Heavy Equipment Operator

Operates various light and heavy motorized equipment and vehicles as part of the City's parks maintenance and construction program.

This is the second level in the Operator job series and as such employees are expected to apply technical expertise and skill in the operation of the more difficult and complex heavy equipment and serve as a resource to other workers.

Position functions outside and with exposure to all weather conditions; exposure to noise, fumes, dust, dirt and vibrations; safety equipment includes safety shoes and ear plugs.

Position requires heavy physical work; ability to lift and carry items weighing up to one-hundred (100) pounds; bending, stooping, climbing, crouching, kneeling, squatting and reaching above shoulder level; visual acuity sufficient to perform essential job functions.

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, extended hours, nights and weekends, and responding to customer issues. May be subject to emergency call‑out. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

Position will be advertised as continuous until filled, with periodic review of applications.

First consideration may be given to current City of Las Cruces employees who meet the minimum requirements.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

This posting will be used to fill a full‑time, regular; non‑exempt; union‑represented position within Public Works, but may be used to fill other full‑time, part‑time, temporary, contract, or other similar positions that become available in various City Departments.

• Operates various light and heavy motorized equipment and vehicles in transporting materials or as part of maintenance or construction projects involving parks and recreation areas; operates heavy equipment, including graders, excavators, blades, rollers, and milling machines to construct, repair, and maintain park properties and structures, in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures.
• Performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs on equipment; identifies maintenance that needs to be performed by shop staff.
• Performs inspections of parks grounds, parking lots, streets, and roadways ensuring the use of the appropriate equipment and general operations; sets up traffic control and monitors general work area.
• Operates power tools; works with field crews when not operating equipment or vehicles.
• Identifies equipment, materials, and supplies that are necessary for effective operations; purchases supplies.
• Participates in the staging of special events and tournaments; loads and unloads materials, supplies, parts, and equipment.
• Mows and fertilizes grass and prunes trees; operates a wide range of heavy equipment to accomplish tasks.
• Performs lead work direction over field crews in absence of Lead or supervisor.
• Provides performance feedback, trains, and instructs employees to meet established goals and objectives; participates in staff evaluations with designated supervisor to provide impartial feedback regarding performance; ensures that staff maintain safety standards and adhere to policies and procedures for efficient and safe operations.
• Reviews, maintains, and updates records in various formats, mediums, and automated systems to ensure data integrity and adherence to internal controls, practices, and policies; demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless services.

No specific educational requirement and three (3) years of experience in the operation of construction equipment and one year experience in operation of heavy equipment; a combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.