader, roller, limb loader).
• Experience following safety standards related to heavy 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 equipment to meet project specifications.
• Cleans, clears, and prepares roads, ditches, sewer lines and land using heavy 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 equipment operator job duties.
• Acts as a lead worker of peer or support staff by assigning and reviewing work tasks, facilitating training, and providing feedback using policies, procedures, tools, and directives from management in order to ensure tasks are completed in accordance with established requirements.
• Loads, unloads, lifts, and places various materials (e.g., dirt, biosolids, pipes, brush) using heavy equipment in order to complete construction, cleanup, or maintenance projects.
• Performs preventative maintenance and basic repairs on heavy 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.

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 such as front‑end loaders, bobcats, etc., as well as a variety of hand tools. May…