Motor Equipment Operator III (Pay Grade 20) AFSCME Local 459

Motor Equipment Operator III (Pay Grade 20) AFSCME Local 459

Salary

$23.81 - $38.80 Hourly

Location

New Castle County Conner Building, 187-A Old Churchmans Road, New Castle, DE

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

00303-2026

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

09/25/2026

Closing Date

10/9/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

In accordance with the Merit System Rules and Regulations, an eligible list, which will be valid for a one-year period, and which will be used to fill vacancies during that period, is being established for this classification. Applicants on the eligible list will be certified in accordance with the Merit System and appropriate union contracts.

Candidates may submit online employment applications using the NEOGOV online application system available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nccde.

EXAMINATION PROCESS: The examination process for this posting may include an evaluation of training and experience, a written examination, a computerized exam, an oral board interview examination, a performance examination or any combination of the above in order to qualify applicants for placement on the eligible list. The eligible list will be used to fill vacancies that occur within the next year. The appropriate number of names on the eligible list as prescribed by Merit System Section 26.03.505 will be certified to the hiring department for consideration to fill the vacant position(s).

New employees are generally hired at the starting salary and may be eligible for merit increases each year upon receipt of a satisfactory performance evaluation, up to the maximum salary.

New Castle County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

JOB DESCRIPTION

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Performs work of exceptional difficulty in the operation of heavy motorized equipment and performs a variety of supervisory tasks in connection with such operations; does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: An employee in this class operates heavy, multi-purpose equipment, such as cranes, which require a high degree of skill and manipulative ability. Operation of the equipment also requires unusual skill to do precision work such as making fine grades and ability to operate the heavy equipment so as not to impede the progress of related operations while maintaining constant attention to safety in order to prevent accidents. Standard procedures are followed and the work is inspected periodically for safety and economy of operation. This class differs from that of Motor Equipment Operator II since a much higher degree of skill is necessary to perform the work required. For example, operations may involve equipment with a high lifting capability where a large number of controls govern a wide variety of motions that requires a high degree of judgment and skill to avoid damage to equipment or materials handled. It may also involve equipment where a high degree of coordination and frequent adjustment of attachments are necessary because the nature of the operation requires a considerable degree of accuracy to accomplish the finished work by reading prints and grade stakes. This employee must have a thorough knowledge of heavy motorized equipment to be able to instruct trainees in the proper use of the equipment and in maintenance techniques and procedures. This employee may serve as a working supervisor, supervising the work of Maintenance and Construction Workers and other equipment operators.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Illustrative only)

• Operates all heavy equipment and vehicles in accordance with the Department of Transportations Commercial Drivers License Class A (CDL-A) guidelines;
• Operates a crane to lift heavy objects, sets culverts, digs, or back fills excavations and uses attachments such as a backhoe, clamshell, or drag line to load vehicles and clear drainage ditches;
• Operates a backhoe and gradall to dig excavations and trenches in connection with heavy construction where grade stakes are used;
• Operates a bulldozer for fine grading work where grade stakes are used and operates a carryall in connection with fine grading;
• Operates a grader to level road surfaces and to do other fine grading where grade stakes are used;
• Operates a tractor-trailer unit (lowboy) to haul heavy motorized equipment or material;
• Operates plow vehicles;
• Operates construction vehicles when not operating heavy motorized equipment;
• Inspects, cleans, lubricates, changes oil, and makes minor repairs on equipment;
• Supervises Maintenance and Construction Workers in the performance of their work;
• Instructs trainees in the operation of heavy motorized equipment;
• May perform tasks of a Maintenance and Construction Worker when not engaged as an operator;
• Promotes an ongoing attitude of dedication to excellent public service and ensures that external and internal customers are provided with the highest quality of service;
• Operates a personal computer and other related equipment in the course of the work.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge and skill in the operation of heavy motorized equipment in all types of weather conditions; good knowledge of standard practices, methods, and materials used in construction and maintenance projects; good knowledge of traffic rules and regulations; good knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of working with heavy equipment; ability to follow oral and written directions; ability to do fine grading work; ability to read elevation and construction plans; ability to make minor repairs and adjustments to heavy motorized equipment; ability to supervise maintenance and construction personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: At least three (3) years experience in the operation of heavy motorized equipment, and possession of a high school diploma or GED; or an equivalent combination of experience, education or training directly related to the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Preference will be given for at least one (1) year experience in the operation of a crane, fuel truck and/or lowboy tractor trailer.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Must pass a Class II County physical examination, background check, and periodic DOT physical examinations as mandated by the Department of Transportation. Possession of a valid commercial drivers license Class A (CDL-A) or its equivalent is also required. Endorsements to the CDL-A license regarding air brakes, tank vehicles, and hazardous materials may be required dependent upon the job duties and responsibilities of a particular position.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Cassondra Briggs

