Heavy Equipment Operator

About the role

Join the award-winning Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) and put your heavy equipment skills to work protecting communities and the environment. From cleaning storm systems to reducing flood risks and maintaining critical infrastructure, this is hands-on work that keeps Fairfax County running strong.

A $2,500 signing bonus is available to new county employees hired in the Heavy Equipment Operator position. Applicants must possess a valid CDL at time of application submission to be eligible.

Responsibilities

Heavy Equipment Operators perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled duties required in the operation and preventative maintenance of various pieces of heavy equipment, including tractors, flusher truck, tandem dump trucks, loaders, rubber tire loaders, backhoes, track loaders, excavators, skid steers, and low-boy tractor and trailer.

Works as part of a team who is responsible for the construction and maintenance of roads, sidewalks, storm drainage and other public improvements.

Performs daily equipment inspection and complete an operational check list. When required, acts as field lead for a team of two to five employees directly responsible for performing and completing construction and maintenance activities.

Ensures all appropriate safety procedures are followed when working. Uses laptops and desktop computers to utilize asset management systems with county GIS to create, edit and complete assigned work orders.

Requirements

• Accountability - Own mistakes such as improper equipment use or delays, reports them immediately, and takes corrective action to prevent safety risks.
• Effective Communication - Clearly communications with ground crew using hand signals/radios to ensure safe and accurate equipment movement.
• Customer Service - Responds quickly to supervisor requests and adjusts work priorities to keep projects on schedule.
• Collaborative Leadership - Works closely with crew members to coordinate lifts, digging, or grading operations safely and efficiently.
• Diversity Awareness - Maintains a respectful work environment and cooperates effectively with a diverse crew on job sites.

Qualifications

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to completion of the tenth grade, and three years of experience operating motorized equipment and/or semi-tractor trailers, as appropriate.

Certificates And Licenses Required: Valid driver's license, Commercial driver's license (CDL) Class "A", Tanker Endorsement within 12 months of hire.

Skills

• 3-5 years of experience operating heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, graders, backhoes, and loaders.
• 1-2 years of experience performing equipment maintenance and daily inspections in accordance with established procedures.
• 2-3 years of experience adhering to OSHA and site safety protocols, conducting pre-operations, and proactively identifying hazards to ensure safe work execution.
• 2-3 years of experience adjusting operational strategies in response to field conditions to complete work safely and efficiently.
• 1-2 years of experience learning and applying new equipment, technologies, or safety practices that enhance productivity, safety, or quality of work.

Benefits

DPWES is a diverse, nationally accredited and award-winning public works agency with approximately 1,000 employees providing solid waste, capital facility development, wastewater, stormwater, urban forestry, and land acquisition management services for the most populous county in Virginia.

Fairfax County Government is committed to our employees, and offers comprehensive benefits, including a defined-benefit retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; paid leave; tuition reimbursement; and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Pay

A $2,500 signing bonus is available to new county employees hired in the Heavy Equipment Operator position.

Schedule

The appointee to this position is subject to emergency callback 24 hours a day/seven days a week (24/7) to respond to snow, flood, and other designated emergencies requiring division resources, on an as-needed basis.