Equipment Operator; Distribution

Job Overview

Hickory, North Carolina, is a three‑time All‑America City on the Catawba River, approximately one hour east of Asheville and one hour north of Charlotte. More than 45,000 residents call Hickory their home, the hub of a 365,000‑metropolitan area. The city offers excellent school systems, recreation facilities, libraries, golf courses, theaters, art museums and gorgeous parks. Beautiful Lake Hickory is over 4,000 acres and has many public access areas.

For a virtual interactive tour, visit ; for a web portal all about life in Hickory, visit

Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetics, or the presence of a non‑job‑related medical condition or disability. U.S. law requires all applicants to furnish proof of identity and right to work in the U.S. All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a post‑offer medical examination, which includes a drug screen procedure.

All applicants are subject to a background check. All applications must be completed online at www.hickorync.gov/employment
. You may use any computer with Internet access.

Operate heavy equipment in support of the installation, maintenance, and repair of the water distribution and wastewater collection systems.

• Operate a backhoe, trackhoe, rubber tire loader, tandem dump truck, tractor, bush hog, and other equipment.
• Inspect equipment.
• Install, repair, and maintain water meters.
• Transport equipment to and from the job site.
• Perform maintenance of specialized and heavy equipment.
• Install water and sewer lines and mains for customers and businesses.
• Repair water and sewer main breaks.
• Install, repair, and flush fire hydrants.
• Locate water and sewer lines.
• Patch roadways and sidewalks at completion of task and repair landscaping.
• Assist crew leader with project management and crew safety.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Work after hours as required during emergencies, inclement weather, and other times.
• Applicants must meet the city criteria for an acceptable driving record.

• High school diploma or GED, minimum age of 18.
• Valid CDL Class B driver’s license required; CDL Class A preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic mathematical calculations at a high‑school level.
• Minimum one to two years of experience in a similar position or apprenticeship.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid North Carolina driver’s license for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment such as a backhoe, dump truck, and tractor.
• Knowledge of traffic laws, regulations, and safety procedures.
• Skill in operating heavy equipment and establishing priorities.
• Skill in public, interpersonal, and written communication.
• Knowledge of blueprint reading.
• Knowledge of standard water and wastewater materials and procedures.

The position requires frequently standing, walking, handling tools, climbing ladders, and lifting or moving more than 100 pounds. A functional pre‑work screen will be administered by an impartial third‑party specialist.

The position is safety‑sensitive and the employee will be part of a random drug‑testing pool administered by an outside third‑party vendor.

Work is typically performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. Employees may be exposed to noise, dust, grease, machinery, contagious diseases, and irritating chemicals. Protective equipment may be required.