Heavy Equipment Operator ; A262740-1 Street Cleaning

Revised on 03/27/2026

Operates one or more pieces of heavy equipment such as a street sweeper, pot pather, 18‑wheel semi‑tractor/trailer, asphalt spreader, sand/gravel distributor, or trailer‑mounted power washer. May be required to work night shift.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job‑related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Operates a street sweeper in order to maintain City streets clean.
• Performs basic maintenance on equipment and tools including washing, changing oil, and greasing.
• May assist in performing unskilled or semi‑skilled labor such as digging ditches, covering ditches, pouring concrete, mowing, trimming trees and shrubs, and all other duties as needed to perform paving projects.
• May transport heavy equipment (i.e., backhoe, grader, power rollers, etc.) on lowboy.
• May assist in training new employees and in assigning, checking and approving work of laborers and other equipment operators.
• Assists in maintaining good communication between staff, visitors, and other business contacts.
• Must follow all rules of telephone and/or handheld radio courtesy in all communications.
• Must be available to assist department during emergencies (i.e., floods, hurricanes, etc.).
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs related work as required.

• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Safe operations of heavy equipment.
• Geography of the City including major streets and landmarks.
• Preventive maintenance procedures.
• Traffic rules and regulations.
• Vehicles and equipment.

• Organization and time management.
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Meeting schedules and deadlines of the work.
• Maintaining confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Operating heavy equipment.
• Following oral and written instruction.
• Maintaining accurate and complete records.

Position will have the following exposures:

• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.
• Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly when moving objects.

Sometimes:

• Construction site
• Confined space

Frequently or Often:

• Outdoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Vehicles

Sometimes:

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Frequently or Often:

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Local:

Frequently or Often

• At least two (2) years of experience as a heavy equipment operator. Experience operating a street sweeper, pot pather, 18‑wheel semi‑tractor/trailer, or light equipment such as asphalt spreaders, sand/gravel distributor, or trailer‑mounted power washer is preferred.

• Valid Texas C.D.L. class A or B Driver License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record. If applicant holds an out‑of‑state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety‑sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791‑7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/affirmative action/pro‑disabled and veteran employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle‑based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.