Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator

Salary

$21.82 - $32.74 Hourly

Location

Road & Bridge-Will Fee Road, FL

Job Type

Full-Time Non-Exempt

Job Number

26-81702

Department

Public Works

Division

Road and Bridge

Opening Date

08/07/2026

Closing Date

8/28/2026 5:00 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Overview

The Equipment Operator is responsible for operating moderately complex heavy equipment and performing manual labor tasks under the general supervision of the Supervisor and/or Foreman. This position requires candidates to have hands-on experience with a variety of equipment and the ability to work effectively in challenging environments. The role also involves assisting in the maintenance and safe operation of public works equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Operation:

• Operate vehicles and heavy equipment such as dump truck, front-end loader, flatbed truck, tractors, bucket truck, water trucks, grabber trucks, backhoe, sweepers, patch truck and other equipment as required for public works and maintenance tasks.
• Operate light equipment, such as cement mixers, air hammers, compressors, pumping equipment, saws, weed eaters and other similar equipment or machinery.
• Transport materials and equipment to and from job sites.
• Ensure all equipment is operated in a safe, efficient, and effective manner.

Routine Maintenance:

• Perform basic checks and maintenance on equipment and machinery, including inspecting equipment for safety, ensuring proper operation, and reporting any malfunctions to the supervisor.
• Clean and fuel equipment as required to maintain proper functioning.

Manual Labor Support:

• Perform physical tasks, including shoveling, lifting, loading and transporting materials as needed.
• Perform grounds maintenance tasks such as trimming, weeding, raking, and digging.

Safety and Compliance:

• Follow all county policies and procedures including safety guidelines related to equipment operation and manual labor.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety shoes, safety goggles, hard hats, gloves, safety vests, respiratory mask, and hearing protection, to ensure a safe work environment.

Job Site Preparation:

• Prepare job sites by clearing debris and organizing materials for operations.
• Assist in ensuring job sites are safe and accessible for other workers and machinery.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with supervisors and team members to complete tasks efficiently and according to schedule.
• Assist in training new staff or less experienced operators as needed.

Emergency Response:

• Be available to respond to emergency situations, including weather-related events or urgent maintenance projects, as necessary.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 100 pounds. Operators must be capable of performing physically demanding tasks, including bending, stooping, kneeling, and climbing. The role involves working in various outdoor environments, which may include exposure to extreme temperatures, inclement weather, and rough terrain. Operators must be able to stand, walk, and operate machinery for extended periods, and must possess manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to safely operate heavy equipment and perform routine maintenance tasks. Additionally, the ability to respond quickly and safely to emergency situations under stressful conditions is essential.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND WORK HAZARDS:

Work is typically performed in outdoor locations exposed to varying weather conditions. The role involves exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and mechanical equipment. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn as required. Work may involve locations surrounded by active traffic. Employees may encounter extreme temperatures, especially when working outdoors or in unconditioned spaces. The position may require working from ladders, scaffolding, or other elevated surfaces. The role may require working outside of regular business hours, including evenings, weekends, and on-call duties as needed.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE): Employees are required to adhere to all safety protocols and utilize appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to ensure a safe working environment. Specific requirements include:

• Mandatory PPE: Employees must wear designated PPE, which may include safety shoes, safety goggles, gloves, hard hats, safety vest, hearing protection, and respiratory masks, depending on the tasks performed.
• Safety Training: All employees will receive training on the proper use and maintenance of safety equipment and PPE to minimize risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Inspection and Maintenance: Employees are responsible for regularly inspecting their PPE for wear and tear, and reporting any damaged equipment to their supervisor for replacement.
• Emergency Equipment: Familiarity with the location and use of emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and eyewash stations, is required.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

County employees are considered essential personnel in providing and continuing services to our community during and following a disaster, such as a hurricane, or in other emergency situations. As a requirement of County employment, County employees are subject to being required to remain at work during an event, respond to a recall immediately following an event and/or immediately reporting to work when an all clear is declared by the County Administrator. During these types of events, County employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. The County has the right to revise this job description at any time. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

St. Lucie County BOCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws.

St. Lucie County BOCC is a Drug-Free Workplace. The County requires all applicants who are provided a conditional offer of employment to successfully complete pre-employment drug testing as a condition of hire. A positive test result or refusal to test will result in withdrawal of the employment offer.

Qualifications

Candidates should possess a solid foundational background that demonstrates their ability to engage with the responsibilities of the role effectively.

• A high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., trade school diploma or acceptable equivalency diploma).
• At least six (6) months of experience operating and maintaining moderately complex heavy equipment.
• A valid Florida Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class "B" and a clean driving record.
• Familiarity with the operating characteristics and maintenance needs of medium and heavy public works equipment.
• An understanding of the components, operational principles, and safety regulations governing equipment use.
• Proficiency in operating various types of heavy and light equipment, including dump trucks, loaders, backhoes, and similar machinery.
• Ability to perform manual labor tasks, such as lifting, shoveling, and raking materials.
• Capacity to maintain a safe, organized work environment and to collaborate effectively with team members.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, to follow instructions and work as part of a team.
• Ability to operate equipment on rough terrain and in physically demanding conditions.
• Willingness to work in varying environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures and inclement weather.
• Readiness to respond to emergency situations as required.

Additional Information

Pay Grade T06

Driving Position - Operating County vehicles and/or equipment is a primary function of this position.

This is a union position.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING: This position requires a physical, drug testing, drivers license verification and level 1 background screening. Employment History back seven (7) years will also need to be verified. Ensure your employment history is accurate and current prior to submitting your application.

BOARD APPROVED HOLIDAYS (14 days per year)

• New Years Day
• Martin Luther King Jr.s Birthday
• Presidents Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• 3 Floating Holidays

If a holiday falls on a Saturday, the Friday before will be observed. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday will be observed. The County Administrator is authorized to change the observation schedule of holidays falling on weekends.

VACATION LEAVE

Years of Eligible Service

Vacation Days per Year

Less than 5.0 years

10

5.0 to less than 11.0 years

15

11.0 to less than 21.0 years

20

21.0 to less than 22.0 years

21

22.0 to less than 23.0 years

22

23.0 to less than 24.0 years

23

24.0 to less than 25.0 years

24

25.0 years and above

25

SICK LEAVE

Paid Sick Leave accrues at a rate of eight (8) hours per month of service. Sick leave has an unlimited accrual balance.

OTHER BENEFITS

Health, Dental and Vision Plans

Employee Wellness Center

Life Insurance

Shared Sick Leave

Jury Duty or Witness Leave

Military Leave

Bereavement Leave

State of Florida Retirement (FRS)

OPTIONAL BENEFITS AVAILABLE

Accident Protection Plan

Deferred Compensation

01

Do you have a high school diploma or state issued GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess six months of experience in the operation and routine maintenance of heavy equipment?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a valid Florida Class B CDL with a good driving record?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners

Address 2300 Virginia Avenue

Fort Pierce, Florida, 34982

Website https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-and-services/human-resources#!/