Heavy Equipment Operator
City Of Big Rapids
Sales & Business Development
USD 22.48-24.34 / hour
Posted on Dec 23, 2025
Heavy Equipment Operator
The Pay
We offer a beginning pay of $22.4850 per our union contract. After 90 days of employment, the pay rate will increase to $22.7099. After one year of employment, the rate of pay increases to $22.9369. Rate of pay will increase before capping at $24.3408 after 10 years of employment. Pay rates for this position are subject to change in accordance with union negotiations. This pay rate reflects our commitment to attracting and retaining outstanding talent.
The Position
The Heavy Equipment Operator is supervised at the pleasure of the Street Superintendent and is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a variety of heavy motorized equipment; performs various maintenance, repair, construction and manual labor work associated with upkeep of the City's vehicle fleet. Performs related work as required.
Other key responsibilities of this position include:
- Regularly operates equipment such as road grader, backhoe, front end loader, snowplows, roller, street sweeper, and other machinery which may be heavy and light equipment.
- May be assigned individual responsibility for continuous activity such as plowing, salting, and sanding designated streets and highways; grading gravel roads throughout the city; rolling blacktop and compacting roads; or operating a street sweeper during periods when traffic is light.
- Operates equipment used in digging and backfilling trenches for such projects as water and sewer construction and repair. Blades materials to bring levels to grade.
- Loads trucks with materials such as sand, gravel, snow, etc., using bucket loader.
- Drives city dump trucks to haul various materials including gravel, sand, topsoil, snow and so forth. Drives other city vehicles as needs require.
- Operates equipment and assists with construction and repair projects such as building streets, manholes, sidewalks, curbs, catch basins, laying pipe and repair of water and sewer line.
- Performs various maintenance functions such as trimming and cutting trees, patching streets and painting street lines.
- May perform semi-skilled labor duties such as welding, carpentry work, masonry and electrical repair.
- Performs routine maintenance and repairs on equipment used and assists the mechanic with extensive repair work.
- Performs a variety of heavy and light equipment and general labor duties as required by the street superintendent.
- Has the knowledge and skill to install and/or repair water and sewer service connections and mains.
- Performs related work as required.
- Knowledge in working with concrete, bituminous mixtures, repairs and construction,
- Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of street department equipment and vehicles
- Ability to operate equipment skillfully, safely and in accordance with rules and regulations.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to work effectively with the public and other employees.
- Ability to see, hear and speak effectively and without limitation to complete duties 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds on a routine basis to complete duties 1, 6, 7, 8, and 11.
- Ability to run, crawl, climb, and maneuver where physical mobility is required to complete duties 1 through 6, 8, 9, and 11.
- Ability to operate heavy equipment and power tools to complete duties 1, 2, and 3.
- Knowledge and skill in the use, operation and daily maintenance of the following equipment:
- Front-end Loader (2 cubic yard minimum), proficiency with a 4-in-1 bucket required.
- Wheel loader with 1/2 cu. yd. backhoe bucket attachment (35,000 lbs. standard machine weight classification, minimum).
- Dump Truck with hydraulic power underbody scraper (26,000 lbs. G.V.W.R., minimum).
- Backhoe with or without hydro-hammer.
- Motor Grader (16,00 lbs. standard machine weight classification, minimum).
- A combined total of at least 300 hours operating experience on all equipment listed above; no less than 50 hours on each piece of equipment.
- Acceptable training and experience including graduation from an accredited high school.
- A medical examiners certificate is also required.
- A valid CDL license Class A or Class B with air brake endorsement - no restrictions.
Why Us?
In addition to the pay scale outlined above, AFSCME union employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package as outlined in the bargaining contract, which includes:
- Medical coverage for you and your eligible dependents starting the first day of the month following your start date.
- HSA contributions on eligible plans.
- Dental and vision plans.
- Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability benefits.
- You will enjoy paid holidays that include: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and two floating holidays.
- Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave starting on your first day of employment.
- Employee Assistance program.
- Longevity after completion of 5 years continuous service.
- Retirement plan: You will be enrolled in the City's MERS (Michigan Employee Retirement System) Defined Contribution plan. The City will contribute 10% of your compensation towards your retirement program and you will be required to contribute 5%.
- Optional Benefits: Voluntary life insurance, Dependent Care, FSA option for eligible plan, and Aflac Plans.
The Application Process
To apply for this position, please fill out the full-time employment application, found here. To be considered for the position, you must provide a professional cover letter and resume.
For more information, please call (231)-592-4007 or email jaris@cityofbr.org.
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