Equipment Operator at City of Newton, IA – Newton

We're hiring an Equipment Operator to help keep Newton moving. If you're experienced in heavy equipment, road work, and don't mind rolling up your sleeves in all kinds of weather, this is your chance to be part of a hands-on crew that keeps the city running. This position performs semi-skilled and skilled work involving the operation end loaders maintainers compactors earth moving equipment bulldozers and other equipment at the Newton Sanitary Landfill; may operate other equipment at Newton Public Works Department. May operate trucks and motorized street sweepers in the City right-of-way and may include general labor patching and repairing streets utilizing concrete asphalt and spray injection; rebuilds storm sewers and displays construction principles as needed.

All applicants must apply before 4 p.m. on July 1st, 2025 to be considered. EOE.

Purpose: Under general supervision from the Public Works Operations Superintendent and Public Works Operations Assistant Superintendent, performs semi-skilled and skilled work involving the operation of end loaders, maintainers, compactors, earth moving equipment, dozers, and other equipment for the Newton Public Works Department. May operate trucks and motorized street sweepers in the City Right-of-Way, and includes general labor patching and repairing streets utilizing concrete, asphalt, and spray injection; rebuilds storm sewers and displays construction principles as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Operates multiple pieces of heavy equipment, such as trash compactors, bulldozers, end loaders, maintainers, tarp deployment machines, portable litter vacuums, hydro seeders, and bucket trucks.
• Operates landfill equipment utilizing Global Harmonizing Systems (GPS).
• Operates in accordance with Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) rules and regulations.
• Works Saturdays and or holidays at the Newton Sanitary Landfill.
• Performs scale attendant duties.
• Demonstrates basic computer skills.
• Operates trucks to haul materials and supplies and pull trailers and/or water tanks.
• Operates snow plow and sander-equipped trucks for snow and ice removal from City streets and parking lots.
• Performs any necessary work for street repairs, including operating equipment such as compressors, jackhammers, concrete saws, spray injection asphalt patching machines, and other duties needed for asphalt and concrete street repairs.
• Performs any necessary work to repair the storm sewer system, including constructing storm sewer intakes.
• Repairs and erects street signs using MUTCD and ASHTO standards.
• Picks up fallen limbs, debris, and windblown litter and performs similar manual labor, including operating chainsaws, mowers, and weed eaters.
• Set up traffic control when work is in the street right-of-way.
• May work nights, evenings, or weekends when inclement weather, emergencies, or other situations require these hours; shall be available to respond to emergencies or unusual situations outside the normally assigned work period.
• Performs job functions adhering to safety guidelines and policies set by administration and/or supervisor.
• Performs other duties as required

Knowledge and Professional Certification:

• Requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Considerable experience in the operation and general mechanical functions of trucks, specialized construction equipment, and heavy equipment; experience with potential operating hazards and applicable safety precautions.
• Knowledge of methods and practices used in the operation of landfills; experience with the methods, practices, and materials used in road construction and maintenance; experience with concrete work such as building curbs and storm boxes and replacing and repairing streets.
• Ability to adjust to changing situations, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining efficiency and effectiveness; ability to make minor adjustments and repairs on equipment used; performance of moderately heavy work for extended periods; and reading of grade stakes.
• The following certification requirements are based on determination by the Director and the job assignment:
• Obtain an IDNR Landfill Operator Certification within six months of being required by the City.
• Obtain a HAZWOPER 24-Hour Certification within one year of being required by the City.

Minimum Job-Related Experience:

Requires a minimum of two years' experience in construction, earthwork, and truck and heavy equipment operation. Preferred: Two years of experience operating landfill equipment, including rules and regulations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Human Relations: Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisor, subordinates, state, county, and municipal elected officials, employees at all levels within the organization, and members of the community; ability to interact constructively with the general public and landfill customers; ability to understand and follow both written and oral instructions.

Working Conditions: Operates equipment with varying degrees of noise and vibration; ability to perform moderately heavy work for extended periods and lift up to fifty (50) pounds. Typically bends, stoops, and crouches regularly to perform inside or outside work in all kinds of weather conditions during day and night hours; requires overtime.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to kneel, squat, and climb ladders to perform storm intake repair work.Must be able to work on traffic signals and signs overhead.Must be able to step up 18 inches into employer's equipment using 3-point contact for safety.Must be able to lift, move, and use a jackhammer.

Additional Requirements:

For those tasks where a personal or City vehicle is used, an individual must be physically capable of operating the vehicle safely. Requires the use of seat belts. Requires possession of a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with air brakes and is subject to the Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing program. Preferred; possession of Class A CDL with air brakes and tanker endorsement or must obtain within six months of employment.