Human Resources Technician

Cassondra.Briggs@newcastlede.gov

Health Insurance: Starts the first of the month following a 60-day waiting period from the date of hire. Charges for coverage vary depending on type and level of coverage chosen. The following plans are currently available through Highmark (Comprehensive 80% Plan; a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) and Aetna (Open Access HMO.) Deductibles and co-pays may also apply.

Dental Insurance: Starts the first of the month following a 60-day waiting period from date of hire. Currently, there are two PPO options and an HMO option. Charges vary depending on type and level of coverage chosen.

Sick Leave: Accumulates at the rate of one day for each completed month of service, beginning after the first full month of employment.

Vacation: Vests on December 31 of the calendar year preceding the vacation year. Vested vacation is to be used in the 12 months following the vesting date. Employees are entitled to vacation as follows:

• Less than 12 months service -- 1 day for each completed month of service to a maximum of 10 days
• 1 - 4 years of service -- 10 days of vacation
• 5 - 9 years of service -- 15 days of vacation
• 10 - 14 years of service -- 20 days of vacation
• 15 years of service -- 25 days of vacation
• 15+ years of service -- 25+ days of vacation (an additional day for each successive year of service)

Holidays: 13-1/2 paid holidays per year (1/2 day on Christmas Eve).

Life Insurance: Provided by the County in the amount of one and one-half times your salary. Minimum benefit -- $50,000; Maximum benefit -- $200,000.

Pension: Employee contributory amount of three percent of base salary to defined benefit plan. County will make a non-elective contribution of one percent of base salary to defined contribution account. In addition, the County will also make an annual matching contribution of one hundred percent of employees contribution, up to a maximum of two percent to defined contribution account. 10-year vesting.

Deferred Compensation Plan:

Optional employee contributory plan available.

Additional Benefits: Salary increases each year dependent upon appropriate negotiated increase and/or merit increases; Credit Union, Blood Bank, Sick Leave Bank (after two years of service), Fitness Center, and an Employee Assistance Program are all benefits available to employees at no cost.

Supplemental Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical reimbursement and dependent care), additional life insurance, vision, group accident, group hospital indemnity, group disability, and critical care insurance are also available at an additional cost to the employee.

Union Affiliation: Some positions are affiliated with a local bargaining unit, and, therefore, will require a monthly dues deduction ranging from $23 to $46.65 per month.

Special Note: The above benefits are subject to change. For detailed information on any of the above, contact the Office of Human Resources at (302) 395-5180.

Revised: 12/15/15

01

Do you possess a High School diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have at least one (3) years of experience in the operation of heavy motorized equipment? If yes, please describe in detail.

03

Do you possess a valid commercial drivers license Class A (CDL-A) or its equivalent? If so, please provide the state of issue and license number.

04

Do you have any of the following endorsements to the CDL-A license regarding air brakes, tank vehicles, and hazardous materials? If yes, please list below.

05

Do you have at least one (1) year experience in the operation of a crane, fuel truck and/or lowboy tractor trailer? If yes, please describe in detail.

06

Do you have a Crane Truck Operator Certification? If yes, please list date obtained below.

Required Question

Employer New Castle County Government

Address 87 Reads Way

New Castle, Delaware, 19720

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nccde