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The Department of Human Resources is currently recruiting for the following position(s). Click on the job title to read the description and to apply online.

SR. EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (STREET & SEWER)

  • Type:Open Competitive
  • Salary/Pay Rate:Level 6 ($48,139- $67,395)
  • Posted Date:08/03/2026
  • Deadline to Apply:08/17/2026
Announcement No.:  

6796004

Department:   Public Works
Affiliation:   AFSCME Local 320
FLSA:   Non-Exempt
   

 

The City of Wilmington, a leading Delaware employer, provides the City's sanitation, recycling, street cleaning, water, and transportation services through the Department of Public Works. The Department provides a wide

array of services, including once-a-week recycling and once-a-week residential solid waste collection, treatment and distribution of high-quality drinking water, collection and treatment of sewage, stormwater management,

sweeping of all City streets, street paving and repairs, maintenance of traffic signs and signals, line striping, rodent control, snow removal, and maintenance of the City fleet and City properties.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Equipment Operator's responsibilities in the Street and Sewer Division involve verifying the efficient and safe operation of a variety of vehicles and equipment. Other tasks include heavy manual labor, supervising

small teams as needed, and city maintenance operations. This individual reports to the Assistant Sanitation Supervisor. Additional responsibilities include:

  • Performs skilled manual labor and operation of heavy standard motor trucks, crew trucks, material handling trucks and simple to moderately complex automotive equipment.
  • Responsible for safe and efficient operation of automotive equipment in performing such tasks as hauling equipment, grit, debris, asphalt, and screenings to the landfill.
  • Operates arrow board, generator, sewer jet, and air compressor. Cleans catch basins.
  • Maintains accurate log of records of waste material hauled to the landfill.
  • Wash trucks and make minor repairs to related equipment.
  • May be required to operate equipment listed in lower Equipment Operator positions.
  • May be required to lead a small group of unskilled workers as needed and/or perform semi-skilled work requiring hand tools.
  • Operates a trailer to attach to a dump truck to transport a backhoe to the job site, excavating ditches for sewers and water lines, or loading materials.
  • Operates dump truck and loader vehicles in snow removal or related operations as needed.
  • Routinely operates a sewer jet for maintenance.
  • Makes minor repairs and adjustments, including preventive maintenance and the cleaning of assigned equipment
  • Determine the location of gas, telephone, power, television, water, and sewer lines prior to excavation.
  • Perform manual labor to load or unload materials.
  • Pours concrete and asphalt and performs leveling and finishing.
  • Possess and maintain a valid CDL Class “A” driver’s license with Tank endorsement and an active medical examiner’s certificate, a good driving record, and the ability to pass a drug screening as mandated by the Federal Department of Transportation for CDL drivers.
  • May flag traffic on job sites as needed.
  • Performs all related work as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from a high school or equivalent GED and experience in the operation of trucks, tractors, and similar equipment, or any equivalent combination of experience and instruction that provides the required knowledge,

skills, and abilities.

  • Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of the methods of operating and maintaining heavy equipment. Familiar with utility excavation. Knowledge of traffic laws and City street layouts. Thorough knowledge of Miss Utility services and codes is preferred.
  • Skills: Work effectively with employees and the public. Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Abilities: Ability to operate assigned equipment safely and efficiently. Ability to detect defects in equipment. Ability to read and understand manuals and other written materials. Ability to make minor repairs to equipment. Ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Licenses: Possess and maintain a valid CDL Class “A” driver’s license with Tank endorsement and a good driving record.

CANDIDATE EVALUATION

Evaluation for this position includes a review of the applicant materials, certification of qualified applicants, and a panel interview.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

All selected applicants must pass a criminal background investigation, drug test, and pre-employment physical.

  • Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 75 pounds independently; up to 100 pounds with assistance.
  • Vision: Requires close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Working Conditions: Work is performed near moving mechanical parts and outdoors in all weather conditions, including precarious situations. The noise level is typically loud.
  • Location and Schedule: This position is considered essential and may require weekend work, nights, or being on-call as part of the regular job responsibilities. Standard business hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Primary work locations may include City/County buildings, the water distribution system, and public safety facilities. Work involves travel between sites as necessary.

