Equipment Operator I, II, III - District 3 North Fork

About the Role

This position performs a variety of skilled, semi-skilled, labor, maintenance, and construction work involving operation and maintenance of light, medium, and heavy equipment in servicing, building, and maintaining Delta County roads and bridges. There are three levels of operation with increased responsibility, experience, and independent operation:

• Level I – Applies basic skills while developing specialized skills; performs routine tasks under close supervision (0–5 years of experience).
• Level II – Applies intermediate skills and knowledge; works on non-routine tasks with minimal supervision (minimum 2 years of experience).
• Level III – Applies full range of specialized skills; may serve as lead; performs varied and complex tasks under general supervision (minimum 5 years of experience).

Subject to non-restrictive 24-hour call-back for emergencies such as snow plowing, wildland fires, floods, and other maintenance occurrences. The primary work location is the designated Delta County office, with off-site duties as required. Reliable attendance and punctuality are essential.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment (e.g., graders, backhoes, dozers, loaders, snow plows, dump trucks) safely and efficiently for road and bridge maintenance.
• Maintain and comply with safety standards and equipment maintenance protocols.
• Clean, repair, and replace culverts; inspect and correct obstructions blocking water passage.
• Inspect and repair roads for potholes, debris, fallen trees, and other hazards; perform patching and utility repairs.
• Operate water trucks for dust control or moisture optimization; haul materials using dump trucks.
• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment (e.g., oil/filter changes, greasing, tire checks).
• Repair and replace road signs, markers, reflectors, and warning devices.
• Maintain shop, office, and facilities; remove snow and sand roads with plow/sander trucks.
• Operate sweepers, install road striping, and ensure safe practices at all work sites.
• Build or repair fences; occasionally operate asphalt or crusher equipment.
• Complete time sheets, safety checklists, and reports; answer phones and operate radios.
• Collaborate with team members in a respectful and cooperative manner.

Level III Additional Duties:

• Act as lead operator in the absence of the foreman/assistant foreman.
• Perform administrative or computerized tasks for the district.
• Train other operators on equipment operation, maintenance, and safety.
• Lead safety initiatives, audits, and compliance efforts.

During a local disaster declaration, all employees may be called upon as disaster service workers.

Requirements

General (All Levels):

• Progressive experience in safe driving of heavy trucks and operating heavy equipment (e.g., graders, backhoes, dozers, loaders, snow plows, dump trucks).
• Class B CDL with medical card (ability to obtain Class A within 6 months of hire considered with desired experience).

Level-Specific:

• Level I: Three years of progressive experience in commercial truck/heavy equipment operation desired.
• Level II:
  • Minimum 2 years of county road/bridge operations experience or demonstrated equipment operation expertise.
  • Class A CDL with current medical card.
  • Ability to operate/maintain: pickup trucks, forklifts, broom/mower tractors, trucks <26,000 lbs, brush chippers, pothole patchers, crack sealers.
  • Proficiency with at least 4 of the following: road grader, scraper, backhoe/excavator, bulldozer, loader, roller/compactor, tractor trailer, trucks >36,000 lbs, 4000-gallon distributor truck, mechanical skills, chip spreader, lay-down machine, asphalt plant, screed.
  • Consistent compliance with safety/maintenance protocols; intermediate-level performance with minimal supervision.
• Level III:
  • Minimum 5 years of Delta County Road and Bridge District experience.
  • Class A CDL with current medical card.
  • Expert-level operation/maintenance of at least 5 of the following: road grader, scraper, backhoe/excavator, bulldozer, loader, roller/compactor, tractor trailer, trucks >36,000 lbs, 4000-gallon distributor truck, mechanical skills, chip spreader, lay-down machine, asphalt plant, screed.
  • No operator safety issues in the prior 2 years; advanced knowledge of equipment/construction regulations.
  • Demonstrated leadership (e.g., coworkers seeking guidance).

Extra Duty Assignment: Expert operation of the asphalt plant (requires 2 years of training) may qualify for additional duties. Combination of education/experience may waive specific requirements.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee-only medical provided at no cost).
• Optional selective insurances for employee/dependents (cost-shared).
• Life insurance included.
• Pre-tax flexible spending account (FSA).
• 401(a) retirement: Employee contributes 4% (fully matched by County).
• Optional 457(b) deferred-compensation plan.
• Paid time off: 14 hours/month accrual (starting).
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 6 counseling sessions + legal/financial support.
• Modified work schedules (for qualifying positions/employees).
• Additional employee discounts and fringe benefits.

Physical Requirements

• Mobility: Walk, stand, sit, crawl, kneel, squat, climb in/out of equipment, bend, reach.
• Manual Dexterity: Type, use hands to handle tools/objects, operate controls.
• Sensory: Talk, listen, hear, read, see (including depth perception).
• Lifting: Up to 100 pounds.
• Environmental Exposure: Sun, wind, dust, rain, mud, snow, ice, extreme temperatures, high-pressure hoses, solvents, grease, oil, paint, cleaning materials, loud noise, vibration.
• Equipment Operation: Pickup trucks, dump trucks, water trucks, backhoes, loaders, road graders, rollers, sweepers, bulldozers, compactors, tractors, trailers, radios, paint stripers, chainsaws, hand/power tools (hydraulic/pneumatic), grinding wheels.
• Hazards: Highway safety conditions, heavy equipment operational risks, blizzards, floods, fires.