What are the responsibilities and job description for the Equipment Operator I - Sewer position at City of Fremont?
Description
The City of La Crosse is accepting applications for a full-time Equipment Operator I to become an essential member of the Wastewater Department. The purpose of the Wastewater Department is to help protect public health and the environment by providing high-quality regional wastewater treatment services in an effective, efficient, and responsive manner. The Wastewater Treatment plant is a division of Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Utilities. It is our vision to be a recognized, responsive, creative, and flexible team, all while achieving excellence for our community in a positive working environment. The City of La Crosse Wastewater Treatment Plant is under a major upgrade introducing new cutting-edge technology to be one of the more advanced Wastewater Treatment Plants in Wisconsin.
The purpose of this position is to operate assigned equipment used in public works facilities/infrastructure maintenance, construction and repair. Incumbents in this class regularly operate motorized excavating, construction and maintenance equipment. Equipment varies by department but includes backhoes, dump truck, sewer cleaning equipment, snow removal and other assigned equipment. Incumbents work under general supervision of lead workers, supervisors and/or superintendents. Starting wage for this non-exempt position ranges between $25.75 to $29.50 per hour (80 hours bi-weekly), depending on candidate qualifications. Working hours of Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, with two to three years heavy equipment operating experience, or any combination of education and experience which provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. A valid commercial driver's license required or ability to successfully obtain commercial driver's license while in the position. CPR, First Aid and confined space entry certifications required.
Benefits: The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical benefit plans, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, accident insurance, income continuation insurance, voluntary dental and vision plans, paid holidays, vacations, and sick leave. Benefit perks: traditional or high deductible (with HSA) medical plan options available; participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with 7.20% employer contribution; 10 paid holidays, ability to earn up to 12 sick days per year, and vacation time available as of date of hire.
Selected candidate is subject to background check, post-offer/pre-employment drug screen, physical and job screen. Applications must be received by January 4, 2026. To be considered, submit an employment application by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking Career Opportunities or by visiting https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacrossewi.
Purpose of Position
The purpose of this position is to operate assigned equipment used in public works facilities/infrastructure maintenance, construction and repair.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Incumbents in this class regularly operate motorized excavating, construction and maintenance equipment. Equipment varies by department but includes backhoes, dump truck, sewer cleaning equipment, snow removal and other assigned equipment. Incumbents work under general supervision of lead workers, supervisors and/or superintendents.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Operates excavating equipment to prepare sites for concrete construction, utility facility installations/repairs, flood control, landscaping and other public works such as backhoes, tractors and hand excavation tools.
Operates a variety of public works maintenance equipment such as snowplow equipment, utility line flushing equipment, rodding machine, portable steam boiler, pumps, saws, dump truck, tampers, jack hammer and other assigned equipment.
Monitors equipment operation for malfunctions. Notifies supervisory personnel regarding need for equipment repairs. Performs routine maintenance such as fueling and lubricating equipment. May assist with field repairs, or perform minor repairs in the field.
May instruct others at the job site.
Participates in work safety training.
Participates in on-call rotation.
May respond to emergencies.
Records maintenance and repair work to appropriate records.
Recommends sewer inspection, replacement and repair needs.
Determines cleaning locations with maps.
Prepare sewer televising orders.
Determines cleaning sequence and schedule.
Maintains regular and predictable on-site attendance.
Additional Tasks And Responsibilities
While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this classification and may also be performed by other unit members.
Flags traffic at work sites.
Cleans equipment.
Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
High school diploma or equivalent, with two to three years heavy equipment operating experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. A valid commercial driver's license required or ability to successfully obtain commercial driver's license within 30 days on the job in the position. CPR, First Aid and confined space entry certifications may be required by department.
Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication
Ability to assemble, copy, record and transcribe data and information, following a prescribed plan. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and/or sort data and information.
Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well established policies, procedures and standards. Ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests from others.
Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference data and information such as work activity reports, diagrams, maps, operating and maintenance manuals and schedules.
Ability to communicate effectively with public works department personnel, engineers and the general public.
Mathematical Ability
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability
Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.
Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria.
Physical Requirements
Ability to operate equipment and machinery requiring monitoring multiple conditions and making multiple, complex and rapid adjustments, such as snow removal equipment, back hoe, dump trucks, pumps, utility line flushing equipment, mechanic's hand tools, shoves, rakes, saws, etc. Ability to repair complex equipment and machinery.
Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing highly skilled movements such as heavy equipment operation.
Ability to exert moderate to heavy physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, tastes, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.
Environmental Adaptability
Ability to work under occasionally unsafe and often uncomfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as temperature variations, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, wetness, machinery, electrical currents, traffic hazards and/or dust may cause or causing discomfort and where there is a risk of injury.
The City of La Crosse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
To follow is a brief summary of the benefits the City of La Crosse offers to its employees. Benefits and benefit eligibility will vary by position. Detailed benefits information can be found on the City's website under Department>Human Resources>Employee Benefits.
The City of La Crosse is accepting applications for a full-time Equipment Operator I to become an essential member of the Wastewater Department. The purpose of the Wastewater Department is to help protect public health and the environment by providing high-quality regional wastewater treatment services in an effective, efficient, and responsive manner. The Wastewater Treatment plant is a division of Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Utilities. It is our vision to be a recognized, responsive, creative, and flexible team, all while achieving excellence for our community in a positive working environment. The City of La Crosse Wastewater Treatment Plant is under a major upgrade introducing new cutting-edge technology to be one of the more advanced Wastewater Treatment Plants in Wisconsin.
The purpose of this position is to operate assigned equipment used in public works facilities/infrastructure maintenance, construction and repair. Incumbents in this class regularly operate motorized excavating, construction and maintenance equipment. Equipment varies by department but includes backhoes, dump truck, sewer cleaning equipment, snow removal and other assigned equipment. Incumbents work under general supervision of lead workers, supervisors and/or superintendents. Starting wage for this non-exempt position ranges between $25.75 to $29.50 per hour (80 hours bi-weekly), depending on candidate qualifications. Working hours of Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, with two to three years heavy equipment operating experience, or any combination of education and experience which provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. A valid commercial driver's license required or ability to successfully obtain commercial driver's license while in the position. CPR, First Aid and confined space entry certifications required.
Benefits: The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical benefit plans, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, accident insurance, income continuation insurance, voluntary dental and vision plans, paid holidays, vacations, and sick leave. Benefit perks: traditional or high deductible (with HSA) medical plan options available; participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with 7.20% employer contribution; 10 paid holidays, ability to earn up to 12 sick days per year, and vacation time available as of date of hire.
Selected candidate is subject to background check, post-offer/pre-employment drug screen, physical and job screen. Applications must be received by January 4, 2026. To be considered, submit an employment application by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking Career Opportunities or by visiting https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacrossewi.
Purpose of Position
The purpose of this position is to operate assigned equipment used in public works facilities/infrastructure maintenance, construction and repair.
Distinguishing Characteristics
Incumbents in this class regularly operate motorized excavating, construction and maintenance equipment. Equipment varies by department but includes backhoes, dump truck, sewer cleaning equipment, snow removal and other assigned equipment. Incumbents work under general supervision of lead workers, supervisors and/or superintendents.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Operates excavating equipment to prepare sites for concrete construction, utility facility installations/repairs, flood control, landscaping and other public works such as backhoes, tractors and hand excavation tools.
Operates a variety of public works maintenance equipment such as snowplow equipment, utility line flushing equipment, rodding machine, portable steam boiler, pumps, saws, dump truck, tampers, jack hammer and other assigned equipment.
Monitors equipment operation for malfunctions. Notifies supervisory personnel regarding need for equipment repairs. Performs routine maintenance such as fueling and lubricating equipment. May assist with field repairs, or perform minor repairs in the field.
