Equipment Operator

At the Anoka County Highway Department, it is our vision to enhance and protect life by providing safe roads and eliminating traffic congestion. As an Equipment Operator, you'll play a key role in supporting that mission by helping to maintain safe and reliable roadways year-round. In this full-time, non-exempt, on-site position, you will operate motorized and heavy equipment to support a wide range of road maintenance, construction, and snow and ice control activities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct year-round and seasonal road maintenance and repairs including plowing, sanding, snow removal, patching, tree trimming and removal, paving, shouldering, sidewalk maintenance and repair, and ditch cleaning.
• Ensure culverts, catch basins, cross pipes, and storm sewers are clean, maintained, and in operating condition to guarantee roadway safety.
• Keep roads and right-of-way free and clear of hazards such as roadkill, crash debris, and other items on the County Road system.
• Perform and ensure all safety standards and procedures are followed during digging, inspection, maintenance, traffic interruption, and overall operations to protect employees and the public.
• Analyze, anticipate, and prepare for weather conditions, traffic patterns, and visibility limitations to determine operational effectiveness.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance, cleaning, and daily inspections (e.g., salt removal, greasing fittings, repairing hydraulic hoses) on assigned equipment prior to use.
• Provide traffic control services, including operating changeable message boards.
• Respond to weather emergencies and changing conditions for tree removal, plowing, and sanding.
• Set up traffic control and flagging, either manually or with auto-flaggers.
• Perform catch basin repair and other infrastructure maintenance tasks.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Two years of full-time (2,080 annual hours) paid job-related experience operating highway construction and/or maintenance equipment.
• Possess a valid Minnesota Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with air brake endorsement; must obtain a Minnesota Class A CDL with tanker and air brake endorsement within one year of employment.
• Successfully pass a driver’s license background check.
• Ability to commit to a 24/7 on-call shift rotation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in snow removal and ice control operations within a highway road systems environment.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment and perform minor repairs and primary maintenance of highway equipment.
• Knowledge of state laws, federal regulations, and department policies pertaining to heavy motorized vehicles and equipment on public roadways.

Physical Demands and Work Conditions

• Work in service garages, construction sites, and other county work sites in all weather conditions.
• Vision abilities: close and distance vision, ability to adjust focus, and distinguish colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hearing abilities: general and phone communication, signals, and machine sounds.
• Ability to detect and tolerate a wide range of scents for safety and performance.
• Cognitive abilities: problem-solving, task prioritization, short- and long-term memory, interpreting written documents, and basic mathematical skills.
• Physical activity: repeated bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, crouching, pushing, pulling, walking on slippery surfaces, climbing in/out of and working under vehicles, and handling/carrying equipment.
• Regular lifting of 0–25 lbs.; occasional lifting of up to 100 lbs.
• Equipment used: computers, phones, standard office equipment, mechanic tools (e.g., wheel balancing equipment, brake drum lathes, grinders, drill presses, impact wrenches, cutting tools), weather-appropriate gear, and personal protective equipment.
• Travel between work sites may require driving a county or personal vehicle.
• Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, fumes, airborne particles, prolonged machinery vibration, and other hazards.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Pay

Salary range: $57,324 to $77,376 per year ($27.56 to $37.20 per hour). Starting rate depends on experience and qualifications. Advancement opportunities are available for motivated individuals.

Benefits

• 24 days of paid flexible time off and up to 12.5 paid holidays in the first year.
• Comprehensive insurance, including medical, dental, vision, and flex benefits (details).
• Medical and dental clinic exclusive to employees, located at the Anoka County Government Center.
• Pension plan and other retirement investment options.
• Advancement and professional development opportunities.

Schedule

Full-time, non-exempt, on-site position. Includes a 24/7 on-call shift rotation.

Work Location

Anoka County Highway building, 1440 Bunker Lake Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304.

Union Representation

This position is represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers - Local No. 49. Employees contribute 3% of wages to the International Union of Operating Engineers Central Pension Fund. Open to current Anoka County employee members of IUOE Local 49.

Pre-employment Requirements

• Successfully pass a pre-employment criminal/driving background check, drug screen, DOT physical, and/or other qualifications checks.
• Applicants for positions requiring driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) must undergo controlled substances testing prior to employment and will be subject to further testing throughout employment.
• As required by federal law, Anoka County will conduct a query of driving records in the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse for CDL drivers. Applicants must provide electronic consent for this query (details).

About Anoka County

As the fourth-largest county in Minnesota, Anoka County thrives on the diversity, dedication, and innovation of its employees. United by the mission—Commitment to Excellence: Through collaborative efforts, we seek to improve lives and serve with care, integrity, and professionalism—we offer a wide range of career opportunities. Together, we work to serve Anoka County’s 369,000 citizens in a respectful, innovative, and fiscally responsible manner. Learn more from current employees here.