Equipment Operator (Street)-$1,500 Sign-On Bonus
Salary
$39,408.73 Annually
Location
Hickory, NC
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
200-01270
Department
PS Street
Opening Date
03/26/2026
Closing Date
4/10/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Salary Depends on Qualifications
Yes
Description
For doers and makers seeking a well-rounded community, Hickory is a bridge between Asheville and Charlotte at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains along Interstate 40, where a collective spirit of craftsmanship strengthens any endeavor with detail, artistry and quality.
Hickory, North Carolina, is a three-time All-America City on the Catawba River, approximately one hour east of Asheville and one hour north of Charlotte. More than 45,000 residents call Hickory their home, the hub of a 365,000-metropolitan area. Hickory has outstanding school systems, recreation facilities, libraries, golf courses, theaters, art museums, and gorgeous parks. Beautiful Lake Hickory is over 4,000 acres and has many public access areas. Please check out www.myHKY.com for a virtual, interactive tour of the area, and www.hickorywellcrafted.com for a web portal all about Hickory and Life. Well Crafted.
Qualified applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetics, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or disability. U.S. Law requires all applicants to furnish proof of identity and right to work in the U.S.
Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A valid CDL Class B driver's license is required; CDL Class A is preferred.
This position is responsible for operating heavy equipment and performing manual labor associated with department projects.
Salary Depends on Qualifications
Major Duties
Operates a variety of equipment or vehicles involving routine operations, which may include a tractor, snow plow, street flusher, loader, backhoe, or street sweeper.
Hauls, transports, loads and unloads various equipment and materials.
Performs various tasks associated with street repair, maintenance, and construction.
Performs general and preventive maintenance tasks necessary to keep vehicles, equipment, and tools in operable condition.
Mows city rights-of-way; removes debris, snow, and ice hazards.
Assists with concrete installation; sets forms, checks grades, and finishes.
Performs duties associated with storm drain installation and replacement.
Helps set up and clean up for special events.
Assists other departments as necessary.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
After-hours work is required during emergencies, inclement weather and other times as necessary.
Knowledge and Qualifications
Ability to read, write and perform basic mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid drivers license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
Knowledge of city policies and procedures pertaining to road construction, maintenance, and repair.
Skill in operating equipment such as a backhoe, tractor, tandem axel dump truck, etc.
Skill in operating various hand and power tools.
Skill in concrete finishing.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee in this position to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently/repeatedly required to stand; walk; use hands and exert forces needed to handle various types and sizes of tools, equipment and objects; reach with hands and arms and perform elevated work for periods of time; climb ladders and balance; climb into vehicles and equipment; stoop; kneel; half-kneel; squat; crouch; or crawl; and talk; or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift, push, pull and/or move more than 100 pounds. An employee in this position will have successfully passed a "Functional Prework Screen" administered by a professional and impartial third-party specialist.
SAFETY SENSITIVE: This position has been identified as safety sensitive. The employee in this position will be part of a random drug testing pool. The methodology for choosing the random test subjects is handled by an outside, impartial, third-party vendor.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is performed outdoors, where the employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, and occasional inclement weather. The work may require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.
The City of Hickory provides a generous benefit package, in addition to salary:
01
Do you have a Class A or Class B CDL drivers license from North Carolina
02
Describe your experience as it relates to this advertised position.
03
I acknowledge an offer for employment is contingent on the successful completion of a post-offer pre-work screen and drug screen. This examination process is designed to determine if applicants are able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the job without physical harm to themselves or others. The testing will be based on the physical demands of the job. While performing the test, the blood pressure must be within the American Heart Association guidelines of no greater than 159/99 and the heart rate must be within the American College of Sports Medicine guide of 220-age x 90%.
04
I acknowledge this position has been identified as safety-sensitive. The employee in this position will be part of a random drug testing pool. The methodology for choosing the random test subjects is handled by an outside, impartial, third party vendor.
Required Question
Employer City of Hickory
Address 76 North Center Street
PO Box 398
Hickory, North Carolina, 28603
Phone 828-323-7421
Website http://hickorync.gov/employment