Light Equipment Operator

Position Overview

Operates a variety of light motorized equipment and vehicles as part of the City's parks maintenance and construction program. The position functions outdoors exposing employees to traffic, weather, hazardous chemicals, dust, fumes, noise, and vibration. Safety equipment such as safety shoes and ear protection is required.

• Operates light motorized equipment and vehicles as part of the parks maintenance and construction program.
• Position functions outdoors with exposure to traffic, weather, hazardous chemicals, dust, fumes, noise, and vibration.
• Requires heavy physical work including standing, walking, climbing, balancing, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, squatting, pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying up to 100 pounds.
• Involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues.
• Position will be advertised as continuous until filled, with periodic review of applications. First consideration may be given to current City of Las Cruces employees who meet the minimum requirements.

• Loads, transports, and unloads tools, parts, materials, supplies, and equipment to job sites; operates trucks, front end loaders, and backhoes to construct, repair, and maintain roads, properties, and structures in accordance with safety regulations and procedures.
• Operates equipment to make repairs for utility cuts; organizes work orders to ensure critical issues are addressed.
• Performs grounds upkeep and maintenance, mows, fertilizes grass, and prunes trees to comply with established maintenance schedules and procedures.
• Uses dump trucks, front loaders, and backhoes to haul, load, and dispose of debris from job sites and repair locations; supports chip sealing, paving, milling, and other work performed on City roads.
• Performs maintenance and minor repairs on small engines and equipment; sharpens lawn mower blades; welds and fabricates parts; identifies maintenance needs to be performed by other shop staff.
• Operates various power tools; works with field crews to assist with upkeep, repairs, and maintenance; assists with preparation of special events and tournaments for set‑up, staging, and clean‑up.
• Performs storm drain locates; prevents damage to city storm drains and streets; responds to all locate tickets operating equipment to accomplish work orders.
• Cleans, sweeps, and maintains the safety of roadways, sidewalks, and storm drains for the City.
• Coordinates and supports the purchasing, transport, and delivery of supplies as needed.

No specific educational requirement. Minimum two (2) years of experience in light construction equipment operation, street construction, park maintenance, and/or landscaping. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied as per City policy.

Valid Class B commercial driver’s license. Some positions may require forklift operator certification within six (6) months of employment. A clean driving record is required in accordance with City policies.

Knowledge of: principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis; customer service and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment;

current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software;
City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities; assess and prioritize multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines; provide appropriate customer service; read, understand, and comply with policies and regulations; maintain accurate…