Equipment Operator ; Port Arthur, TX

SALARY: $21.16 – $31.14, Hourly (DOE&Q) NON-EXEMPT
OPENING DATE: 01/06/2026
CLOSING DATE: 01/12/2026 by 5:00 P.M.

To perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks in the operation of equipment for various public works activities and operations including sanitation collection, construction, maintenance and related operations according to required standards; and to participate in a variety of maintenance and construction work.

This is the entry level class in the Equipment Operator class series. Employees in this class normally work under close supervision performing a group of repetitive or closely related duties according to established procedures. Positions assigned to this class can be distinguished from higher level classes by responsibility for operating a limited range of less complex equipment and vehicles.

Receives immediate supervision from upper level staff.

• Operate a variety of equipment including trucks, pumps, blowers, weed eaters, welders, saws, lawnmowers, tractors, loaders, bobcats and other similar equipment and machinery in constructing, repairing, maintaining and moving various materials and property.
• Participate in identifying equipment needs for each assigned site or route.
• Utilize a variety of manual tools to complete assigned projects including shoveling various materials, hammering nails, collecting debris, building small wooden objects and repairing equipment.
• Participate in a variety of activities involving travel between various city facilities and properties and other related external business and government agencies which may include hauling materials and debris and mowing herbage on city property.
• Assist with the installation, repair, cleaning and maintenance of various public works materials and city property including refuse containers, swimming pools and sports fields.
• Ensure safety of worksite; setup barricades and other safety devices.
• Provide technical support to assist division staff in the completion of their duties and responsibilities; provide functional and technical direction as needed.
• May perform minor repairs on equipment and report the need for major repairs.
• May inspect and restore equipment fluid levels including oil, fuel, water and transmission fluid; verify operation of gauges and tires; lubricate equipment as needed; service and adjust as necessary.
• Assist in preparing and pouring concrete; clean worksite.
• Complete daily schedules and timesheets; report all daily work to appropriate division member.
• Mark various city property with a variety of marking materials including paint and chalk dust.
• May calculate various measurements to include those for cuts, trenches, depths and curb lines.
• Plant, cut or trim herbage as requested including trimming trees and planting flowers and trees; remove and transport a variety of debris and excess material.
• Collect, empty and distribute commercial and recyclable material containers; collect and transport refuse to landfill.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

May be required to operate commercial collection and/or automated collection units as a relief operator, when needed.

• Assist in the development of, operational plans to ensure appropriate mowing, and maintenance, of city parks and rights-of-way, including route development, audit and assessment.
• Assist in, or oversee, annual inspections of all playground equipment and related facilities.
• Effectively engage, and represent the Department of Parks and Recreation to citizens and organizations, regarding departmental activities as directed, or those encountered in work activities.
• Work with other City departments and divisions to accomplish departmental project completion and to provide assistance as approved.

• Practices, methods and materials used in sanitation collection, construction and maintenance.
• Safe work practices.

• Learn traffic laws, ordinances, and rules involved in truck and heavy equipment operations.
• Learn city and departmental policies and procedures.
• Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled construction, repair and maintenance tasks.
• Learn the basic geography and street system of the city.
• Perform simple maintenance on assigned equipment in an efficient, safe manner.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Work independently or in a crew situation, as assigned.
• Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, reading and writing, operating assigned equipment, communicating with others.

• Determining and avoiding dangerous situations.
• Interpreting written communication.

• Constant walking, stooping,…