STREET OPERATOR I/II/III - City of Watertown

Full-time position with the City of Watertown Public Works Department. Posted September 21, 2026; open until filled.

About the role

This position performs manual labor and equipment operations to complete road repairs, snow removal, and other assignments and to assist with overall division operations. Note: not all duties may be assigned to each position; the allocation of duties will depend on the assignments and qualifications of the assigned work/equipment.

Pay

• Grade 130 / Step 1: $50,606.40 per year ($4,217.20 per month)
• Grade 135 / Step 1: $53,144.00 per year ($4,428.67 per month)
• Grade 145 / Step 1: $58,593.60 per year ($4,882.80 per month)

Grade placement depends on qualifications and experience (DOE).

Qualifications

Operator I – Streets

Minimum required qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with two (2) years of related work experience operating trucks and heavy equipment
• Valid Class A CDL, or must obtain within six (6) months of hire (manual transmission restriction (E) allowed; no endorsements required)

Preferred qualifications

• Basic mechanical ability
• Welding/fabrication experience
• Work zone safety proficiency
• MSHA and Hazmat certification
• First Aid and CPR certification

Other requirements

• South Dakota Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
• Must reside within 15 miles of the Watertown Regional Airport within six (6) months of hire

Operator II – Streets

Minimum required qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with eight (8) years of related work experience operating trucks and heavy equipment
• Valid Class A CDL upon hire (manual transmission restriction (E) allowed)
• Must obtain Tanker endorsement (N or X) within six (6) months of hire
• Proficiency operating all street maintenance equipment, including but not limited to: street sweeper, motor grader, asphalt spray patcher, distributor truck, brine truck, loader-mounted snow blower
• Knowledge of City’s maintenance operational needs and procedures: flood mitigation, snow removal operations, Emergency Snow Routes, locating addresses and street maintenance needs, sand/salt and brine mixing, roadway repair, street sweeping, herbicide/pesticide spraying
• Entry-level knowledge of roadway signage/painting, signal light maintenance, and the MUTCD

Preferred qualifications

• Associate’s degree in engineering, construction, heavy equipment operator, or related field
• Moderate mechanical ability
• Welding/fabrication experience
• Work zone safety proficiency
• MSHA and Hazmat certification
• First Aid and CPR certification

Other requirements

• South Dakota Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
• Must reside within 15 miles of the Watertown Regional Airport within six (6) months of hire

Operator III – Streets

Minimum required qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with eight (8) years of related work experience operating trucks and heavy equipment
• Valid Class A CDL upon hire (manual transmission restriction (E) allowed)
• Must obtain Tanker endorsement (N or X) within six (6) months of hire
• Must obtain Hazmat endorsement (H or X) within six (6) months of hire
• Extensive mechanical ability/experience
• Proficiency operating all street maintenance equipment, including but not limited to: street sweeper, motor grader, asphalt spray patcher, distributor truck, brine truck, loader-mounted snow blower
• Knowledge of City’s maintenance operational needs and procedures: flood mitigation, snow removal operations, Emergency Snow Routes, locating addresses and street maintenance needs, sand/salt and brine mixing, roadway repair, street sweeping, herbicide/pesticide spraying
• Entry-level knowledge of roadway signage/painting, signal light maintenance, and the MUTCD

Preferred qualifications

• Associate’s degree in engineering, construction, heavy equipment operator, or related field
• Welding/fabrication experience
• Work zone safety proficiency
• MSHA and Hazmat certification
• First Aid and CPR certification
• ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification
• AED (Associated Equipment Distributors) certification

Other requirements

• South Dakota Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
• Must reside within 15 miles of the Watertown Regional Airport within six (6) months of hire

Application

Apply online at https://www.watertownsd.us/Jobs.aspx or in person at City Hall. A complete City application form must be submitted to the Human Resources Department at City Hall or online. This position will be considered open until filled.