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Tractor Pan Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator III

Akron, OH · On-site

$50K - $59K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

When not operating equipment, employee participates in a work crew or leads work crew activity or ... Drives tractor and pan for transporting fill materials. Operates grader to renovate or maintain ...

Tractor Pan Operator information

What is a tractor pan operator?

Tractor Pan Operators are skilled workers who operate heavy equipment known as tractor pans or scraper pans, primarily used in construction, mining, or agricultural settings. Their main responsibility is to move large amounts of earth by scraping, collecting, and transporting soil or other materials to designated locations. They must ensure the machine is operated safely and efficiently, often working under various weather and site conditions. Tractor Pan Operators also perform basic maintenance checks on their equipment to ensure it remains in good working order. Attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols are essential in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tractor pan operator?

To thrive as a Tractor Pan Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, experience with heavy machinery, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with GPS grading systems, hydraulic controls, and routine maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, good communication, and strong situational awareness are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe and efficient operation, precise earthmoving, and effective teamwork on construction or agricultural sites.

What are some common challenges faced by tractor pan operators, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Tractor Pan Operators often encounter challenges such as working with uneven terrain, managing equipment maintenance, and adapting to changing weather conditions. Effective communication with site supervisors and other equipment operators is crucial to ensure safety and project efficiency. Regular inspections and routine maintenance of the tractor and pan help prevent breakdowns and costly delays. Additionally, staying updated on safety protocols and learning how to quickly adapt to unexpected site changes can greatly enhance job performance and workplace safety.

What is the difference between Tractor Pan Operator vs Backhoe Operator?

AspectTractor Pan OperatorBackhoe Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license, equipment operation certificationsOperator certifications, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, agricultural fields, excavation projectsConstruction sites, utility work, excavation
Industry UsageConstruction, agriculture, land developmentConstruction, utility, infrastructure projects

Both Tractor Pan Operators and Backhoe Operators work in construction and land development environments, often requiring similar certifications. While Tractor Pan Operators focus on operating tractors with pans for grading and earthmoving, Backhoe Operators handle excavators with backhoes for digging and trenching. Understanding these differences helps employers and workers choose the right role for specific project needs.

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Tractor Pan Operator jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Tractor Pan Operator job openings:

