Heavy Equipment Operator (closes 09/15/26)

Open Date:  September 1, 2026

Close Date:  September 15, 2026

Job Title:  Heavy Equipment Operator

Salary:  $27.56 - $36.75/hour – 40 hours/week

View full job posting here, Heavy Equipment Operator

The City of Ellensburg is accepting applications for Heavy Equipment Operator. 

The person in this position will perform semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work. Operate a variety of equipment in the construction, maintenance, repair and replacement of City streets, sidewalks, and rights of way.

• Maintain streets, alleyways, and shoulders, which includes, but is not limited to: asphalt paving, patching, and crack fill; pavement paint striping and marking; grading and laying gravel, etc.
• Perform snowplowing and roadway deicing of the public right of way during periods of inclement weather.
• Monitor creeks during periods of high water and keep catch racks clean; maintain and repair damaged banks, rip rap and catch racks and other appurtenances as needed.
  
• Repair, grind, and replace concrete sidewalk, curbs, and gutters; patch brickwork as needed.
• Install new street signs and replace weathered or damaged signs; respond to reports of damaged or missing signs in a timely manner; install and/or maintain sign spots; assist other divisions, agencies, and the public with special events (i.e., rodeo, fair, parade, etc.) affecting streets and traffic as assigned by preparing signs, closing streets, and placing/removing signs.
  
• Trim and remove trees where limbs and bushes are blocking roadways, pathways, sidewalks, and signs; mow weeds and apply pesticides in the public right of way.
  
• Grease equipment after use and perform preventive maintenance checks on equipment; report problems to mechanics and follow mechanic recommendations for proper operation; clean equipment with high-pressure water as needed; maintain clean and orderly work area.
• Assist training of temporary and new employees to ensure they are operating equipment in a proper and safe manner; serve as acting foreperson as assigned; perform carpentry work such as building of no parking signs, etc.; attend and participate in safety meetings.

Other duties may be assigned.

This is a representative sample--not to imply a complete listing of responsibilities and tasks.

This is a full-time, benefited position.  Benefits include medical, dental, life, and disability insurance; Retirement under the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), VEBA, vacation, sick leave, holidays, and employee choice days.   This position is represented by Teamster’s Local Union #760. 

Regular City of Ellensburg employees (applicants) covered by Teamster’s Local Union #760 will be given first consideration.

REQUIRED EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Must have adequate education to be able to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Two (2) years of experience operating equipment and performing similar duties and responsibilities.
• Please Note: An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the requirements above, as determined by management.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License including a Class B Commercial Driver's License (Class A preferred) with tanker endorsement; must possess and maintain insurable driving record.
• Must possess the following certification or have the ability to obtain within a reasonable time period as approved by the supervisor:
  • Forklift certification
  • First Aid/CPR/AED certification
  • Flagging certification
• The following will be required for personnel assigned to these duties:
  • Pesticide Applicators License (desirable for all Operators)
  • International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Certification for Signs and Pavement Markings - Tech I, within one (1) year from becoming eligible (previous traffic control experience with either the City or other employers shall count toward this requirement).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:   

• The City of Ellensburg is required by federal regulation to administer a testing program for controlled substance and alcohol use for employees required to have and maintain a CDL.  This position is covered under the City of Ellensburg Substance Abuse Testing Policy.