Heavy Equipment Operator I

This position is located in Custer, SD. Relocation or commute required.

Custer County is currently accepting applications for a full-time Equipment Operator I with the Custer County Highway Department. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, operating heavy equipment, performing hands-on work, and serving the community by helping maintain more than 400 miles of County roads.

The Equipment Operator I plays an important role in maintaining safe and reliable roads throughout Custer County. Responsibilities include operating heavy equipment, performing road maintenance and repairs, snow and ice removal, clearing brush and roadside debris, maintaining signage, and performing routine maintenance on County equipment.

The ideal candidate will be dependable, safety-conscious, adaptable, and comfortable working independently as well as part of a team. The position requires the ability to work outdoors in varying and extreme weather conditions and respond to seasonal and emergency road maintenance needs.

This is a full-time position with a four-day work week, Monday–Thursday, 10-hour days, starting at $23.88 per hour, with a comprehensive County benefits package. Weekends and holidays are generally off, except when weather events or emergencies require road maintenance. The position reports to the Highway Superintendent.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operating heavy equipment including loaders, graders, dump trucks, snowplows, mowers, pickups, and other County equipment.
• Operating trucks and equipment for snow and ice removal.
• Performing road maintenance, repairs, and other manual labor associated with maintaining County roads.
• Clearing brush, trees, and other roadside debris.
• Installing and maintaining road signs.
• Performing routine maintenance and minor repairs on equipment.
• Following County safety procedures and operating equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
• Responding to weather-related, seasonal, and emergency road maintenance needs.
• Working collaboratively with Highway Department staff, supervisors, other County departments, and the public.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Previous experience operating heavy equipment or driving trucks is preferred but not required.
• Valid South Dakota Class A Commercial Driver's License with tanker endorsement is preferred; required within six months of hire.
• Ability to read, write, and understand basic instructions, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Ability to safely operate heavy equipment and perform physical labor.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in varying and extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to work independently, follow directions, and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
• Must successfully complete a 12-month probationary period.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to regularly lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, climb, balance, and perform overhead work as required.
• Ability to operate equipment using hand and foot controls.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions and other physical tasks associated with road maintenance.
• Ability to work in conditions involving loud noise, dust, fumes, vibrations, and temperature extremes.
• Ability to hear and respond to radio communications and verbal instructions.
• Ability to safely use tools and power equipment, including chainsaws, mowers, and vibratory tools.
• Ability to work at heights, including bridges, slopes, and embankments, when required.
• Physical requirements may range from light to very heavy depending on the task and season.

Benefits:

• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• Health, dental, and life insurance options.
• Enrollment in the South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS) with a 6% employer match.
• Stable, full-time employment with a four-day work week.

Applications are available on the Custer County website at https://www.custercountysd.com/employment/ or by contacting Amber Maidens, Custer County Human Resource Director, 420 Mt. Rushmore Rd., Custer, SD 57730. Phone 605-673-8134.

Applicants must fill out and submit a Custer County application. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Custer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.