Equipment Operation Specialist

Overview

This position is part of the City of Tucson Water Utility Department. It involves operating heavy equipment and performing related tasks in various weather and environmental conditions. The role requires open availability and may include indoor and outdoor work with exposure to physically demanding and potentially hazardous conditions.

• Operate heavy equipment to perform construction tasks and transport equipment to job sites.
• Inspect equipment, perform preventive maintenance, clean components, and report repairs as needed.
• Perform concrete work, weed removal, and asphalt maintenance.
• Investigate and resolve customer complaints; identify, locate, and request necessary materials; complete logs and reports.
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties and responsibilities may change over time.
• Maintain readiness to operate city vehicles and heavy equipment as a primary driver.

• Education:
  
  High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience:
  
  At least 2 years of relevant experience in heavy equipment operation or related field.
• License: A valid and unrestricted CDL - Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a Tanker Endorsement is required within 90 days of hire.
• Equivalency:
  Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

• At least 2 years of experience operating heavy equipment such as back/track hoe excavators, graders, and loaders.

• Application materials:
  Updated resume and cover letter with responses to required questions at the time of application. Applications without these documents will be considered incomplete.
• MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS will be evaluated based on education and work experience in the application, resume, and cover letter.
• Highest scoring applicants will be invited to a hands-on practical skills assessment.
• Practical skills test dates:
  August 13–14, 2026 (as needed).
• Following the skills assessment, qualified applicants may be invited to an in-person panel interview.

• Practical skills assessed will include operating specific heavy equipment safely and efficiently, such as:
  • Loading a 12-yard dump truck with a 930 Series or larger Articulating Front End Loader.
  • Excavating a straight ditch (trench and bench) using a CAT 420 Series Backhoe with selectable ISO/SAE controls.

• A valid and unrestricted CDL Class A with Tanker Endorsement is required within 90 days of hire.
• Compliance with Administrative Directive 6.01-8 Commercial Driver Policy applies; conditional selection may require obtaining the license within 90 calendar days of notification.
• For positions with CDL designation, applicants must obtain a valid Arizona CDL within 90 days of hire; failure to obtain or maintain CDL may result in probation failure or termination.

For questions, contact Roxie Escarcega arcega or .

This classification may include any listed duties, knowledge, skills, or other characteristics and is illustrative, not exhaustive. Work assignments may vary by department needs. The unit operates heavy equipment and performs related construction tasks.

• Education:
  
  High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience:
  
  At least two years of relevant experience.
• License: CDL Class A with Tanker Endorsement required within 90 days of hire.
• Equivalency:
  Education/experience substitutions may apply.

• Job Profile: J6005 - Equipment Operation Specialist
• Location:
  
  City of Tucson Water Utility Department
• Compensation:
  Grade G104;
  Hourly range $19.97 – $29.95 USD

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, and a pension plan with optional pre- tax savings. Paid time off, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment, training opportunities, and community engagement are provided where applicable. The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to ADA accessibility requirements. For more information, visit the City’s benefits page.

The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer. The City does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status. Questions about Equal Opportunity can be directed to the City’s Office of Equal Opportunity Programs or EEOC/ACRD offices. For accessibility accommodations, contact Human Resources.

All information in this posting is provided as of the posting date and may be subject to change. This description does not constitute a contract of employment and is subject to change at the City’s discretion.