Equipment Operator - Streets

Position: Equipment Operator I - Streets
Salary: $25.75 Hourly
Location : La Crosse, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00807
Department/Division: Streets
Opening Date: 02/19/2026
Closing Date: 3/5/2026 11:59 PM Central

Description
The City of La Crosse is accepting applications for a full-time Equipment Operator I to become an essential member of the Street Department team. The Street Department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of streets, snow removal, and oversees the refuse and recycling program. The individual in this position will work with a dedicated team of employees whose actions improve the lives of the citizens of La Crosse daily.
The purpose of this position is to operate assigned equipment used in public works facilities/infrastructure maintenance, construction and repair. Incumbents in this class regularly operate motorized excavating, construction and maintenance equipment. Equipment varies by department but includes backhoes, dump truck and other assigned equipment. Incumbents work under general supervision of lead workers, supervisors and/or superintendents. This position will primarily work on the patch crew.

Job duties include operating small equipment, minor maintenance to equipment, shoveling hot mix, setting up traffic control, working daily to repair potholes and road openings.
Selected candidate subject to participation in DOT regulated random drug and alcohol program. Starting wage for this non-exempt position is $25.75 per hour (80 hours bi-weekly). Working hours for this position are Monday through Friday.
Requirements:
High school diploma or equivalent, with two to three years heavy equipment operating experience, or any combination of education and experience which provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. A valid commercial driver's license is required. CPR, First Aid and confined space entry certifications may be required by department.
Benefits:
The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical benefit plans, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, accident insurance, income continuation insurance, voluntary dental and vision plans, paid holidays, vacations, and sick leave. Benefit perks: traditional or high deductible (with HSA) medical plan options available; participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with 7.20% employer contribution;

10 paid holidays, ability to earn up to 12 sick days per year, and vacation time available as of date of hire.
Selected candidate is subject to background check, post-offer/pre-employment drug screen, physical and physical capacity screen. Applications are accepted until March 5th, 2026. To be considered, submit an employment application by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking Career Opportunities or by visiting

Purpose of Position

The purpose of this position is to operate assigned equipment used in public works facilities/infrastructure maintenance, construction and repair.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Incumbents in this class regularly operate motorized excavating, construction and maintenance equipment. Equipment varies by department but includes backhoes, dump truck and other assigned equipment. Incumbents work under general supervision of lead workers, supervisors and/or superintendents.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Operates excavating equipment to prepare sites for concrete construction, utility facility installations/repairs, flood control, landscaping and other public works such as backhoes, tractors and hand excavation tools.

Operates a variety of public works maintenance equipment such as snowplow equipment, pumps, saws, dump truck, tampers, jack hammer and other assigned equipment.

Monitors equipment operation for malfunctions. Notifies supervisory personnel regarding need for equipment repairs. Performs routine maintenance such as fueling and lubricating equipment. May assist with field repairs, or perform minor repairs in the field.

Operates Arial truck.

May instruct others at the job site.

Participates in work safety training.

May respond to emergencies.

Records maintenance and repair work to appropriate records.

Maintains regular and predictable on-site attendance.
Additional Tasks and Responsibilities

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this classification and may also be performed by other unit members.

Flags traffic at work sites.

Cleans equipment.
Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

High school diploma or equivalent, with two to three years heavy equipment operating experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. A valid commercial driver's license required. CPR, First Aid and confined space entry…