Heavy Equipment Operator - I

DATE POSTED: OCTOBER 23, 2025

CLOSING DATE/TIME: NOVEMBER 6, 2025/5:00PM

All applicants must submit an online application to be considered for the position. To apply, please visit https://www.kentcountyde.gov/My-Government/Employment-Human-Resources/Employment-Opportunities if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Human Resources department at (302) 744-1918 or by email at hr.recruitment@kentcountyde.gov.

Department of Public Works

Wastewater Facilities Division

Classified, GRADE 2113

$21.27/hour

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I

General Description

The purpose of this position is to assist with the stabilized sewage sludge program by applying on land owned by and under contract with Kent County. This position works under close to general supervision of the Heavy Equipment Operator II according to set procedures but determines how or when to complete tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent most of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions as necessary.

• Assists with applications and other information required by applicable regulations governing the utilization of the sludge.
• Applies lime and sludge, thoroughly incorporating the sludge into the soil.
• Plants, sprays, and harvests for sites where Kent County is responsible for the total agricultural program.
• Assists with the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment.
• Assists with the maintenance of heavy equipment and assigned maintenance projects.
• Participates in the activity of sludge transportation and application.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Requires a High School graduation or GED equivalent and one (1) year of experience in operating heavy equipment, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Additional Requirements:

Thorough knowledge and skill in the operation of heavy motorized equipment under all types of weather conditions; good knowledge of traffic rules and regulations; good knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of working with heavy equipment; ability to follow oral and written directions; ability to make minor and major repairs and adjustments to the heavy equipment; ability to perform manual work; regular and timely attendance; performance of duties in a safe manner.

Must pass testing for substance abuse and criminal background investigation. Must maintain a positive work environment by acting and communicating in a manner that promotes harmonious relations with customers, co-workers, and supervisors. Direct deposit of pay required.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, kneel, bend, or climb and to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear.
• The employee must be able to lift to 25 pounds on a frequent basis; lift 25 to 50 pounds on an occasional basis; and lift and/or move between 50 - 100 pounds with assistance.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position works inside and occasionally works outside in various weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• This position works on a regular schedule; however, incumbents may be called in to work at irregular times in emergency situations, and incumbents must be available for call-out as needed.

Special Certifications and License Requirements:

• Must possess or achieve within 6 months of hire and thereafter retain a valid commercial driver license which will permit the operation of all County commercial type vehicular equipment and maintain an acceptable driving history.
• Must obtain and retain a valid Class F license (handling & transporting liquid wastewater) issued by the State of Delaware and any other such State required license within 12 months of hire to retain position.
• Must possess or achieve within 6 months of hire and thereafter retain designation as Weighmaster.
• Must possess and retain designation as Registered Flagger

Notices:

Kent County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S. C. 12101 et. seq.), Kent County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This is an employment at-will position.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $21.27 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Union benefits
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21