Equipment Operator I

The City of La Crosse is accepting applications for a full-time Equipment Operator I to become an essential member of the Street Department team. 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 in this class regularly operate motorized excavating, construction and maintenance equipment. Equipment varies by department but includes backhoes, dump truck and other assigned equipment. Incumbents work under general supervision of lead workers, supervisors and/or superintendents. This position will primarily work in the service shop. Job duties include oil changes, tire changes and minor repairs to vehicles and construction equipment.

Selected candidate subject to participation in DOT regulated random drug and alcohol program. Starting wage for this non-exempt position is $25.00 per hour (80 hours bi-weekly). Working hours for this position are Monday through Friday.

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 commercial drivers license is required. CPR, First Aid and confined space entry certifications may be required by department.

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 physical capacity screen. Applications are accepted until August 24, 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 this position 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, dump truck 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 excavating equipment to prepare sites for concrete construction, utility facility installations/repairs, flood control, landscaping and other public works such as backhoes, tractors and hand excavation tools.

Operates a variety of public works maintenance equipment such as snowplow equipment, pumps, saws, dump truck, 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.

Operates Arial truck.

May instruct others at the job site.

Participates in work safety training.

May respond to emergencies.

Records maintenance and repair work to appropriate records.

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.

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. CPR, First Aid and confined space entry certifications may be required by department.

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 reference data and information such as work activity reports, diagrams, 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 snow removal equipment, back hoe, dump trucks, pumps, mechanic's hand tools, shovels, rakes, saws, etc.

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

Ability to exert moderate 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.