DPU Hiring Event - Utilities Heavy Equipment Operator - Storm and Wastewater Collections

About the role

This is an EXCITING time to Join the City of Richmond! We are committed to nurturing talent, fostering growth opportunities, and building strong connections within our workforce. As we continue to make strides to becoming the employer of choice, we are thrilled about the upcoming hiring event. Join us at the DPU Hiring Event! This position is a part of our hiring event on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Midtown Green. If you're selected to move forward, our department will reach out directly to schedule your interview. Please note this position is subject to a pre-employment background check and/or drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Lead lower class Equipment Operators, Utility Pipeline Technicians, and Maintenance Workers that maintain and repair Wastewater and Stormwater infrastructure.
• Perform advanced-level pipe repair, replacement, and installation involving a variety of materials including PVC, vitrified clay, concrete, ductile iron, and HDPE pipe.
• Ensure accurate alignment, grading, and connection integrity for gravity-flow and pressurized systems.
• Conduct sub-surface work at depths up to 10 feet (or greater as required), including excavation, trenching, and backfilling activities in accordance with OSHA trench safety and confined space standards.
• Prepare work zones and excavations for open-cut repairs, ensuring proper installation and use of shoring systems, trench boxes, and sloping or benching methods to maintain safe and compliant working conditions.
• Operate specialized equipment such as tractor‑trailers, tankers, dump and tandem dump trucks, bucket trucks, vactors, snow removal equipment, street sweepers, complex hydraulics, concrete trucks, bulldozers, small and large excavators, pay loaders, backhoes, and small and large cranes.
• Perform required service maintenance and repairs; provide leadership and training to assigned crew members; conduct tests for detection of faults, breaks, or leaks (chlorine, gas, sewage, or water); follow assigned routes; load, transport, and deliver refuse, debris, vegetation, sludge, earth, or broken pavement; determine amount and type of materials and equipment needed for assignment; install structures, equipment, or parts; and participate in snow and ice removal.

Requirements

Minimum training and experience: High School Diploma or GED; six (6) years of relevant work experience, including at least two (2) years of experience at the Equipment Operator, Principal level; training in the equipment used at this level of assignment; an equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications.

Qualifications

• Valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.
• Requires a valid Virginia driver’s license within 30 days of hire for out‑of‑state candidates who must transfer their license to Virginia.
• Commercial Driver's License with proper endorsements in accordance with the Division of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Skills

• Knowledge: complex heavy equipment and vehicles, hydraulics, safety rules regarding operation of various equipment and tools, basic math, usage of various tools and equipment, traffic safety.
• Skills: generating, completing, and distributing reports and other forms; oral and written communication; customer service; map reading; preparing and restoring a work site; operating equipment in the Equipment Operator, Equipment Operator Senior, and Equipment Operator Principal classifications, as well as operating equipment and vehicles mentioned above.
• Abilities: organize; problem solve; manage time effectively; pay attention to detail when working in an environment with electrical, power, water, and gas lines.

Benefits

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
• Language Incentive
• Referral Bonus
• Tuition Assistance Program

Pay

The anticipated hiring range is $54,789 - $68,754.