Heavy Equipment Operator II, Water

Applications closing on March 25, 2026, 12:00 AM

  • Job TypeFull Time
  • Package$19.46 - $20.39/hour

Department: Water

City of Syracuse residency is required for this position. If you are not a resident, you have six (6) months from your date of hire to establish residency.

Job Description

The work involves responsibility for performing skilled work in the operation of moderately complex motor equipment. An employee in this classification operates heavy motor equipment with complex controls requiring a relatively high degree of skill and manipulative ability. Work of this classification is different from that of the lower classification of Motor Equipment Operator I in that the employees operate more complex and specialized equipment and are required to exercise considerably more skill and care in the operation of their equipment to perform assigned tasks. Employees are responsible for the routine maintenance of equipment and may be required to perform related manual labor. On specific assignments, work is closely supervised by a crew leader or similar supervisor; however, on routine assignments, general supervision is received. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities

  • Operates heavy construction equipment such as rollers, graders, front end loaders, tractor trailers, small (d-3) bulldozers, hydraulic extractors, sweepers, catch basin cleaners and shoulder machines.
  • May operate pay loaders and backhoes.
  • Loads fill and other construction materials.
  • May operate large flatbed trucks used for transporting heavy equipment.
  • May operate a small caterpillar with special blade used for digging and clearing drainage ditches on marshlands for the prevention of mosquito larvae.
  • May operate tractor-trailers in the transport of solid waste and sludge.
  • Occasionally operates simple flatbed or dump truck and related motor equipment as work lead demands. Checks working condition of equipment; gives routine service and maintenance.
  • May instruct and train personnel in the use and handling of specified pieces of motor equipment as directed by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in the operation of motor equipment used in construction, repair and maintenance of highways, and other public works or the operation of a tractor trailer.

Special Necessary Requirement

When required to operate motor vehicles, employees must possess a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tow truck endorsement as required by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for the class of vehicle(s) being operated.

Possession of a New York State Motor Vehicle Inspector's License which includes both group 1 (small equipement) and group 2 (large equipment) at time of appointment.

Benefits

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Vision insurance
  • Retirement plan

Click here to apply

The Affirmative Action Policy of the City of Syracuse is to provide equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, age (18 and over), marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression, sexual or affectional preference or orientation, or any other classified group within the protected class. The City also complies with 31 CFR part 51. If you have a disability for which you wish special accommodation to be made, contact the Office of Human Resources at 315-448-8780 or personnel@syr.gov.

The City of Syracuse may conduct a criminal background check with regard to the employment sought.

Anyone promoted to this position must undergo a trial period of no less than 30 workdays but not to exceed 90 workdays to ensure that such employee meets the minimum requirements of the position.