Equipment Operator III

City of Akron, OH

Akron, OH • On-site

$50K - $59K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Salary : $50,398.40 - $59,571.20 Annually
Location : Akron, OH
Job Type: Permanent
Job Number: 2026-E-11-740
Department: Public Service Department
Opening Date: 07/31/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Definition
This is skilled work in the operation of complex automotive and heavy equipment in construction and related maintenance activities.
An employee in this class is responsible for the basic preventative maintenance to and the operation of equipment requiring highly skilled manipulation of controls and attachments in maneuvering for safe and efficient special purpose operation. When not operating equipment, employee participates in a work crew or leads work crew activity or the work of other equipment operators.
Works under general supervision on routine or repetitive assignments and under close supervision on special or unusual assignments.
Characteristic Work
Collects trash and recyclables from City containers utilizing a packer truck with automated, mechanical arm. Operates bulldozer and crawler loader for piling sludge, clearing ground, backfilling, and tree and stump removal. Operates various types of cranes for loading and unloading materials, for deep ditching, and for drag-line work. Drives tractor and pan for transporting fill materials. Operates grader to renovate or maintain infields, turf installation and parking lots or to slope banks in canals and ditches. Drives fifth-wheel tractor with long trailer. Operates road grader scarfiering road surfaces, ditching, removing snow, building and repairing roads and recreation areas and other property improvement tasks. Operates paving machine on road resurfacing operations. Operates backhoe to cut deep ditches, set or dig out curb, and to excavate streets. Operates heavy roller in dust treatment and sealing operations. Operates scat machine for drying and turning sludge. Operates motorized sweeper for sweeping streets and highways. Operates tractors with specialized equipment for mowing steep terrain. Operates small or less complex equipment for short periods of time or in emergencies. Operates salt spreader and heavy trucks with snow plow attachment for snow and ice control. Makes daily inspection of assigned equipment, performs preventative maintenance and reports major maintenance needs and mechanical malfunctions. Utilizes maps to complete predetermined sweeping routes and ice and snow routes when responding to emergency calls and complaints. When not operating equipment, participates in and/or leads work crew activity. Performs related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications
A minimum of two years of paid experience in the skilled operation of automotive and construction equipment commonly assigned to the Equipment Operator II level. Possession of a valid State of Ohio commercial driver's license (class and endorsements as required by division).
Considerable knowledge of and skill in the effective and safe operation of City owned automotive and heavy equipment in traffic and in and around work crew areas. Considerable knowledge of the component parts of such equipment, the performance limits, and the preventative maintenance necessary to keep equipment in satisfactory operation. Knowledge of the traffic laws of the State of Ohio and the City of Akron.
Ability to read and write and to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to perform a variety of laboring tasks. Ability to work in adverse weather conditions. Ability to comprehend maps in order to follow predetermined routes when responding in emergencies. Ability to effectively communicate with coworkers, supervisors and the general public. Ability to safely operate automotive and construction equipment. Ability to lead work crew activities. List of essential job functions available upon request.
Competitive Examination Process
This is a classified position.
The selection process will consist of a competitive examination with credit for experience. A passing score must be obtained on the competitive examination in order to receive credit for experience. TEST WEIGHTS: Competitive Examination 90%, Experience 10%.
Candidates must meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the announcement at the time of examination and at the time of appointment. (SEE LIST OF CDL REQUIREMENTS-CDL IS REQUIRED ON ENTRY)
RESIDENCY: Candidates who have been resident citizens within the corporate limits of the City of Akron for at least one year immediately prior to the examination and who continue to reside within the corporate limits of the City of Akron throughout the remainder of the selection process will have 5 points added to their passing grades.
VETERANS: A veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, honorably discharged from active duty, desiring a bonus of 5 points added to his/her passing grade, must submit proof of discharge in the form of a DD-214 with application.
NOTE: The competitive examination may be suspended if shown to be impractical because of an insufficient number of qualified candidates. The candidates will then be ranked in a standard manner based on 90% for qualifying and 10% for experience.
Since this examination is posted on a combined basis, two separate eligibility lists will be generated with promotional candidates considered before open candidates.
COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE: An applicant having a valid commercial driver's license from another state will be accepted conditionally provided that, if selected, an Ohio Commercial Driver's License must be obtained prior to appointment. Candidates having six or more points on their driving record at the time of appointment will be disqualified from further consideration.
NOTE: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING YOUR APPLICATION STATUS THROUGHOUT THE STEPS IN THE SELECTION PROCESS BY VIEWING YOUR GOVERNMENTJOBS.COM ACCOUNT. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR ARE UNABLE TO CHECK YOUR STATUS ON LINE, YOU MAY CALL THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT 330-375-2720.
Email correspondence generated from our system will be sent from To ensure you receive important communication from our office, be sure to make this address a safe sender.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Akron is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation and offers opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential. A diverse workforce helps the City realize its full potential. The City benefits from the creativity and innovation that results when people with different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds work together. In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, language, religion, citizenship status, sex, age, marital status, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity/expression, military/veteran status, disability, genetic information, membership in a collective bargaining unit, status with regard to public assistance, or political affiliation. The City adheres to these policies in both our hiring and employment practices.
Applicants are required to meet the minimum qualifications for the position with or without an accommodation. If you are a qualified applicant with a disability, please notify the Department of Human Resources at least one week prior to testing if requesting a reasonable accommodation for the testing process.
The City of Akron is committed to protecting the safety, health and well-being of all employees in our workplace and providing the community with the highest quality municipal services possible. Alcohol, marijuana, and drug abuse in the workplace pose a significant threat to these goals. In furtherance of its goal to maintain a drug and alcohol-free workplace, the City conducts pre-employment drug screening for illegal drugs, marijuana, and the illegal, unauthorized use, or intentional misuse of prescription drugs. Any candidate who tests positive for marijuana or the illegal use of drugs will not be hired.
City of Akron permanent, full-time employees and their eligible dependents are covered by a comprehensive health plan including emergency accident care, inpatient hospitalization, surgical, diagnostic services, outpatient services, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision and life insurance.
Paid time off benefits may include paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave or paid leave.
All non-safety force employees are members of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).
For additional information regarding benefits, contact the Employee Benefits Division at 330-375-2700.
01
Do you possess a valid commercial driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

02
List your commercial driver's license number and the issuing state:
03
This position requires a commercial driver's license. List your class, endorsements, and whether or not you have an air brake restriction.
04
Is your commercial driver's license currently suspended?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you currently have six or more points on your driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

06
For the purpose of verifying my eligibility for positions requiring a valid CDL license, I authorize the City of Akron to obtain a consumer report to investigate my driving history for traffic violations and suspensions. I understand that I have a right to request disclosure of this consumer report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.To print out a summary of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act go to: http://www.akronohio.gov/person.html. Copies of the summary are also available from the City of Akron Department of Human Resources at 330-375-2720.
  • I consent
  • I do not consent. (I understand that I will not be considered for positions requiring a valid State of Ohio driver's license)

07
This position requires a valid commercial driver's license. Please review the list of CDL requirements as required by division. It is your responsibility to obtain the appropriate CDL. Those candidates who do not possess the required CDL or endorsements will not be certified for an interview.
  • I understand the CDL requirements.

Required Question