Heavy Machine Operator

Salary : $76,086.40 Annually
Location : Public Works - 410 S. East St., Bloomington, IL
Job Type: Internal Employees Only
Job Number: 01032
Department: Public Works
Division: Solid Waste
Opening Date: 06/10/2026
Closing Date: 6/16/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Hours/Shift: Mon-Fri 7am-3pm

Description
This is a responsible level of skilled work in the operation of both light and heavy public works equipment. Work involves the skilled operation of heavy public works equipment. Assignments include general maintenance work requiring utilization of heavy equipment, the general servicing and reporting of operating defects observed on equipment assigned. Performs as lead man if assigned. Work is performed independently or with a crew under general supervision, and is reviewed through inspection of completed work to verify the finishing of assignments according to established maintenance standards and instructions.

Examples of Duties
Any position may not include all of the specific duties listed, nor do the examples cover all of the duties which may be performed.

1. Operates heavy equipment public works equipment including street sweepers, front-end loaders, motor graders, and the large brush chipper on independent assignment or with a work crew; checks equipment for proper servicing, operation, and required repair; reports any needed servicing and repair; checks battery, lights, fuel, and oil levels; washes equipment.

2. Operates street sweeper for cleaning streets.

3. Operates front end loader picking up brush, logs, bulk waste, trash, snow and other debris and loads same on dump trucks

4. Operates motor grader when grading streets and alleys preparing surfaces for oiling.

5. Operates front end loader plowing snow.

6. Operates brush chipper for chipping brush; changes cutting knives on brush chipper when needed.

7. Performs all general duties listed in position #3107 Light Machine Operator, Public Services Department, Refuse Division.

8. Performs related work as required.

Typical Qualifications
Considerable knowledge of the operating hazards involved and the safety precautions necessary in the operation of heavy public works equipment work.

Considerable knowledge of the traffic laws and ordinances.

Considerable knowledge of maintenance work requirements related to equipment operations and in the areas of assignment.

Ability to operate assigned equipment in an independent and safe manner with a minimum of supervision.

Ability to direct and otherwise supervise an assigned general laboring crew.

Ability to understand and follow general oral and written instructions.

Ability to deal with the public in both general and difficult work situations.

Skill in the use and care of light and heavy public works equipment including street sweepers, front-end loaders, motor graders, and other specialized equipment.

Education/Experience: Graduation from a standard high school or vocational/technical school; considerable experience in work in the operation/maintenance of heavy equipment; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which would provide the following knowledge, abilities, and skills;

Certificates/Licenses:
Possession and maintenance of a valid Illinois Class B Commercial Drivers License.
Our employees are our greatest asset and reason for our success. As a full-time Local 699 - Public Works/Parks employee, you will receive a Total Compensation package including healthcare/wellness benefits, paid time off (PTO), insurance and retirement. Details below:

Healthcare/Wellness

• Medical - choice between a lower deductible PPO, an HSA-compatible PPO, and an HMO
  • All plans administered by BCBS
  • 75% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s). Working spouse exclusion applies, however, to the Medical Plan
• Dental - PPO
  • Administered by BCBS
  • 50% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s)
• Vision - PPO
  • Administered by VSP
  • 50% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s)
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Extensive Wellness program, including an annual Health Club Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - for assistance with work, health & life topics such as overall wellbeing, relationship management, workplace challenges, addiction, child/elder care resources, legal advice, financial guidance, nutrition & physical health

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 80 hours vacation, provided on your start date
  • 120 hours at 1-4 years of service
  • 160 hours at 5-19 years of service
  • 200 hours at 20-24 years of service
  • 232 hours at 25 years
• 12.5 paid holidays each year
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Good Friday
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • 4th of July
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Day After Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Eve (1/2 day)
• 2 personal days provided each year
• Opportunity to earn a Wellness Day each year
• 1 sick day earned each month, up to a maximum bank of 90 days

Insurance

• $50,000 Employer-provided benefit
• Voluntary Life Insurance buy-up

Retirement

• Automatic…