Job Overview The Town of North Providence Department of Public Works is seeking a qualified and dependable Equipment Operator to perform skilled work operating heavy construction and maintenance equipment in support of municipal public works operations. The Equipment Operator will primarily operate backhoes, front-end loaders/payloaders, and other heavy equipment used for roadway maintenance, drainage work, excavation, snow and ice operations, material handling, construction, and general maintenance of Town-owned infrastructure and property. The successful candidate must demonstrate safe and competent operation of heavy equipment, exercise good judgment, maintain a professional attitude, and be capable of working independently or as part of a DPW crew. Responsibilities Operates backhoes, front-end loaders/payloaders, excavators, skid steers, dump trucks, and other heavy equipment as assigned. Performs excavation, trenching, loading, grading, backfilling, and material-handling operations. Operates a backhoe for excavation and maintenance of drainage systems, catch basins, culverts, sewer and water-related work, and other municipal projects as directed. Operates a payloader/front-end loader to load, move, stockpile, and distribute sand, gravel, asphalt, stone, loam, salt, snow, and other materials. Assists with roadway construction, repair, resurfacing, pothole repair, shoulder work, and other highway maintenance activities. Performs snow and ice removal operations, including loading, pushing, plowing, and moving snow and assisting with the application and handling of winter materials. Performs routine maintenance and inspection of assigned equipment and reports mechanical problems or safety concerns to a supervisor. Conducts pre-operation inspections and ensures equipment is operated in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and Town safety procedures. Assists DPW crews with manual labor and general maintenance activities when equipment operation is not required. Works around underground utilities, roadways, traffic, pedestrians, and other hazards while maintaining proper safety procedures. Safely operates equipment in confined areas, active construction zones, and municipal rights-of-way. Maintains work areas, equipment, tools, and materials in a clean and orderly condition. May assist with emergency response operations, including storm damage, flooding, water-related emergencies, and other situations requiring DPW assistance. May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, or emergency call-ins as operational needs require. Performs other related duties as assigned by the DPW Superintendent or designee. Experience Knowledge of the safe and proper operation of heavy construction and public works equipment. Demonstrated ability to safely operate a backhoe and payloader/front-end loader. Knowledge of excavation, grading, loading, trenching, drainage, and material-handling practices. Ability to recognize equipment malfunctions and communicate maintenance needs to supervisors. Ability to perform routine equipment inspections and basic operator-level maintenance. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to work effectively with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, and members of the public. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, carrying, walking, climbing, bending, and standing for extended periods. Ability to work safely around moving vehicles, heavy machinery, traffic, utilities, and construction activities. Good judgment, reliability, punctuality, and a strong commitment to public safety. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent preferred. Previous experience operating heavy construction or municipal public works equipment required. Demonstrated experience operating a backhoe and payloader/front-end loader. Valid Rhode Island driver's license appropriate for the position. Valid Rhode Island Hoisting Engineer - Excavating Equipment License issued by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training. Valid CDL - Class B Preferred Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. Physical Requirements Frequent sitting while operating heavy equipment. Climbing into and out of heavy equipment. Bending, reaching, walking, standing, lifting, and carrying. Working in confined or uneven areas and on construction sites. Lifting and carrying materials and equipment as required. Exposure to dust, dirt, noise, vibration, heat, cold, snow, rain, and other outdoor conditions. Wearing required personal protective equipment.

Pay:

$27.89 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person