Equipment Operator II - Streets

The City of La Crosse is accepting applications for a full-time Equipment Operator II to become an essential member of the Street Department. The Street Department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of streets, snow removal, and oversees the refuse and recycling program. The individual in this position will work with a dedicated team of employees whose actions improve the lives of the citizens of La Crosse daily.

The purpose of this position is to operate assigned equipment used in public works facilities/infrastructure maintenance, construction, and repair. Incumbents regularly operate motorized excavating, construction, and maintenance equipment. Equipment varies by department but includes backhoes, loaders, motor graders, dump trucks, rollers, street sweepers, snow removal and other assigned equipment. Incumbents work under general supervision of lead workers, supervisors and/or superintendents. Selected candidate subject to participation in DOT regulated random drug and alcohol program. Starting wage for this non-exempt position is $26.76 per hour (80 hours bi-weekly). This position works standard days hours Monday through Friday, but will be subject to work night shift 3 to 4 weeks throughout the year and participate in snow removal as needed.

Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, with two to three years heavy equipment operating experience, or any combination of education and experience which provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. A valid Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) with tanker and airbrake endorsements required or ability to successfully obtain commercial drivers license and endorsements within 60 days on the job.

Benefits: The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical benefit plans, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, income continuation insurance, voluntary dental and vision plans, paid holidays, vacations and sick leave. Benefit perks: traditional or high deductible (with HSA) medical plan options available, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with a 6.95% employer contribution, 10 paid holidays, ability to earn up to 12 sick days per year and vacation time available as of date of hire.

Selected candidate is subject to background check, post-offer/pre-employment drug screen, physical and job screen. Applications accepted until June 23, 2025. To be considered, submit an employment application by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking Career Opportunities or by visiting

The purpose of positions in this classification is to operate assigned equipment used in public works facilities/infrastructure maintenance, construction and repair.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Incumbents in this class regularly operate motorized excavating, construction and maintenance equipment. Equipment varies by department but includes backhoes, loaders, motor graders, dump truck, rollers, street sweepers, snow removal and other assigned equipment. Incumbents work under general supervision of lead workers, supervisors and/or superintendents.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Operates heavy equipment such as backhoes, graders (alley/snow), dozers, loaders, tractors on a variety of public works construction and maintenance activities.

Operates a variety of public works maintenance equipment such as snowplow equipment, street sweepers, saws, trimmers, dump truck, equipment transport trailer, tampers, jack hammer and other assigned equipment.

Monitors equipment operation for malfunctions. Notifies supervisory personnel regarding need for equipment repairs. Performs routine maintenance such as fueling and lubricating equipment. May assist with field repairs, or perform minor repairs in the field or service garage.

May instruct others at the job site.

Participates in work safety training.

Records maintenance and repair work to appropriate records.

May respond to emergencies during non-working hours.

Performs demolition and landscaping duties as assigned.

Maintains regular and predictable on-site attendance.

Additional Tasks and Responsibilities

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this classification and may also be performed by other unit members.

Flags traffic at work sites.

Cleans equipment. May construct sweeper brooms.

May assist others with setting grades and taking site measurements.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

High school diploma or equivalent, with two to three years heavy equipment operating experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. A valid commercial driver's license required or ability to successfully obtain commercial driver's license within 30 days on the job in the position.

Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

Ability to assemble, copy, record and transcribe data and information, following a prescribed plan. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure and/or sort data and information.

Ability to explain, demonstrate and clarify to others within well established policies, procedures and standards. Ability to follow specific instructions and respond to simple requests from others.

Ability to utilize a wide variety of job specifications and information such as time cards, accident reports, maps, operating and maintenance manuals and schedules.

Ability to communicate effectively with public works department personnel, engineers and the general public.

Mathematical Ability

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability

Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities.

Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against measurable criteria.

Physical Requirements

Ability to operate equipment and machinery requiring monitoring multiple conditions and making multiple, complex and rapid adjustments, such as graders, rollers, snow removal equipment, back hoe, loaders, dozers, dump trucks, mechanic's hand tools, shoves, rakes, saws, etc. Ability to perform minor maintenance to equipment and machinery.

Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing highly skilled movements such as heavy equipment operation.

Ability to exert moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.

Ability to recognize and identify degrees of similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, shapes, sounds, tastes, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.

Environmental Adaptability

Ability to work under occasionally unsafe and often uncomfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as temperature variations, odors, toxic agents, noise, vibrations, wetness, machinery, electrical currents, traffic hazards and/or dust may cause or causing discomfort and where there is a risk of injury.

The City of La Crosse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.