Equipment Operator IV - Streets/Stormwater

City of Wilmington NC

Wilmington, NC

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$10–$24 Per Hour
SKILLS
Backhoe Loader, Blowers, Budgeting, Bulldozer, CDL Driver's License, CPR Certification, Class B License, Communication Skills, Compensation Management, Compensation and Benefits, Concrete, Construction, Construction Equipment, Dental Insurance, Driver's License, Dump Truck/Tipper, Emergency Response, Employee Assistance Plan, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Excavator, First Aid, Groundskeeping, Heavy Equipment/Vehicles, High School Diploma, IR (Infrared), Insurance, Landscaping, Leadership, Life Insurance, Loading/Unloading, Local Government, Material Moving, Motor Grader, On Call, Preventative Maintenance, Project Tracking, Public Works, Pumps, Record Keeping, Rentals, Retirement Plan, Secondary School, Skid Steer Loader, Stewardship, Stormwater Management, Systems Maintenance, Truck Driver, Tuition Fees, Tuition Reimbursement, VMS Operating System
LOCATION
Wilmington, NC
POSTED
30+ days ago

Equipment Operator IV - Streets/Stormwater

Location

Stormwater Division, 245 Operation Center Drive, NC

Job Type

Full Time-Regular

Job Number

FY26-00025

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

05/28/2026

Closing Date

6/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Post-Offer Required Pre-Employment Screenings

Driving History Check

Criminal History Check

Drug Screen

Post Offer Employment Testing

Approved Hiring Salary/Range

$22.21 - $28.32

Full Salary Range

$22.21 - $34.42

Working Hours

Monday thru Friday 6:30 am- 3:00 pm

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Description

One City. One team. One mission.

Work outdoors, learn valuable trade skills, and be part of a crew that looks out for each other. Equipment Operator II team members work in small crews operating tools and specialized equipment while maintaining streams and public spaces across the city. Employees gain hands-on experience, opportunities to earn a CDL, CPR/First Aid certifications, heavy equipment training, and cross-training across multiple operational teams. This is a strong fit for hardworking, dependable people who want to learn new skills, grow their career, and move up through experience and initiative.

The purpose of this position is to maintain and improve the City's stormwater drainage system and/or assist in the maintenance of public roads to ensure safety and reliability. This is accomplished by operating heavy power-driven equipment requiring a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) in the construction and maintenance of public roads and sidewalks and/or in the construction and maintenance of stormwater drainage systems.

This is the fourth level class in the Equipment Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Equipment Operator IV class in that the latter class performs more complex and difficult equipment operation duties and utilize heavier equipment. This class involves the operation of equipment and mechanisms that are complex to operate and require the highest degree of skill, dexterity, and finesse to perform work to exacting tolerances. In addition to heavy equipment operated by the Public Works Operator I, II & III classes, equipment primarily operated includes, but is not limited to, the following: road tractors/low boys and tandem dump trucks hauling all equipment and trailer. Although not the primary responsibility of the position, employees may, on occasion, operate lighter equipment. Other duties include assisting crew members, training and directing the work of lower-level staff, maintaining equipment, and completing daily forms and logs. Work is performed under regular supervision.

Typical Tasks

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

  • Transport, load, and secure construction equipment to and from job sites using lowboy trailers.

  • Operate heavy equipment including backhoes, excavators, motor graders, and tractors with boom mowers for construction, maintenance, and landscaping projects.

  • Perform digging, trenching, grading, clearing, and material handling while protecting utilities and property.

  • Set precise slopes, grades, and surfaces for roads, embankments, and other infrastructure projects.

  • Inspect, maintain, and secure equipment before and after use; perform basic preventive maintenance.

  • Assist crews with manual labor tasks such as shoveling, raking, leveling, and moving materials.

  • Monitor work zones, flag traffic, and place safety markers and barriers to protect crews and the public.

  • Maintain accurate records and logs of work performed.

  • Support emergency response, storm cleanup, and special events operations.

  • Lead and train lower-level staff as needed.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • High school diploma or GED, with vocational or technical training in the operation of CDL-operated vehicles and
  • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in construction, maintenance, grounds keeping or a related field and
  • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience operating the types of equipment identified in this class or
  • Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Other Requirements

  • Class B CDL (Commercial Driver's License) with ability to obtain Class A within 6 months
  • Knowledge of the basic operation and maintenance requirements of the equipment operated by this classification.
  • Ability to communicate and work cooperatively with colleagues, City leadership, and the general public.
  • Ability to obtain Flagger & WorkZone Safety certifications within 90 days of hire.
  • Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to work tasks and handle practical situations and requests made by supervisor and/or lead workers; to comprehend and respond to a variety of situations in an efficient manner; to understand and follow simple oral and written directives and perform the relative tasks using sound judgment.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Exerting 50-100 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10-20 lbs. constantly.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • This position will require outdoor work in all types of weather conditions.
  • Emergency work in storm events is required, this positions is considered essential and may be required to work before, during and after inclement weather events.
  • All positions will be required to participate in On-Call program on a rotating basis with other employees/ operating sections.

