Rubber Tire Loader Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $41,379.17 - $53,792.92 Annually
Location : Hickory, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 200-01286
Department: PS Street
Opening Date: 06/03/2026
Salary Depends on Qualifications: Yes
Description
This position is responsible for operating heavy equipment and performing manual labor associated with department projects.
Applicants must possess ability to operate heavy equipment such as track loader, motor grader, track hoe, backhoe, tandem, rubber tire loader, etc.
Must possess a CDL driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
Please note this position is required to work an on-call rotation and will be required to work during inclement weather.
Salary depends on experience
*Previous applicants to this position are encouraged to apply*
Major Duties
Operates a variety of heavy equipment or large vehicles with specialized functions, which may include a motor grader, bulldozer, bucket truck, or front-end loader.
Hauls, transports, loads, and unloads various equipment and materials.
Performs various tasks associated with street maintenance, repair, and construction.
Performs general and preventive maintenance tasks necessary to keep vehicles, equipment, and tools in operable condition.
Operates snowplows to remove snow from city streets; operates salt truck, operates brine truck.
Operates heavy equipment such as track loader, motor grader, track hoe, backhoe, tandem, rubber tire loader, etc.
Assists in directing traffic in work zones.
Assists other departments with projects as assigned.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
After-hours work is required as necessary during emergencies, inclement weather and other times as necessary.
Knowledge and Qualifications
Ability to read, write and perform mathematical calculations at a level commonly associated with the completion of high school or equivalent.
Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
The preferred applicant will possess a CDL Class "A" driver's license.
Knowledge of city policies and procedures pertaining to street construction, maintenance, and improvement.
Knowledge of achieving grade, drainage, and proper compaction.
Skill in operating equipment such as a motor grader, excavator, bulldozer, dump truck, street sweeper, and backhoe.
Skill in operating various hand and power tools.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee in this position to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently/repeatedly required to stand; walk; use hands and exert forces needed to handle various types and sizes of tools, equipment and objects; reach with hands and arms and perform elevated work for periods of time; climb ladders and balance; climb into vehicles and equipment; stoop; kneel; half-kneel; squat; crouch; or crawl; and talk; or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must frequently lift, push, pull and/or move more than 100 pounds. An employee in this position will have successfully passed a "Functional Prework Screen" administered by a professional and impartial third-party specialist.
SAFETY SENSITIVE: This position has been identified as safety sensitive. The employee in this position will be part of a random drug testing pool. The methodology for choosing the random test subjects is handled by an outside, impartial, third-party vendor.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is performed outdoors, where the employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, and occasional inclement weather. The work may require the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, or gloves.
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants must meet the City criteria for an acceptable driving record.
The City of Hickory provides a generous benefit package, in addition to salary:

• 11 paid holidays
• 12 paid sick leave days per year
• Paid vacation
• City-paid individual health insurance (H.S.A.)
• Low-cost dental and vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Program - 5 FREE visits
• 14.35% contribution per employee to the NC Local Government Retirement System
• Up to 5% matching contribution to 401k
• Free Life insurance of 1.5 times salary up to ($125,000)
• Tuition Assistance Program
• On-site Wellness Clinic
• A selection of voluntary benefits such as additional life insurance, dependent life, Short-term disability insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance; All at very competitive rates.
• Benefits package valued at over ($15,000) annually.

*Employees working in seasonal/part-time positions are not eligible for benefits.*
01
Do you have a Class A or Class B CDL driver's license from North Carolina

• Yes
• No
• No, I have a CDL Class "A" or "B" license from another state.

02
Describe your skills and/or experience as it relates to this advertised position.
03
Do you acknowledge this position is required to work inclement weather and an on-call rotation?

• Yes
• No

04
I acknowledge this position has been identified as safety-sensitive. The employee in this position will be part of a random drug testing pool. The methodology for choosing the random test subjects is handled by an outside, impartial, third party vendor.

• Yes
• No

05
I acknowledge an offer for employment is contingent on the successful completion of a post-offer pre-work screen and drug screen. This examination process is designed to determine if applicants are able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the job without physical harm to themselves or others. The testing will be based on the physical demands of the job. While performing the test, the blood pressure must be within the American Heart Association guidelines of no greater than 159/99 and the heart rate must be within the American College of Sports Medicine guide of 220-age x 90%.

• Yes
• No

Required Question