Equipment Operator

Introduction

The mission of Maintenance & Operations is to provide excellence in transportation by keeping the state's road transportation network in a state of good repair through the careful and consistent application of personnel, equipment and financial resources.

This describes entry‑level equipment operator work. The role involves learning department rules, regulations, and policies concerning the operation of equipment, proper handling of materials, and environmental issues as related to the industry. Work is performed under close direction of a technical superior. The position must be available to work overtime as needed, and during storm events and other emergency events on short notice, and in some cases, no advance notice.

During inclement weather, the position also includes snow removal responsibilities.

Upon satisfactory completion of department promotional standards and job requirements, employees may be eligible to be promoted to the next level.

• Drive and control on/off‑road equipment to haul supplies to and from the work site, including public highway systems.
• Manipulate equipment with integrated mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic systems/controls by coding computers or adjusting levers, gears, valves, switches and related controls.
• Operate mobile equipment and hand tools to dig, ditch, slope, strip, grade, backfill, mow, and cut and excavate.
• Load and unload rock, debris, earth, trees and materials, such as abrasives and de‑icing chemicals/hazardous materials, using hands, loaders, trucks, hand‑trucks, forklifts, dolly‑lifts, and hoists.
• Operate hand tools such as jackhammers, mechanical tampers, power saws, air compressors, hydraulic drivers, and similar equipment to make general repairs of roads, grounds, and/or structures.
• Perform construction/maintenance and repairs in a variety of labor/trades fields such as carpentry, welding, and masonry.
• Respond to environmental/highway emergency situations to control snow, storm water, hazardous debris, oil spills, etc. on roads, grounds, and related areas.
• Use traffic control techniques to control high/low speed vehicular traffic movements.
• Perform preventive maintenance, operational checks, pre‑ and post‑walk‑around inspections, and make minor repairs/adjustments of assigned equipment; report damage and/or required maintenance.
• May operate draw and swing bridges to permit both water and roadway traffic to pass safely.

• Knowledge of preventative maintenance on vehicles and equipment, including lubricating, cleaning, and servicing.
• Knowledge of operating a variety of equipment used in repair, maintenance, and development of roads, grounds, or structures such as jack hammers, power saws, air compressors, or hydraulic post drivers.
• Knowledge of operating motorized equipment used for groundskeeping, snow removal, or hauling materials.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified).

All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment. Sessions are held at designated locations in Kent or New Castle County.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Delaware participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with Form I‑9 information to confirm authorization. Delaware does not provide employment‑based sponsorship.

Pre‑employment drug testing:
Upon a conditional offer, applicants must undergo pre‑employment drug testing.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and is organized under an exclusive bargaining representative. The agreement is based on Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16.

Medical exam:
Applicants who meet the job requirements and receive a conditional offer must meet the physical qualification and examination requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations to hold a commercial driver’s license unless they are approved for an Intra‑State CDL waiver or exemption. Applicants must not have incurred four or more serious traffic violations during the…