Our Core Values:

INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.

What we offer:

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
  • Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System
  • Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
  • Free on-site city gym access
  • Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
  • 6-weeks paid parental leave
  • Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
  • Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
  • Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
  • Tuition assistance benefits

Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.

Health Benefits are offered to employees working at least 30 hours per week.

Health Insurance - The City offers two options for health coverage: a standard PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire for employees and their eligible dependents. Both you and the City contribute to the overall cost of coverage.

Dental Insurance - Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire. Employees, their spouse and dependent children are eligible for coverage.

Life Insurance - The city pays to provide coverage valued at one times your annual salary. Supplemental insurance is available for employees to purchase. Optional coverage for dependents is also available for purchase.

Retirement:

  • NC Local Government Retirement System - All benefits eligible employees make a mandatory 6% contribution every pay period.
  • Deferred Compensation - The city contributes an amount equal to 4.5% of the annual salary to a 401(k) plan regardless of employee contribution. Employees may choose to contribute additional money to the 401(k) or 457 deferred compensation plans, without a match from the City, within the IRS guidelines.

Paid Leave (offered to employees working at least 1,000 hours annually*):

  • Sick Leave - 12 days accrued each year
  • Annual Leave - Accrual based on years of service and classification. Employees can earn from 10 to 24 days each year.
  • Holidays - 13 paid holidays annually
  • Paid Parental Leave - Six weeks of paid leave for the birth, adoption or placement of a child (must run concurrently with FMLA).
  • Part-Time Employees will earn paid leave benefits on a pro-rated basis.

Miscellaneous:

  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Short & Long Term Disability
  • Cancer & Critical Illness
  • Accident Insurance
  • Whole Life Insurance
  • Credit Union membership

Note: The City of Wilmington is on a bi-weekly pay cycle. New employees should expect to recieve their first paycheck approximately 3 weeks after their start date.

This is intended to be a brief overview of the benefits offered. Please visit our website at https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Government/Departments-Divisions/Human-Resources/Benefits for more information.

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

  • Yes

02

What type of valid driver's license do you currently hold?

  • Neither
  • Class B, and acknowledge a Class A must be obtained in 6 months
  • Class A

03

Which best describes your highest level of education?

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • High School plus Technical training in the operation of CDL-operated vehicles
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • Doctorate Degree
  • None - N/A

04

If Technical training/certification or a higher degree was chosen, please provide the training/certification obtained. If this selection was not chosen, please write NA.

05

How many years of progressively responsible experience in construction, maintenance, grounds keeping or a related field do you have?

  • I have no experience
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year to less than 3 years
  • 3 years to less than 5 years
  • 5 years to less than 10 years
  • 10 years or more

06

How many years of progressively responsible experience operating the types of equipment identified in this class do you have?

  • I have no experience
  • less than 1 year
  • 1 year to less than 3 years
  • 3 years to less than 5 years
  • 5 years to less than 10 years
  • 10 years or more

07

Please identify the company/agency/organization where you gained the experience described in question #5 and #6. Note: These employers must be listed in the work history section on your employment application to receive credit. Entering "N/A or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.

08

Below are the types of equipment used and required for Public Works Operator I. Please check off the equipment you have experience in.

  • Concrete saw
  • Push Mower
  • Chain Saw
  • Pole Saw
  • Blower
  • Pick up/flat bed truck
  • Creek boat
  • Concrete milling
  • Small pump
  • Leaf vacuum
  • Arrow board/VMS
  • Air compressor
  • Generator
  • Weed eater
  • RC mower
  • Jon boat
  • Ventrac
  • Infrared oven
  • Hot box
  • Mini slope
  • None

09

Below are the types of equipment used and required for Public Works Operator II. Please check off the equipment you have experience in.

  • Front end loader
  • Skid steer 1
  • Asphalt roller
  • Large pump
  • Mini excavator
  • Skid steer 2
  • Backhoe
  • Zipper
  • Excavator
  • Paver
  • Dozer/rental
  • Road patcher
  • Conver
  • Air boats
  • Boom mower
  • None

10

Below are the types of equipment used and required for Public Works Operator III. Please check off the equipment you have experience in.

  • Snow plow mounted on a dump truck
  • Brine tanks loaded on Dump truck
  • Cracksealer
  • Sweeper
  • Vac-con
  • Road patcher
  • Motor grader
  • None

11

Below are the types of equipment used and required for Public Works Operator IV. Please check off the equipment you have experience in.

  • Road tractor/low boy
  • Tandem dump truck hauling trailer and equipment
  • None

12

Do you have the ability to obtain Flagger & WorkZone Safety certifications within 90 days of hire?

  • Yes
  • No

13

The hiring salary for the position is posted on the job posting. Salary determination is supported by budget availability and qualifications of the candidate to maintain internal equity. Please acknowledge that you understand this process.

  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Employer City of Wilmington

Address PO Box 1810

929 N. Front Street, 11th Floor

Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401

Phone 910-341-7840

Website http://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/jobs

About the Company

C

City of Wilmington NC