Street Operator I

OPENING DATE:  October 26, 2026

CLOSING DATE:   Continuous until filled with first review of applications beginning November 9th

REPORTS TO:   STREETS SUPERVISOR

DIRECT REPORTS: STREETS SEASONAL STAFF

POSITION SUMMARY:  Under the general supervision of the Streets Supervisor and Assistant Streets Supervisor, perform manual labor, semi-skilled and skilled work often involving the operation of light to heavy-duty construction and maintenance equipment.  Employee must show fundamental knowledge of how to use the machinery and the general ability to follow instructions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Operate safely the maintenance and construction equipment, which may include, but is not limited to, dump trucks, tractors, loaders, backhoes, mowers, saws, welders, drill press, and other equipment as needed.
• Operate snow removal equipment, plows, sanders, snow blowers, and may manually remove snow using a shovel as needed.
• Load and unload heavy objects, materials and supplies as needed.
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs of equipment.
• Repair, replace and maintain street signs and markers.
• Perform concrete flat work, labor and finishing detail for various roadway, sidewalk and public works projects.
• Perform maintenance of city streets, sidewalks, public infrastructure and facilities as directed.
• Drive street sweeping vehicles to clean streets of trash, debris, and other contaminants.
• Attend training as directed by Streets Supervisor.

PERIODIC JOB DUTIES:

• Fabricate special equipment for maintenance and repair work.
• Serve as the lead person for small crews as directed by the Supervisor.
• May be reassigned to assist in other areas within the City of Altoona.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education – High School Diploma or equivalent GED
• Experience – One to two years of operating light and medium construction equipment and/or three years in a mechanical position.

SKILLS:

• Ability to take initiative.
• Ability to work independently with intermittent direct supervision.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
• Ability to make minor mechanical repairs and adjustments to equipment.
• Problem-solving ability appropriate to the work activities.
• Ability to perform routine mathematical computations accurately.
• Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods of time often in inclement weather, confined spaces, and/or heights.
• Perform job functions adhering to safety guidelines and policies set forth by the administration and/or supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of traffic laws and regulations involved in equipment operations.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with the operation of tools and equipment.
• General knowledge of tools and equipment, including hand/power tools and electronic equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Frequent requirement to lift, carry, push and pull greater than fifty (50) pounds.
• Occasionally lifts, carries or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to seventy-five (75) pounds.
• Typically bends, stoops and crouches on a regular basis to perform duties in all weather conditions.
• Occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
• Possible contact with potentially dangerous animals.
• Available for off-hour emergencies, snow duty and/or work assignments.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Iowa Driver’s license
• Valid Class A CDL (with tanker and air endorsements) or required to obtain within the first three (3) months of employment with the city.
• Within the first three (3) months of employment for the city, establish residency within forty-five (45) minutes or less to drive to the Public Works facility.

The City of Altoona retains the authority to change the job duties included in this job description at any time.  The list of duties, responsibilities, knowledge, and skills is not exhaustive and various requirements are subject to possible modification as a reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual.  

The successful candidate will be required to complete a background check and pass a medical examination which includes a drug and alcohol screening prior to beginning work.

The City of Altoona is located in Polk Count, Iowa, about 5 miles from Des Moines, Iowa, and is home to approximately 20,000 residents.  Altoona offers many large city amenities but with a small town quality and convenience.  Altoona hosts beautiful recreational trails and parks, offers an abundance of shopping and restaurant opportunities, and our entertainment is renowned.

The City of Altoona is an Equal Opportunity Employer.