Equipment Operator

Job Information

Position:
Equipment Operator I

Department: PUBLIC WORKS

Division: PUB WORKS OPERATIONS

Posting Type:
Public

Number of Vacancies: 4

Work Hours:

40 per week, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, Monday – Friday

Work Site

Location:

Chesapeake, VA

Pay Grade: GE05

Advertised Salary: $40,531 – $66,876;
Depending on Qualifications and Experience

Requisition Number: 2026126

Position Driving Requirement: R - Routine

Posting Open Date: 05/06/2026

Posting Close Date: 05/27/2026

Open Continuous:
No

Sign-on/Benefits:
Selected candidates will be eligible for a $3,000 sign-on bonus and a $4,000 CDL stipend (if applicable). There is a Career Progression program that allows advancement to the appropriate next level position within the current division.

Medical marijuana:
In accordance with City policy, this position is deemed safety-sensitive. Applicants are subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing after a conditional offer and may be subject to random testing. The drug test includes marijuana. Possession of a medical marijuana card will not excuse testing; however, a test will not be considered positive for marijuana if a valid medical certification is presented unless the position requires a CDL or is a sworn law-enforcement officer/deputy.

Join the City of Chesapeake’s Public Works Operations team. We are looking for motivated, hands-on professionals to help deliver essential services that keep our city running — from roads and bridges to stormwater and drainage systems. As a key member of the operations crew, you’ll perform a variety of tasks, including:

• Constructing and repairing concrete features such as sidewalks, curbs, gutters, driveway aprons, drainage basins, and pipe systems
• Performing roadway maintenance, including pothole patching, shoulder restoration, and other repair work
• Maintaining and restoring drainage infrastructure, including clearing and grading ditches and site restoration
• Providing traffic control and flagging during construction activities
• Supporting tasks like guardrail repair, weed control, and basic tree trimming
• Operating a wide range of heavy equipment and tools, including dump trucks, excavators, asphalt and concrete trucks, rollers, snowplows, chainsaws, and mowers
• Responding to emergency events such as snowstorms and hurricanes to keep roads safe and clear
• Participating in ongoing training to sharpen skills and grow a career in public works

Be part of the Chesapeake team that builds, maintains, and protects the city we all call home. Applicants should possess the ability to use hand tools for general labor, have a basic understanding of construction practices and tools, and be willing to learn flagging duties and operate construction equipment while following safety procedures.

Required Qualifications

Vocational / Educational Requirement:
Completion of 10th grade in high school. High School diploma, GED/HSE, or specialized vocational training is preferred.

Special Certifications and Licenses:
Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record in compliance with City Driving Standards. Requires CDL permit at time of interview and a CDL Class B within 6 months of employment.

Experience:

Minimum of three months of related, full-time equivalent experience.

Special Requirements:
Performance of essential functions may require exposure to confined spaces. Employees may be expected to work hours beyond their scheduled hours in response to department needs or City-wide emergencies. Emergency operations support work and work locations may be outside of normal duties.

Preferred Qualifications

Asphalt and concrete skills

New team members may be assigned to one of three operational locations based on departmental needs:

• Hickory Yard – 149 Benefit Rd.
• Bowers Hill Yard – 3900 S Military Hwy.

A CDL permit is required at the time of interview, with the expectation of obtaining a CDL Class B within six months of hire. A no-cost, in-house CDL training program is offered for eligible employees.

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