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EQUIPMENT OPERATOR – Union Square Alliance (USqA)

Reports To: Program Coordinator, Program Director, and Senior Program Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Location: Client Site – Union Square, San Francisco

Department: Program Operations

ROLE SUMMARY

The Equipment Operator is a frontline public-realm professional responsible for operating specialized cleaning and maintenance equipment while also performing the full responsibilities of a District Works Place Manager throughout the Union Square Alliance district.

Reporting to the Program Coordinator/Directors, the Equipment Operator operates mechanical sweepers, pressure-washing systems, service vehicles, and other assigned equipment to support district cleanliness, public-space care, and rapid-response needs. When equipment operation is not required, this position performs the full responsibilities of a Place Manager, including manual cleaning, public-space stewardship, hospitality, condition reporting, and customer engagement.

Working in highly visible, high-traffic environments, the Equipment Operator combines technical equipment operation, hands-on public-realm work, customer service, and Radical Hospitality to help maintain a clean, safe, welcoming, and well-managed district.

Schedule & Availability

Schedules are subject to change based on operational needs. These positions will primarily work overnight shifts, generally from 10:30 PM to 7:00 AM. Union Square Alliance may occasionally require additional hours or different shifts based on coverage, events, or operational needs. Schedule flexibility is an essential requirement of this position.

PUBLIC-REALM STEWARDSHIP

• Maintain sidewalks, plazas, alleys, curb lines, tree wells, and other assigned public spaces in accordance with District Works and USqA standards.
• Perform all core Place Manager responsibilities, including manual sweeping, litter and cigarette butt removal, spot cleaning, hospitality, and routine public-space stewardship.
• Monitor assigned routes for graffiti, illegal dumping, damaged infrastructure, safety hazards, and other unwelcoming conditions.
• Address conditions within the position’s training and scope and report larger concerns through established communication channels.
• Care for trash receptacles, newspaper stands, public furniture, planters, and other public-realm fixtures.
• Maintain a visible, professional presence and take ownership of assigned service areas from building line to curb line.

EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS

• Operate mechanical street sweepers, pressure-washing systems, utility vehicles, service trucks, vacuums, blowers, and other approved equipment.
• Transport equipment, supplies, water, and materials safely throughout the district.
• Complete required pre-use and post-use inspections.
• Inspect, clean, fuel, and maintain assigned equipment in a safe, operational, and service-ready condition.
• Report mechanical concerns, damage, unsafe conditions, and equipment failures immediately.
• Operate equipment only within the employee’s training, certification, and assigned scope.
• Establish safe work areas when operating near pedestrians, traffic, storefronts, and public infrastructure.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE SUPPORT

• Perform scheduled and on-demand pressure washing of sidewalks, curb lines, plazas, and approved public infrastructure.
• Remove spills, stains, debris, contaminants, weeds, stickers, and illegal postings using approved methods.
• Support graffiti removal and minor surface-care assignments within the employee’s training and authorization.
• Support specialized cleaning assignments, rapid-response requests, district events, and operational priorities as assigned.
• Respond to service requests coordinated through USqA Dispatch and Member Services.

HOSPITALITY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Represent District Works and the Union Square Alliance with professionalism, care, and sound judgment.
• Greet visitors warmly and provide directions, general information, and appropriate assistance.
• Engage respectfully with merchants, property representatives, residents, visitors, and community partners.
• Treat each public interaction as part of the Union Square Alliance’s brand and visitor experience.
• Communicate calmly and professionally during challenging or rapidly changing situations.
• Refer matters outside the position’s authority to Dispatch, program leadership, or the appropriate agency.
• Model Radical Hospitality through respect, patience, responsiveness, and care for the district.

COMMUNICATION AND DOCUMENTATION

• Maintain radio communication with USqA Dispatch and Member Services throughout the shift.
• Receive, acknowledge, and complete assigned service requests.
• Complete equipment inspections, work orders, service requests, photographs, and operational reports using District Works and Union Square Alliance technology platforms.
• Communicate hazards, incidents, unresolved service needs, route delays, and equipment downtime promptly.

SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE

• Follow District Works safety policies, Standard Operating Procedures, manufacturer instructions, and applicable regulations.
• Wear required personal protective equipment and maintain safe work practices.
• Operate vehicles and equipment with awareness of pedestrians, traffic, storefronts, public fixtures, and surrounding conditions.
• Operate equipment and use cleaning materials in accordance with District Works policies, manufacturer recommendations, and applicable safety regulations.
• Do not pressure wash private property or fixtures without authorization.
• Report incidents, injuries, hazards, vehicle concerns, and property damage immediately.
• Participate in required safety meetings, equipment training, and certification programs.
• Support District Works’ ISO-based quality-management and occupational health and safety standards.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• At least two years of experience in commercial cleaning, groundskeeping, public works, facilities maintenance, equipment operation, urban place management, or a related field.
• Experience operating commercial cleaning equipment, service vehicles, mechanical sweepers, pressure washers, or comparable machinery.
• Valid California Driver’s License with a driving record that meets the requirements of the company’s commercial fleet insurance provider.
• Must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug screening and maintain eligibility to operate District Works vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to operate vehicles and equipment safely in dense, high-traffic urban environments.
• Strong customer service and professional communication skills.
• Ability to follow written instructions, service routes, safety procedures, and equipment manuals.
• Basic proficiency with smartphones, mobile applications, GPS navigation, digital reporting, and photographic documentation.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining communication with Dispatch and program leadership.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and remain calm in public-facing situations.
• Ability to work early mornings, evenings, overnight shifts, weekends, holidays, and special events based on program needs.
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, reach, kneel, climb, push, pull, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout an eight-hour shift.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two or more years of experience operating commercial or industrial cleaning and maintenance equipment.
• Experience with mechanical street sweepers, hot-water pressure-washing systems, utility vehicles, service trucks, or similar equipment.
• Experience working in a Business Improvement District, Community Benefit District, municipal program, public works department, hospitality district, or urban place management program.
• Experience performing public-space cleaning, graffiti abatement, surface care, event support, or light maintenance.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and another language commonly spoken in the Bay Area.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• $27.00 - $29.00 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Performance-based bonus eligibility
• Health, dental, and mental wellness benefits for employees and dependents (contingent on eligibility and company policy)
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Paid vacation and sick time

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, candidates must submit a complete application through the District Works online career portal. The application must include:

• Current Resume: Include your most recent employment history with accurate months and years. Employment gaps of more than 6 months should be explained.
• Tailored Cover Letter: Explain your interest in the Equipment Operator position and how your equipment, maintenance, customer-service, and public-facing experience prepare you for the role.
• Complete Online Application: Provide information for at least your three most recent employers, including accurate employment dates and available supervisor, telephone, email, or company website information for employment verification.

Applications must demonstrate professional grammar, spelling, organization, and formatting. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Selected candidates may be invited to complete a phone or video screening, skills assessment, and in-person interview with District Works leadership.

Please do not submit applications in person or contact the program by telephone. Recruitment communications will be conducted through the online application system, video screening process, and email.