What are the responsibilities and job description for the Heavy Equipment Operator position at Virginia Tech?
Work type: Staff
Senior management: VP Facilities
Department: Facilities Operations
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Facilities / Skilled Trades
Job Description
Reporting to the Heavy Equipment Supervisor, the Heavy Equipment Operator performs a variety of skilled tasks in the maintenance of roadsides, highways, pathways and landfill operations. Operates various equipment and trucks, and uses hand and power tools. Cuts/Remove brush, cleans ditches, drains, address erosion issues and patches potholes. Performs manual labor and functions as a member of a crew as well as independently. Provides traffic control in support of maintenance and construction operations by removing and installing traffic signs plus other warning devices and flagging traffic. Installs directional, building identification and parking lot signs. Provide support and installation of misc. exterior elements across campus such as bike rack, bike fix it stations, guardrails, fence, tables/benches/chairs, bus shelters, concrete/paver/asphalt pads/paths, etc. Provide support for special/athletic events. Performs preventative maintenance as well as minor mechanical repairs to equipment. Clears snow and ice from roadways and performs other types of emergency/inclement weather operations. This position is designated as Emergency Personnel.
Required Qualifications
- Previous work experience operating trucks and related highway & earth moving equipment such as backhoe, skid steer, motor grader, etc.
- Must have valid driver's license with good driving record. Will be required to operate a motor vehicle daily.
- Must have a Commercial Driver's license (CDL) Class A with no restrictions.
- Must possess and maintain a DOT medical certification.
- Demonstrated knowledge of mechanical aspects of equipment such as dump trucks and earth moving equipment sufficient to perform routine maintenance and repair.
- Ability to apply safety standards and procedures in the operation of equipment and performance of work tasks including verification that utility locates have cleared prior to work commencing when required.
- Must be able to work effectively as a part of a team; perform heavy manual labor and operate equipment needed to perform job functions; and to follow instructions and be able to understand, comprehend and follow directions in the workplace; read and interpret basic blueprints; and to complete simple forms.
- Must be able to safely move and handle greater than 50 pounds; sit/stand for long periods of time; push/pull, bend and stoop to modify and change truck attachments; work from elevated station such as ladders and scaffolds; work in all types of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures; and work additional hours/shifts to meet the needs of the department.
Preferred Qualifications
- Tanker Certification (Must obtain in 6 months of hire)
- Knowledge of techniques and methods of right of way maintenance and repair.
- Experience in a commercial or institutional environment.
Pay Band
2
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$39,000-$45,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
August 6, 2025
Additional Information
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Facilities HR at opsHR-g@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: July 1, 2025
Applications close:
Salary : $39,000 - $45,000