EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I (BACKHOE)

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I (BACKHOE)

Salary

$43,942.86 - $77,332.58 Annually

Location

Alexandria, VA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00456

Department

Transportation & Environmental Services

Division

PUBLIC WORKS SERVICES

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

7/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

AFSCME Labor & Trades

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I (BACKHOE)

Overview

An Equipment Operator I in the Sewers Department operates several types of automotive equipment and performs a variety of manual tasks in support of Federal MS4 stormwater permit activities and Best Management Practice (BMP)maintenance. This position will also be responsiblefor operating a backhoe to excavate trenches and backfill and perform fine grading, along with operating other related equipment to assist in the construction and/or maintenance of seasonal public works projects.

In addition, this position is critical to the support of emergencies and special events, such as flooding and snow events. Crew members work in all types of weather conditions, performing tasks related to the maintenance, replacement, repair, inspection and new installation of various storm, sanitary sewer, and streets infrastructure. May be required to work hours other than the standard day shift should an emergency arise, work rotating standby/on-call shifts.

Opportunity

• We are interested in motivated, dedicated, and skilled Equipment Operators who enjoy working in a team environment committed to providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers.
• Stormwater and Sewer Construction/Maintenance
• Skillfully operate equipment like backhoes, loaders, skid steers, sweepers, dump trucks, snowplows, and rollers.
• Perform basic maintenance and cleaning of storm sewer inlets, pipes and BMP's.
• Drive and operate flusher truck and/or vactor truck to maintain storm sewer mains.
• Build, repair, and maintain city infrastructure, streets, drainage systems, and rights-of-way.
• Excavate trenches, install and repair pipes, culverts, and storm drains.
• Handle grading, hauling, and spreading materials such as gravel, asphalt, and soil.
• Keep your equipment in top condition with daily inspections and light maintenance.
• Set up safe work zones with proper cones, signs, and traffic control.
• Step in during emergencies, storms, flooding, and be part of the rapid-response team.
• Responds to citizens' inquiries regarding Public Works Services.
• Operates a snowplow with a salt spreader, also shovels snow when not operating heavy trucks.
• Performs related work as required.

Equipment Operators are required to:

• Use a computer, related software, or work order system to enter data for work orders, completion of work, and customer complaint documentation.
• Perform daily written and verbal team/customer interaction including responding to onsite resident inquiries.
• Respond to emergencies including call-back and mandatory overtime as needed (i.e., snow removal operations, flooding, other emergencies).
• Responds to citizen inquiries via phone and e-mail.

About the Department

T&ES is a community partner in shaping a livable, green, and prospering Alexandria. We plan, build, manage and maintain transportation systems and environmental infrastructure that improve mobility and provide people and businesses with core public services. The work we do keeps Alexandrians moving, growing sustainability, and thriving. We are a vibrant, diverse department that plays a major role in how the City operates day-to-day as well as how it will look in the future. If you are curious for a broader view of our City, click City of Alexandria to learn more.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

The ideal candidate

To qualify for this position, all candidates must possess a High School Diploma or GED; one (1) year of experience in the operation of maintenance and/or construction equipment; good knowledge of departmental operations and procedures; some vocational training as related to construction/maintenance field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Ability to perform heavy manual labor in all types of weather; must have a valid Commercial Driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

The preferred candidate

Five (5) years of experience in the operation of maintenance and/or construction equipment including backhoe operation; three (3)years of experience in public works, construction, or another trades vocation that demonstrates theability to perform semi-skilled to skilled manual maintenance and/or construction and a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's license (CDL) with tanker endorsement.

The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.

We are proud to welcome you to explore the City of Alexandrias excellent benefits and programs!

Click here to learn more about Employee Benefits

Click here to learn more about the Citys Employee Development Program

The benefits referenced on this site, may be changed from time to time without notice. Temporary and some part-time positions are not eligible for these benefits. For further information, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team of Human Resources at DHR.TA@alexandriava.gov.

01

Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you also have a valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL) issued by your state of residence?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have one (1) year of experience in the operation of maintenance and/or construction equipment?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you have good knowledge of departmental operations and procedures?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have some vocational training related to construction/maintenance field or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities?

• Yes
• No

06

Are you able to perform heavy manual labor in all types of weather?

• Yes
• No

07

What vocational training, related to the construction/maintenance field, have you had?

08

Do you have five (5) years of experience in the operation of maintenance and/or construction equipment including backhoe operation?

• Yes
• No

09

Do you have three (3) years of experience in public works, construction, or another trades vocation that demonstrates the ability to perform semi-skilled to skilled manual maintenance and/or construction?

• Yes
• No

10

Do you have a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement?

• Yes
• No

11

Are you available to work during inclement weather emergencies, such as snow and flood events, as well as nights and weekends?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Alexandria

Address City Hall

421 King Street,

Alexandria, Virginia, 22314

Phone 7037463784

Website http://alexandriava.gov/jobs