Equipment Operator II - Landscaping

Position Overview

Chesapeake Parks, Recreation, and Tourism is seeking a skilled and dependable Equipment Operator II to support the maintenance and enhancement of the City’s parks, athletic fields, and public green spaces. This role helps ensure City facilities remain safe, functional, and welcoming for residents and visitors.

• Operate and maintain equipment such as dump trucks, front-end loaders, backhoes, tractors with attachments, specialized mowers, top dressers, and small graders
• Perform landscaping and grounds maintenance including turf care, planting, weeding, pruning, mulching, and related duties
• Support athletic field preparation, renovation, and upkeep
• Remove trees, stumps, roots, debris, and dead vegetation as needed
• Perform minor maintenance and report equipment malfunctions or damage to supervisors
• Assist with repairs, construction, inspections, and maintenance of park amenities, facilities, fixtures, signage, walkways, roads, and parking areas
• Conduct safety inspections of parks, recreational facilities, sidewalks, and event sites, ensuring timely repairs to protect public safety
• Perform custodial duties including litter and trash removal and restroom cleaning and stocking as needed
• Support event preparation and logistics, including setup and breakdown of tents, barricades, and recreational equipment
• Provide responsive customer service in alignment with the City’s Customer Service Initiative
• Collaborate with other City departments, contractors, volunteer groups, and community partners
• Assist with monitoring contractor work to ensure compliance with specifications and standards

Required:
Vocational/educational requirement: completion of 10th grade; high school diploma, GED, or specialized vocational training preferred.

Experience:

minimum of six months of related, full-time equivalent experience.
Licenses and

Certifications:

valid driver’s license with a driving record in compliance with City Driving Standards;
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Class A is required
; pesticide applicator certification within 1 year of employment if applicable.

Preferred: previous experience operating medium to heavy equipment; good written and oral communication skills; some computer and email experience; previous customer service experience; knowledge of basic construction guidelines; pesticide applicator certification.

Work hours:

40+ hours per week;
Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, with occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays based on operational requirements. Work site:
Chesapeake, VA (various recreational and park facilities). Position driving requirement:
Routine. Pay grade: GE06. Advertised salary: $42,580 annually (salary based on qualifications and experience).

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse the Benefits Brochure for a full list of benefits and employee perks.

Selected candidates may be eligible for a $3,000 sign-on bonus and a $4,000 CDL stipend (if applicable). Pre-employment drug/alcohol testing is required; drug screening includes marijuana. Medical marijuana certification does not excuse testing unless the position does not require a CDL or sworn law enforcement duties. A background check and post screenings are required. Must obtain a Pesticide Applicators Certification within 1 year of employment.

Job open date: 05/27/2026. Job close date: 06/10/2026.