Heavy Equipment Operator Helper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $41.99 - $44.10 Hourly
Location : Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Classified
Job Number: 5021-26
Department: City of Tacoma - CITY WIDE LIST
Opening Date: 08/31/2026
Closing Date: 9/14/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
Join the City of Tacoma as a Heavy Equipment Operator - Your Expertise in Action!
Are you skilled in operating heavy equipment and passionate about making an impact in your community? The City of Tacoma is looking for dedicated and experienced professionals to join our team as a Heavy Equipment Operator that offers variety, responsibility, and the chance to grow. In this role, you'll work both independently and as part of a close-knit team to operate a wide range of heavy construction equipment in support of critical maintenance, repair, operations and construction projects across the city. You will also have the opportunity to guide and support others on your crew, sharing your knowledge and helping us get the job done safely and efficiently. If you're someone who takes pride in their work, enjoys hands-on problem-solving, and wants to help keep Tacoma running strong, we'd love to hear from you.
**Hourly range of pay for this this classification is $41.99 - $44.10**
As a Heavy Equipment Operator, you'll bring your expertise to diverse projects that maintain and enhance the city's infrastructure and services. While specific responsibilities may vary slightly by department, every role in this classification plays a vital part in ensuring Tacoma remains a safe, thriving, and well-functioning city.
This recruitment will be used to establish an employment list that is intended to be used for the next year to fill openings in the role of Heavy Equipment Operator throughout the City. These positions are Classified and Represented by local 117. If you're looking for a dynamic role where your skills and dedication can contribute to meaningful work, we encourage you to explore this opportunity and join a team that values excellence and community impact!
Below you will find an overview of the Heavy Equipment Operator classification within the various departments around the City. The City of Tacoma conducts recruitment for Heavy Equipment Operators in different Departments. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply.
Solid Waste: Heavy Equipment Operators are integral to solid waste operations at the Recovery & Transfer Center to support healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound. Heavy Equipment Operators primarily operate wheel loaders, yard mules/goats, excavators, sweepers, and other heavy equipment.
Street Operations: Heavy Equipment Operators primarily operate wheel loaders, motor graders, pneumatic tire rollers, chip spreader, asphalt paver, cold-mill, street sweepers, asphalt compactor. Position is subject to emergency call-out during non-working hours to include nights, weekends and holidays.
Tacoma Water: Heavy Equipment Operators in Tacoma Water operate heavy, power-driven equipment such as backhoes, mobile cranes, hydro excavator trucks, trailers, dump trucks, tractors, and other large heavy equipment.
Our ideal candidate for these positions will possess the following competencies:

• Safety: makes safety a core value in all work that is performed, including operating equipment in a safe manner.

• Collaborates: builds partnerships and works cooperatively with others to meet shared goals.

• Communicates effectively: delivers communication orally and in writing that conveys a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

• Instills Trust: gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

• Decision Quality: makes good and timely decisions.

• Situational Adaptability: adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

• Being Resilient: handles difficult situations well and rebounds from setbacks and adversity.

• Work Independently: ability to perform work independently and with initiative.

This recruitment will establish a Civil Service Eligibility List that will be used to establish set-ups for current employees, as well as to fill any vacancies that may occur within the for the period of one year.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Position requires good motor coordination and depth perception, climbing, lifting and bending. Requires use of hand and foot controls and sustaining a significant amount of vibration. Employees in this position will be working in an outdoor environment and will be subject to noise. Employees in this position may be exposed to heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions and potentially hazardous materials and equipment. Routine lifting up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting up to 100 pounds. May be subject to emergency call-out during non-working hours to include nights, weekends and holidays.
Qualifications
Two years of work experience in construction or maintenance trades working with and around heavy equipment.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Washington State Driver license at time of appointment.
Employees must obtain a valid Class A Washington State Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Air Brake Restriction removed by the end of the probationary period, and maintenance thereafter.
The City will provide the necessary classroom and drive time experience.
Please follow the link to view the requirements to obtain a Commercial Driver's License as listed in
Knowledge & Skills

• Operation, care and maintenance of assigned heavy equipment.
• Requirements of operating equipment in a safe manner.
• Applicable traffic laws, ordinances and rules.
• Methods, equipment and materials used in assigned area.
• Safety precautions applied to assigned area.
• Operate, service and make minor repairs on equipment.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Place materials with accuracy.
• Excavate or move earth to required grade.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information
A Commitment to Equity & Diversity
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
The Community
Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.
With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!
View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma:
Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to passing a background check and a pre-employment medical exam and drug screen and may require a physical ability test and a practical skills test. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Teamsters Local Union #117. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.
Applicants who separated or retired and who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, proof of military discharge form at time of application.
This is a competitive selection process. Interested individuals must apply online and meet the minimum qualifications to progress in the examination process.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their job application and responses to Supplemental Questions #6-8 reviewed and evaluated by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test for this position. It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training.
Multi-Tiered Assessment Process:
Candidates for the Heavy Equipment Operator position will be required to successfully complete a multi-tiered assessment process. This process is designed to objectively evaluate both technical knowledge and hands-on operating skills. The testing process may include, but is not limited to:

1. Online eSkills Assessment - a virtual assessment to evaluate knowledge of equipment operation, safety procedures, and job-related competencies.

1. Situational or Scenario-Based Evaluation - to measure decision-making, problem-solving, and on-the-job judgment in realistic work situations.

Additional testing may also be required depending on the specific needs of the hiring department. This could include supplemental practical evaluations to assess skills with specialized equipment or performance in department-specific operating conditions.
Applicants must pass all portions of the examinations to be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration for any vacancies that may occur for the period of one year.
Candidates who successfully complete each phase of the assessment process will move forward. Final selection will be based on cumulative performance across all tiers
Get Assistance
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.
For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
Communication with the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $41.99 - $44.10
Annual Salary: $87,339.20 - $91,728.00
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma
The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.
Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.
Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.
Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.
Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.
Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.
Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.
Other Employment Information
Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.
Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.
Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.
Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
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The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the exa