TOTAL COMPENSATION

  • Salary Administration: New employees are hired at the starting salary up to the median salary/step four based on qualifications and internal equity within the classification. Merit increases are given after a satisfactory performance review.
  • Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package is available from day one. Visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov/Benefits for details.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

  • Open Competitive: This position is open to all applicants who meet the qualifications both internally and externally.
  • To apply, visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov. Computers are available for interested candidates in the Department of Human Resources, City/County Building, 800 N. French St, 4th Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801. Contact Human Resources at 302-576-2460 to schedule computer use.
  • The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
  • City code provides preference for eligible current city employees, veterans, and current city residents.
  • The City of Wilmington is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Delaware Persons with Disabilities Employment Protections Act, the City provides reasonable accommodation when requested without causing undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources at 302-576-2466.

THE CITY OF WILMINGTON COMPENSATION PACKAGE

The City of Wilmington is committed to providing a robust healthcare portfolio to meet the needs of our employees and their families and is pleased to offer coverage on your first day of employment. Helping you understand the benefits we offer is important to us. Please refer to our Employee Benefits website to view all healthcare plans, vendor information, resources, and benefit rates.

Medical Insurance: Highmark BCBS of Delaware. City of Wilmington offers 2 medical plans, PPO II (Preferred Provider Organization) and an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization).

Dental Insurance: MetLife. City of Wilmington offers three dental plans, Dental Plan 1, 2, and 3.

Vision Plan: Unum (Powered by EyeMed). City of Wilmington offers two vision plans, Basic Vision coverage which is available if you enroll in medical insurance. Basic Vision Coverage which is no cost, and the Buy-Up Vision coverage is available at an additional cost.

Additional Benefits: The City of Wilmington also offers other valuable benefits such as Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability. Employer Provided HRA’s, Flexible Spending Accounts (medical reimbursement and dependent care), additional whole and term life insurances, short term disability and critical care insurance are also available at an additional cost to the employee.

Opt-Out Cash Back Incentive Program: Employees who choose to enroll in medical or dental coverage other than the City’s and can provide proof of this medical coverage may be eligible to receive additional income.

Wellness: We enjoy staying healthy together! Therefore, we have an engaging calendar of wellness events throughout the year for employees, retirees and their families. To learn more, check out our Employee Perks page.

Sick Leave: Accumulates at the rate of one day for each completed month of service, beginning after the first full month of employment.

Vacation: At least eight (8) hours* of vacation per month after the completion of the first six (6) months* of continuous employment until the next January 1. Each January 1 thereafter, employee will be credited with at least ninety-six (96) hours* of vacation for the calendar year, until the completion of five (5) years of continuous service.

Holiday: Eligible employees receive holiday pay from date of hire, View City Holidays

Life Insurance: The City agrees to provide term life insurance for each eligible employee for a maximum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) at no cost.

Pension: Eligible employees are able to participate in the State Pension Plan you will contribute 6% of your bi-weekly base pay.

Deferred Compensation Plan: Optional employee contributory plan available.

Live Near Your Work Program: Homebuyer Assistance program to provide up to $4,000 in homebuyers assistance for newly hired employees, first time homebuyers, and those employees choosing to purchase a residence in one of the City’s unique and culture-blended neighborhoods.

Tuition Reimbursement: The City encourages employee self-development and continuing education and provides a reimbursement program for eligible employees annually for qualified college or certification courses taken that year.

Teleworking/Remote Work*: Eligible employees qualify for a hybrid schedule upon approval through the city’s teleworking policy. The City is committed to increasing employee productivity and improving talent recruitment by providing employees with work alternatives that enable eligible employees to meet their work and family needs.

PSLF Program Eligible Employer: The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click PSLF Loan Forgiveness.

*Benefits for employees under collective bargaining agreements or appointed positions may vary.

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Computer Access (for interested candidates)

Candidates interested in using a City computer to apply for a position may schedule an appointment with the Department of Human Resources by calling (302) 576-2460.

Paper Option

When applying for a City of Wilmington Job, the best choice is to fill out the online Employment Application.

If the employment portal experiences technical difficulties or you are experiencing technical difficulties with the online application, you have the option to download and fill out the City of Wilmington Employment Application.

Submit the completed and signed application to:

  • Mail your application to:

    Department of Human Resources
    Louis L. Redding City/County Building
    800 N. French Street, 4th Floor
    Wilmington, Delaware 19801; or

  • Drop off your application to:

    Department of Human Resources
    Louis L. Redding City/County Building
    800 N. French Street, 4th Floor
    Wilmington, Delaware 19801

The paper option is a fillable PDF form. It must be typed or clearly printed in ink. Remember to review your application before submitting it to be sure it is filled out completely and signed.