May instruct others at the job site.
Participates in work safety training.
Participates in on-call rotation.
May respond to emergencies.
Records maintenance and repair work to appropriate records.
Recommends sewer inspection, replacement and repair needs.
Determines cleaning locations with maps.
Prepare sewer televising orders.
Determines cleaning sequence and schedule.
Maintains regular and predictable on-site attendance.
Additional Tasks And Responsibilities
While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this classification and may also be performed by other unit members.
Flags traffic at work sites.
Cleans equipment.
Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
High school diploma or equivalent, with two to three years heavy equipment operating experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. A valid commercial driver's license required or ability to successfully obtain commercial driver's license within 30 days on the job in the position. CPR, First Aid and confined space entry certifications may be required by department.
Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication
Ability to assemble, copy, record and transcribe data and information, following a prescribed plan. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and/or sort data and information.
Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well established policies, procedures and standards. Ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests from others.
Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference data and information such as work activity reports, diagrams, maps, operating and maintenance manuals and schedules.
Ability to communicate effectively with public works department personnel, engineers and the general public.
Mathematical Ability
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability
Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.
Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria.
Physical Requirements
Ability to operate equipment and machinery requiring monitoring multiple conditions and making multiple, complex and rapid adjustments, such as snow removal equipment, back hoe, dump trucks, pumps, utility line flushing equipment, mechanic's hand tools, shoves, rakes, saws, etc. Ability to repair complex equipment and machinery.
Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing highly skilled movements such as heavy equipment operation.
Ability to exert moderate to heavy physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, tastes, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.
Environmental Adaptability
Ability to work under occasionally unsafe and often uncomfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as temperature variations, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, wetness, machinery, electrical currents, traffic hazards and/or dust may cause or causing discomfort and where there is a risk of injury.
The City of La Crosse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
To follow is a brief summary of the benefits the City of La Crosse offers to its employees. Benefits and benefit eligibility will vary by position. Detailed benefits information can be found on the City's website under Department>Human Resources>Employee Benefits.
- Medical Benefit Plan – Offered to all full-time, non-represented or unionized employees. Coverage for eligible medical expenses and prescriptions. Note: Employees hired full-time on or after 1/1/14 are not eligible for retiree medical benefit plan coverage.
- Pension (Wisconsin Retirement System-WRS) – Automatic enrollment for full-time positions. Eligibility for part-time positions varies by position and is determined by the number of hours and duration of the position. For eligible positions, contributions begin date of hire. Employer contributions are paid by the employer. Employees are required to pay 50% of the total WRS contribution rate for "general" employees. 2026 rate is 7.2% of pre-tax earnings.
- Life Insurance – (follows WRS eligibility) Up to five times the employee's annual salary is available. Spouse/dependent coverage options also available.
- Income Continuation Insurance – (follows WRS enrollment) A short or long term disability insurance. Various options available for waiting periods.
- Section #125 Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a flexible spending account to defer money from your paycheck pre-tax in a dependent care or medical account.
- Vision Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a voluntary plan, completely funded by the employee.
- Dental Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. This is a voluntary plan, completely funded by the employee. Employees can choose between two different dental plans.
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. May enroll at any time. Employees may elect for pre-tax and Roth payroll deductions to be placed in a retirement investment account.
- Roth IRA - Offered to non-represented or unionized employees working 20 hours/week or more. May enroll at any time. Employees may elect for payroll deductions to be placed in a Roth IRA.
- Paid Leave Time - Vacation, sick leave, personal business leave, family care leave, and holidays. Actual leave accrual determined by employee handbook or union contracts.
- Accident Insurance – pays a cash benefit when you or your covered family members suffer injuries sustained in an accident. The enrollment period for new hires is within the first 30 days of hire. The effective date is when the completed, timely form is received by the employer.
Salary : $26 - $30