Equipment Operator

Why it's a great opportunity: In this role you will provide essential support to many of the County’s maintenance projects. You will lead your crew and operate various equipment on construction sites from engineered design plans for the County’s roads, rivers, stormwater assets, retention ponds, levees, and more.  You and your team will use loaders, rollers, chip spreaders, belt loaders, backhoes, graders, brush cutters, compactors, and other equipment necessary. The efforts of you and your team will ensure safe and reliable performance to maintain the communities of Pierce County.

Why it's a great department: PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!
 
Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.

How to be successful in the role: Your success will come from clear and consistent communication as you lead and train maintenance crews, work with other Equipment Operators, Field Supervisors, and Maintenance Supervisors. You will also be communication often with the public so customer service will be essential. Working with all the staff collaboratively will allow you to manage and complete maintenance projects on time. You will also be eligible for promotion to Heavy Equipment Operator once the 6 month probationary period is done. 

Your future in this role: You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core daily responsibilities:

• Learn to operate road equipment (loaders, rollers, chip spreader, belt loader, backhoe, grader, brush cutter, graders, compactor and other equipment necessary to road maintenance and/or construction) for road construction and maintenance, snow and ice removal operations and river improvement projects.
• Inspect and perform operator maintenance; lubricate equipment and make minor mechanical repairs.
• Assist in routine road maintenance such as brushing, cleaning culverts and ditches, blading, reshaping and improving shoulders, and clearing debris from the roadway surface and right of way. Maintenance includes grading, snow clearing and removal, hauling gravel, rock and snow, sanding, salting and oiling.
• Operate heavy equipment in removal and placement of earth materials and other similar operations to maintain existing network of County roads; dig ditches; install culverts and catch basins.
• Determine methods and procedures for assigned tasks and leads crew.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and the general public.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• One or more years of experience in the operation and maintenance of heavy construction equipment is required.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:   www.piercecountywa.org/jobs. 
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title. 
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.  

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.  

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.