Equipment Operator IV - Streets/Stormwater
Wilmington
Friday, 29 May 2026
One City. One team. One mission. Work outdoors, learn valuable trade skills, and be part of a crew that looks out for each other. Equipment Operator II team members work in small crews operating tools and specialized equipment while maintaining streams and public spaces across the city. Employees gain hands-on experience, opportunities to earn a CDL, CPR/ First Aid certifications, heavy equipment training, and cross-training across multiple operational teams. This is a strong fit for hardworking, dependable people who want to learn new skills, grow their career, and move up through experience and initiative. The purpose of this position is to maintain and improve the City’s stormwater drainage system and/or assist in the maintenance of public roads to ensure safety and reliability. This is accomplished by operating heavy power-driven equipment requiring a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) in the construction and maintenance of public roads and sidewalks and/or in the construction and maintenance of stormwater drainage systems. This is the fourth level class in the Equipment Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Equipment Operator IV class in that the latter class performs more complex and difficult equipment operation duties and utilize heavier equipment. This class involves the operation of equipment and mechanisms that are complex to operate and require the highest degree of skill, dexterity, and finesse to perform work to exacting tolerances. In addition to heavy equipment operated by the Public Works Operator I, II & III classes, equipment primarily operated includes, but is not limited to, the following: road tractors/low boys and tandem dump trucks hauling all equipment and trailer. Although not the primary responsibility of the position, employees may, on occasion, operate lighter equipment. Other duties include assisting crew members, training and directing the work of lower-level staff, maintaining equipment, and completing daily forms and logs. Work is performed under regular supervision.
Typical Tasks
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Transport, load, and secure construction equipment to and from job sites using lowboy trailers. Operate heavy equipment including backhoes, excavators, motor graders, and tractors with boom mowers for construction, maintenance, and landscaping projects. Perform digging, trenching, grading, clearing, and material handling while protecting utilities and property. Set precise slopes, grades, and surfaces for roads, embankments, and other infrastructure projects. Inspect, maintain, and secure equipment before and after use; perform basic preventive maintenance. Assist crews with manual labor tasks such as shoveling, raking, leveling, and moving materials. Monitor work zones, flag traffic, and place safety markers and barriers to protect crews and the public. Maintain accurate records and logs of work performed. Support emergency response, storm cleanup, and special events operations. Lead and train lower-level staff as needed.
Qualifications
Education and Experience High school diploma or GED, with vocational or technical training in the operation of CDL-operated vehicles and. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in construction, maintenance, grounds keeping or a related field and. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience operating the types of equipment identified in this class or. Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Other Requirements Class B CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) with ability to obtain Class A within 6 months. Knowledge of the basic operation and maintenance requirements of the equipment operated by this classification. Ability to communicate and work cooperatively with colleagues, City leadership, and the general public. Ability to obtain Flagger & Work. Zone Safety certifications within 90 days of hire. Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to work tasks and handle practical situations and requests made by supervisor and/or lead workers; to comprehend and respond to a variety of situations in an efficient manner; to understand and follow simple oral and written directives and perform the relative tasks using sound judgment.
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Exerting 50-100 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10-20 lbs. constantly. WORKING CONDITIONS:This position will require outdoor work in all types of weather conditions. Emergency work in storm events is required, this positions is considered essential and may be required to work before, during and after inclement weather events. All positions will be required to participate in On-Call program on a rotating basis with other employees/ operating sections.
Our Core Values:
INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY
Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.
What we offer:
The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance many other insurance options
Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System
Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
Free on-site city gym access
Paid sick and vacation leave 13 paid holidays per year
6-weeks paid parental leave
Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
Tuition assistance benefits
Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.