Excavator Backhoe Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking an experienced Backhoe Operator to operate heavy construction equipment for its Water, Sewer, and Streets (WSS) Bureau. This crew member is primarily responsible for operating a backhoe to excavate trenches on construction sites/roadways and backfill and perform fine grading, along with operating other related equipment to assist in the construction and/or maintenance of seasonal public works projects.
Responsibilities
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking an experienced Backhoe Operator to operate heavy construction equipment for its Water, Sewer, and Streets (WSS) Bureau. This crew member is primarily responsible for operating a backhoe to excavate trenches on construction sites/roadways and backfill and perform fine grading, along with operating other related equipment to assist in the construction and/or maintenance of seasonal public works projects.
Specific duties include:

• Operating a uni-loader, backhoe, forklift, skid steer, and/or crane truck with precision;
• Considering site and utility line locations, and determining appropriate methods of operation for other properties and infrastructures;
• Moving materials, equipment, and grading surfaces for construction;
• Loading various size trucks (medium 6 axle, tandem, 10 axle) and driving/operating other equipment such as asphalt rollers (walk behind and riding), asphalt/concrete saws (handheld and walk behind), and front-end loader;
• Performing routine and preventive maintenance on equipment;
• Providing technical guidance and on-site training to crew members;
• Assuring that all applicable safety requirements are met and providing safety guidance to crew members; and
• Serving as back-up in the absence of Master Technician and performing other job-related duties as assigned.

The successful employee will be a safety-oriented team player, with effective communication skills, and demonstrated experience operating a backhoe on construction projects in a public right-of-way.
Qualifications
Minimum:

• High school diploma/equivalent;
• Three (3) years of experience in public works, construction, or another trades vocation that demonstrates the ability to perform semi-skilled to skilled manual maintenance and/or construction;
• One (1) year of experience operating heavy/specialized equipment such as backhoes, concrete trucks, medium and tandem dump trucks, crane trucks, front-end loaders, asphalt rollers, asphalt/concrete saws, skid steers, and forklifts; and
• Must possess a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year for year basis.
Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Two (2) years or more of operating a backhoe and/or similar equipment;
• Excavating trenches below grade and around utilities;
• Field construction, reading/interpreting plans, cut sheets, etc.; and/or
• Performing preventive maintenance on equipment.

Special Requirements
CDL: Must possess a Class B or A commercial driver's license (CDL) at time of hire. Selected applicants must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or they must provide a copy of official driving record. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon a favorable review of driving record and passing a pre-employment drug screening and alcohol breath test as required by applicable standards.
Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
Drug/Alcohol Screening: Applicant must provide written consent for Arlington County to obtain from previous employer's information required by a Department of Transportation (DOT) agency regulations concerning drug and alcohol testing information. Employees will be subject to DOT drug screening at such times during employment as required by law.
VDOT: Must have or be able to obtain a Virginia Department of Transportation Basic Work Zone Certification within one year of the date of hire.
Other:

• Additional special licensure, certifications, and/or endorsements may be required depending on area of assignment.
• Applicants invited for interview may be asked to participate in skills testing involving the operation of equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The employee performs activities outdoors and is subject to hazards including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, exposure to high heat, exposure to chemicals, and/or biohazardous waste.
• The employee is subject to one more of the following conditions: Fumes, odors, dusts, mists, loud noises, gases or poor ventilation, oils, and other cutting fluids.
• The employee spends long periods of time standing, crouching, stooping, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying.
• The employee is required to wear common protective gear or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, or hard hats.
• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

SAFETY
Requires learning and following all safety rules and regulations pertaining to job functions which includes attending all required safety classes and meetings to ensure a safe working environment and that team members are practicing the required safety rules and regulations.
Additional Information
Work Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday during Spring, Summer and Fall. May be required to work 2:00p.m - 10:30p.m. during winter. Must be available on rotating basis for water main maintenance stand-by. Occasional overtime and ability to work alternate shifts may be required on short notice.
The official title of this position is Water/Sewer/Streets (WSS) Equipment Operator.
Arlington County offers a competitive salary and a great benefits package including a Defined Benefit (pension) plan. For more information on Arlington's family friendly benefits click here.
NOTE: This position is listed as "open continuous" with a preferred filing date of 8/27/2026. Interested applicants are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible. If your application is received later in the recruitment process, it may not be considered. The application process will close when the position has been filled or when enough qualified applications have been received.
Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not write "see resume" as a response to the questions. In accordance with § 19.2-392.15, applicants are not required to provide information regarding sealed arrests, charges, or convictions in response to any questions or inquiries during the hiring process.
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