Heavy Equipment Operator II

Position Title: Heavy Equipment Operator II

Pay Grade: H

Department: Public Works

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Foreman

Safety Sensitive: Yes - CDL

Position Supervises: No

Date Approved: 10/2013

Date Revised: 02/2026

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required, and subject to change, as approved by the City Manager.

Employees in this class are under general supervision. Work performed in operating a variety of heavy equipment such as trucks, road grader, bulldozer, oiler, backhoe, front‑end loader and asphalt roller.

Examples of work performed: ditches, grades roads and shoulders black top; operates a heavy roller to compact material such as aggregate base, asphalt pavement and dirt; operates a bulldozer to move dirt, solid waste and other material; operates a truck as needed in various tasks; works on road construction projects; cleans debris, dirt and other materials from streets; performs excavation for special purposes;

operates a truck with blade attachment for plowing snow and to salt streets; maintains and performs appropriate repair work on equipment; occasionally uses hand tools to shovel material, finish concrete, and otherwise assist in the construction of sidewalks and catch basins, and roadway maintenance. Subject to call‑out. Performs related work as required. Equipment operators at this level perform work requiring specialized skill in the operation of more than one type of equipment and/or skill in more than one type of construction.

This level of skill shall be sufficient to enable the employee to construct driveway tiles and assist in excavating and grading for the construction of catch basins, curb and gutter and etc. with minimal guidance. Equipment operators at this level perform with minimal supervision associated with road construction and pipe laying that requires an understanding of and an ability to work from field control points in grading and trenching to design lines and grades.

Must accomplish work involving operation of heavy equipment and excavation in close proximity to existing utilities.

• Ability to operate a variety of heavy equipment
• Knowledge of state and city traffic regulations
• Knowledge of safety precautions and maintenance of heavy equipment
• Knowledge of the materials and equipment used in general maintenance work
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions
  
  Knowledge of and experience with a particular type or types of heavy equipment obtained thru extensive hands on operation within the Department or during other job experience
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to successfully complete construction projects such as driveway tiles, catch basins and sidewalks with minimal guidance
• Ability to work from field control points in order to complete grading and trenching such that final grades for road and/or pipe conforms to construction plans.
• Ability to make independent judgments in the absence of supervision and acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and co‑workers

Must have experience operating heavy equipment and must possess a valid TN commercial driver's license (CDL) or be able to obtain within six (6) months of employment.

A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred.

Frequent pushing or lifting of up to 100 pounds required. Subjected to extended periods of physical exertion while shoveling and digging. Good hand‑eye coordination required in the operation of large, heavy trucks and other heavy equipment especially when operating in and around construction on rights‑of‑way and in tight situations.

Regularly exposed to all weather conditions and loud noises.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Paid Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Voluntary Benefits
• Pension and 401k Retirement Savings
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick time – 8 hours/month
• Paid Vacation time – 8 hours/month

City of Cookeville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Qualified individuals with known disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the Human Resources department at .