Heavy Equipment Operator

Position Overview

Operates various light and heavy motorized equipment and vehicles as part of the City’s parks maintenance and construction program. This is the second level in the Operator job series; employees are expected to apply technical expertise and skill in the operation of more difficult and complex heavy equipment and serve as a resource to other workers.

Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions. The position involves exposure to noise, fumes, dust, dirt, and vibrations. Safety equipment includes safety shoes and ear plugs. The role requires heavy physical work: ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 100 pounds, bend, stoop, climb, crouch, kneel, squat, and reach above shoulder level. Visual acuity sufficient to perform essential job functions is required.

Work involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, extended hours, nights, and weekends. The position may require emergency call‑outs. Regular attendance is essential to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

• Operate various light and heavy motorized equipment and vehicles in transporting materials or as part of maintenance or construction projects involving parks and recreation areas; operate heavy equipment, including graders, excavators, blades, rollers, and milling machines to construct, repair, and maintain park properties and structures, in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures.
• Perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs on equipment; identify maintenance that needs to be performed by shop staff.
• Perform inspections of parks grounds, parking lots, streets, and roadways ensuring the use of the appropriate equipment and general operations; set up traffic control and monitor general work area.
• Operate power tools; work with field crews when not operating equipment or vehicles.
• Identify equipment, materials, and supplies that are necessary for effective operations; purchase supplies.
• Participate in the staging of special events and tournaments; load and unload materials, supplies, parts, and equipment.
• Mow and fertilize grass and prune trees; operate a wide range of heavy equipment to accomplish tasks.
• Perform lead work direction over field crews in absence of Lead or supervisor.
• Provide performance feedback, train, and instruct employees to meet established goals and objectives; participate in staff evaluations with designated supervisor to provide impartial feedback regarding performance; ensure that staff maintain safety standards and adhere to policies and procedures for efficient and safe operations.
• Review, maintain, and update records in various formats, mediums, and automated systems to ensure data integrity and adherence to internal controls, practices, and policies; demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless services.

• Three (3) years of experience in the operation of construction equipment and one year experience in heavy equipment operation.
• No specific educational requirement.
• Valid Class B commercial driver's license.
• Forklift operator certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.

Knowledge of: operation of heavy equipment and vehicles; minor equipment maintenance procedures 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; customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; 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 applications;
City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: read, write and perform linear, square and cubic measurements; read and interpret basic blueprints and construction documents; direct the work of crew members; use a two‑way communication device; perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives;

read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related…