Light Equipment Operator - Street

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Light Equipment Operator - Street Department: Public Works Reports to: Foreman - Street FLSA Status: Nonexempt Salary Grade: 12A 2026 Wage: $23.59 per hour

JOB SUMMARY

This position operates assigned vehicles and light equipment in the maintenance of city public works infrastructure.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for and able to operate and maintain light to medium equipment in the maintenance and repair of city streets, alleys, parking lots, sidewalks, curbs, and other city properties. Motility to perform asphalt repair, patching, sealing, overlay, and other street and alley, maintenance and repair. Able to safely operate all assigned and related equipment necessary in the day to day maintenance and cleaning of city streets and properties (example: dump trucks, sand/salt spreaders, rollers, brooms, patching equipment, front-end loaders, air compressors, air hammer, snow removal equipment, push mowers, power mowers and other related equipment). Responsible for safe operation and maintenance of all equipment assigned by following safety, departmental and traffic laws or rules. Responsible for and able to operate various power and hand tools or equipment. Perform semi-skilled and unskilled manual labor in street, alley, curb and parking lot cleaning, picking up litter, routine gutter and curb cleaning and repair, and loading and unloading materials. Serve as flagman, and assist on patch crews. Able to maintain, clean and repair all equipment and tools; Able to operate moderately complex equipment and assist sanitation crews. Assists in the collection of solid waste. Maintains assigned vehicles and equipment; performs pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections. Assists in traffic control at work sites. Assists in snow operations. Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of the techniques, equipment, and supplies used in public works maintenance. Knowledge of city and departmental safety policies and procedures. Knowledge of the geography of the city, including street names and locations. Skill in the operation of assigned vehicles, trucks and light equipment. Skill in prioritizing and organizing work. Skill in the use of hand and power tools. Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES Guidelines include traffic laws, work safety policies, and city policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

The work consists of related equipment operation duties. Inclement weather and heavy traffic contribute to the complexity of the position. The purpose of this position is to operate light equipment in support of a variety of department operations. Successful performance contributes to the provision of a safe and well-maintained city infrastructure and grounds and to the efficient and effective collection and disposal of refuse.

CONTACTS Contacts are typically with coworkers and the general public. Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts medium and occasionally heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color. The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from high school or possession of GED. Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent. Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with two years’ experience or service. Possession and maintenance of a valid commercial driver’s license issued by the State of South Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated (Class B with Airbrakes and N-Tanker Endorsement) within six (6) months of employment.

RESIDENCY All new hires must reside within 40 miles of city limits unless specific approval of City Manager.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed this job description. I understand that this job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position. I understand that job duties, responsibilities, and assignments may change at any time based on the needs of the City and in accordance with applicable policies, contracts, ordinances, or collective bargaining agreements. I further acknowledge that I am able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

OPENING DATE: November 4, 2026 CLOSING DATE: November 18, 2026

To apply for this position, please complete the application and submit it by either emailing it to hr@aberdeen.sd.us or delivering it to the Human Resources office in City Hall. For more information, view the full job description.