EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, LEAD

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, LEAD

Salary

$39,024.00 - $48,780.00 Annually

Location

Columbia, SC

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600111

Department

PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION

Division

STREET

Opening Date

06/25/2026

Closing Date

7/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Pay Grade

107

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This position operates heavy equipment in the operation, maintenance and/or construction of City facilities, grounds and infrastructure; maintains assigned equipment; and performs other work as required. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

The work is considered heavy in nature and involves constantly lifting, pushing or raising objects, exerting between 50 and 75 pounds of force on a recurring basis and over 100 pounds of force on a frequent basis. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock, heights, toxic/caustic chemicals; and involves heavy equipment and machinery that could result in bodily harm to co-workers or others.

Essential Job Functions

• Operates heavy equipment to excavate and compact earth, load / unload materials, move / haul materials, maintain City properties, cut down trees, install pipe, construct roads, and perform other general or specialized functions of various City departments;
• Operates dump trucks and other trucks, excavators, cranes, motor graders, bull dozers, bob cats, front-end loaders, skid steers, bush hogs, back hoes, compactors, trailers, tractors, low boys, trenchers, etc.;
• Loads / unloads materials onto vehicles;
• Organizes daily pours for load size and locations; assists with other driving duties and groundwork when not operating the concrete truck;
• Uses hand and power tools in various manual tasks as required;
• Inspects equipment to ensure proper and safe working condition; reports defects or required maintenance to the supervisor;
• Performs routine maintenance and cleaning of assigned tools and equipment;
• Uses welding and cutting torches as needed in equipment maintenance;
• Performs all duties in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety;
• Provides leadership to or assists co-workers with various duties as required;
• Maintains accurate and complete work records as required; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements to Perform Work

• High school diploma or GED;
• Three (3) years of relevant prior experience in all aspects of operating a ten cubic yard, rear loading concrete truck, to include daily maintenance and acid washing;
• Valid South Carolina Class "A" Driver's License (with no "L" or "O" restrictions);
• May have Trench and Shoring Certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic addition and subtraction, such as making change or measuring;
• Ability to compare or inspect items against a standard;
• Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;
• Ability to lead, operate or repair complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as light or heavy construction / specialized equipment. Involves operations of limited scope;
• Ability to read simple sentences, instructions or work orders; writing simple sentences and completing simple job forms; speaking simple sentences using basic grammar;
• Ability to perform semi-routine work following procedures with occasional problems;
• Ability to perform clerical, manual or technical tasks prescribed by standard practices but which may require computation, the use of several procedures, and the use of independent judgments with obvious choices; requires normal attention for accurate results; and
• Ability to make decisions, requiring a few decisions affecting a few co-workers; works in a stable environment with clear and uncomplicated written/oral instructions but with some variations from the routine.

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.

To learn more details, visit our benefits page at:

https://hr.columbiasc.gov/benefits/

01

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• Some high school, did not graduate
• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Some college
• Associate degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree
• Professional degree
• Doctorate degree

02

Do you currently have a Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL)?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have prior experience working with concrete and/or asphalt?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of relevant experience do you have?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• Over 1 year but less than 2 years of experience
• Over 2 years but less than 3 years of experience
• Over 3 years but less than 5 years of experience
• Over 5 years of experience

05

Do you have a Trench and Shoring Certification?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Columbia

Phone 803-545-3010

Website https://www.columbiasc.gov