Heavy Equipment Operator

Join the City of Tacoma as a Heavy Equipment Operator – Your Expertise in Action!

Are you skilled in operating heavy equipment and passionate about making an impact in your community? The City of Tacoma is looking for dedicated and experienced professionals to join our team as a Heavy Equipment Operator that offers variety, responsibility, and the chance to grow. In this role, you'll work both independently and as part of a close-knit team to operate a wide range of heavy construction equipment in support of critical maintenance, repair, operations and construction projects across the city.

You will also have the opportunity to guide and support others on your crew, sharing your knowledge and helping us get the job done safely and efficiently. If you're someone who takes pride in your work, enjoys hands‑on problem‑solving, and wants to help keep Tacoma running strong, we’d love to hear from you.

** Hourly range of pay for this this classification is** **$41.99 - $44.10**

As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you’ll bring your expertise to diverse projects that maintain and enhance the city’s infrastructure and services. While specific responsibilities may vary slightly by department, every role in this classification plays a vital part in ensuring Tacoma remains a safe, thriving, and well‑functioning city.

This recruitment will be used toestablishan employment list that is intended to be used for the next year to fill openings in the role of Heavy Equipment Operator throughout the City. These positions are Classified and Represented bylocal 117. Ifyou'relooking for a dynamic role where your skills and dedication can contribute to meaningful work, we encourage you to explore this opportunity and join a team that values excellence and community impact!

Below you will find an overview of the Heavy Equipment Operator classification within the various departments around the City. The City of Tacoma conducts recruitment for Heavy Equipment Operators in different Departments. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply.

Heavy Equipment Operators are integral to solid waste operations at the Recovery & Transfer Center to support healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound. Heavy Equipment Operators primarily operate wheel loaders, yard mules/goats, excavators, sweepers, and other heavy equipment.

Heavy Equipment Operators primarily operate wheel loaders, motor graders, pneumatic tire rollers, chip spreader, asphalt paver, cold‑mill, street sweepers, asphalt compactor. Position is subject to emergency call‑out during non‑working hours to include nights, weekends and holidays.

Heavy Equipment Operators in Tacoma Water operate heavy, power‑driven equipment such as backhoes, mobile cranes, hydro excavator trucks, trailers, dump trucks, tractors, and other large heavy equipment.

• Safety: makes safety a core value in all work that is performed, including operating equipment in a safe manner.
• Collaborates: builds partnerships and works cooperatively with others to meet shared goals.
• Communicates effectively: delivers communication orally and in writing that conveys a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Instills Trust: gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Decision Quality: makes good and timely decisions.
• Situational Adaptability: adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
• Being Resilient: handles difficult situations well and rebounds from setbacks and adversity.
• Work Independently: ability to perform work independently and with initiative.

This recruitment will establish a Civil Service Eligibility List that will be used to establish set‑ups for current employees, as well as to fill any vacancies that may occur within the for the period of one year.

Position requires good motor coordination and depth perception, climbing,lifting and bending. Requires use of hand and foot controls and sustaining a significant amount of vibration. Employees in this position will be working in an outdoor…