What are the responsibilities and job description for the Equipment Operator position at City of The Dalles?
June 12, 2026
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Equipment Operator
City of The Dalles
Are you someone who enjoys working outdoors, operating machinery, and making a visible impact in your community? The City of The Dalles Public Works Department is looking for our next Equipment Operator to join the Transportation Division. This is a great opportunity to work with a dedicated team and support essential services that keep our city moving.
Department: Public Works, Transportation Division
Compensation: $60,405.29 to $72,127.07 Annually
Status: Full-time, FLSA Non-Exempt, SEIU Represented
Closing Date: Open until filled. First review of applications: June 26, 2026
What does an Equipment Operator do in a typical work day?
Equipment Operator daily assignments will vary, but duties include:
- Asphalt paving operations, slurry seals, and chip-seal projects
- Operates a variety of equipment, including dump trucks, loader/backhoe, front end loaders, excavators, service pickups, paint striping equipment, snow plows and sanders, street sweepers, graders, paving equipment, tractors
- Performs designated service and preventive maintenance to street systems, storm water collection infrastructure, and parking areas
- Performs street crack sealing duties, street cuts and repairs, street patching
Our ideal candidate will be a team player who displays high attention to detail, can adapt to feedback and varying situations, prioritizes safety, and has excellent initiative and follow through.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and seasons
- May be required to work 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, particularly during winter storm response or emergencies
- Duties may involve working in confined spaces, trenches, or at heights, and around heavy equipment and traffic
- Must be able to lift at least 90 pounds and perform physically demanding tasks for extended periods
Minimum Qualifications:
-
At least six (6) months of cumulative experience in any combination of the following areas:
- Asphalt paving operations
- Road and highway maintenance work
- Heavy civil construction work
- Ability to operate all equipment necessary to perform functions of the job, including, but not limited to, dump trucks, loaders, backhoes, graders, paving machines, street sweepers, excavators, snow plows, sanders, paint striping equipment, tractors, air compressors, compactors, jackhammers, and various power tools
- Ability to provide winter road maintenance including snow plowing, sanding, and de-icing on arterial, collector, and priority routes
- Ability to assist in emergency response activities such as flooding, severe weather, or natural disasters to maintain public safety
- Knowledge of basic computer skills for work order tracking and documentation
- Experience interpreting and following written and verbal instructions, policies, procedures, and regulations
- Experience communicating effectively with coworkers, supervisors, and the public, including the ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships
Preferred Qualifications:
- Two (2) years of experience operating heavy equipment and performing related construction and maintenance duties
- Training in construction safety standards and public works operations
- Perform street surface repairs including crack sealing, pothole patching, overlays, chip sealing, and slurry sealing
- Experience with construction of sidewalks and ADA ramps
- Spanish language proficiency
Additional Required Certifications and Requirements:
- Valid Driver's License
- Criminal Background Check
- Drug Screening
- High School Graduate or Equivalent
- Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with "Tanker" endorsement is required within twelve (12) months of hire
What We Offer
- Competitive wages
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- FSA and HRA‑VEBA
- Long‑term disability, AD&D, and Employee Assistance Program
- City‑paid retirement contributions (13.5% after one year of service)
About The Dalles:
- Join a Welcoming Community - Experience the warmth of a small-town spirit where local events, farmers markets, and festivals bring people together and create lasting connections.
- Thrive in a Growing Economy - Be part of a diverse and stable economy fueled by agriculture, technology, healthcare, government, and tourism. Your career can grow here.
- Embrace the Outdoors - With over 300 days of sunshine, enjoy easy access to the Columbia River Gorge for hiking, biking, fishing, and water sports - plus winter adventures just an hour away at Mt. Hood.
- Balance Work and Life - Live surrounded by stunning riverfront parks, scenic trails, and a city that values thoughtful growth and a strong industrial and technology presence.
- Affordable and Accessible - Benefit from affordable housing, quality schools, and healthcare - all just 80 miles from Portland, combining small-town charm with metropolitan convenience.
- Be Part of Something Bigger - Join close-knit neighborhoods where community support is real and your contributions matter.
The City of The Dalles is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans and Spanish-speaking candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
To apply, go to: https://thedalles.applicantpro.com/jobs/
- Upload your resume
- Answer the supplemental questions.
EEO/AA
Salary : $60,405 - $72,127