Equipment Operator III - Regional Wastewater Reclamation

Job Description Summary

The Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department (RWRD) seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator III to operate and maintain specialized equipment used in construction, system operations, site clean-up, material transport, and waste disposal. Salary: $23.28–$31.44 per hour.

• Operate graders, water trucks, backhoes, boom trucks, trenchers, dump trucks, and front-end loaders at a wastewater treatment facility.
• Operate compactors and conveyors to move waste material and load dump trucks for transport to drying beds or landfill.
• Remove materials that clog conveyor systems; remove debris or blockages to maintain safe and efficient equipment operation.
• Assist in cleaning sludge from aerators, tanks, and ponds using a skid steer, crane, or dump truck; perform sludge removal while wearing appropriate PPE and holding confined‑space certification.
• Use hand tools to load sludge from aerators into buckets, clean and perform minor repairs on machinery, and clear delicate areas.
• Haul waste material to landfill, ensuring compliance with environmental and dumping regulations; maintain drying beds and surrounding areas free of weeds.
• Use front-end loaders, graders, and dump trucks to maintain drying beds, ponds, and nearby areas.
• Use backhoes to excavate around high‑volume lines, valves, or repair sinkholes; operate vacuum trucks to clean out sumps.
• Perform minor equipment repairs and servicing; participate in manual labor tasks assisting mechanics and technicians.
• Operate and maintain a 3:1 slope ratio on embankments; haul liquid waste from outlying plants to disposal facilities with a semi‑truck and smoothbore trailer.

• Five years total experience in heavy equipment operations and driving CDL Class A vehicles; or
• Three years experience as an Equipment Operator II with Pima County.
• Completion of a vocational/technical program in heavy equipment operations may substitute for six months of required experience.

• At least three years operating graders, water trucks, backhoes, boom trucks, trenchers, dump trucks, tankers, and front-end loaders.
• Minimum one year experience in over‑the‑road wet and dry material transporting and trailering.
• Knowledge of traffic laws and local, state, and federal regulations for vehicle and heavy equipment operation.

Valid A‑class commercial driver’s license (CDL) required at time of application;
Arizona driver’s license required ker endorsement required within first six months. Failure to maintain licenses results in termination.

Pre‑employment background checks, driving record review, and drug/alcohol testing are required.

• Operate and inspect mechanical equipment continuously.
• Use and repair tools and machinery weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Operate vehicles safely under state and federal transportation laws.
• Work in extreme heat, humidity, dust, or cold; exposure to loud noise, mechanical parts, oils, vibrations, and electrical shock.

Work at wastewater treatment facilities with exposure to hazardous materials, noxious odors, and possibly hazardous environments.

Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.