Heavy Equipment Operator III - Regional Wastewater Reclamation

• Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
• Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.

The first review of applications will be on 10/23/2026.

The Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Heavy Equipment Operator III. This role is integral to our mission of safeguarding public health and protecting the environment through effective wastewater and solid waste management. In this position, you will be responsible for operating and maintaining specialized equipment used in construction, system operations, site clean-up, material transport, and waste disposal. Specific duties may vary depending on the assigned area. Some assignments may involve significant interaction with the public and working in environments that include hazardous conditions, exposure to noxious or potentially harmful materials, and unpleasant odors. If you are looking for a career in an industrial setting, have experience as a Heavy Equipment Operator, enjoy a teamwork environment, and meet the minimum requirements, we encourage you to apply.

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

• Operates a variety of equipment such as graders, water trucks, backhoes, boom trucks, trenchers, dump trucks and front-end loaders, in a wastewater treatment facility, to maintain, transfer and transport waste products;
• Operates compactors and conveyors to move waste material and load dump trucks for transport to drying beds or landfill;
• Moves waste materials and loads dump trucks for transport to drying beds or designated landfill sites using appropriate equipment;
• Watches for and removes materials or items that may clog conveyor system;  
• Removes debris or blockages to maintain safe and efficient equipment operation;
• Assists in cleaning sludge from aerators, tanks, and ponds using a skid steer, crane, or dump truck and appropriate personal safety equipment or clothing and must be confined-space certified; performs sludge removal from aerators, tanks, and ponds using heavy equipment while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE); uses hand tools or equipment to load sludge from bottom of aerators into bucket for leading into dump truck;
• Uses hand tools or equipment to clean and perform minor repairs on machinery, remove fallen debris, and clear areas that are too delicate for heavy equipment;
• Hauls waste material to landfill, ensuring compliance with environmental and dumping regulations as needed;
• Maintains drying beds clean and uses appropriate equipment to move waste material to assure even drying;
• Uses a front-end loader, grader, and/or dump truck to maintain drying beds, ponds, and nearby areas free of weeds and trimming trees;
• Uses a backhoe to excavate around high volume lines and valves or repair sinkholes;
• Operates vacuum trucks to clean out sumps;
• Performs minor equipment repairs and servicing;
• Participates in a variety of manual labor tasks when assisting mechanics and technicians;
• Operate and maintain a 3:1 slope ratio on embankments;
• Hauls liquid waste from outlying plants to designated disposal facilities using a semi-truck with a smoothbore trailer.

• Minimum three (3) years experience in operating a variety of equipment such as graders, water trucks, backhoes, boom trucks, trenchers, dump trucks, tankers, and front-end loaders.
• Minimum one (1) year experience in over-the-road wet and dry material transporting and trailering equipment.
• Experience with/knowledge of traffic laws, local, state, and federal rules and regulations as applied to vehicle and heavy equipment operation procedures.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Constantly operates and inspects mechanical equipment. Constantly positions self to use, inspect, clean or repair tools and machinery. Constantly observes details at close range. Frequently required to exchange accurate information. Frequently remains in a stationary position. Frequently moves tools and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds across the manufacturing floor. Frequently operates a motor vehicle safely and legally, in accordance with applicable state and federal transportation laws. Occasionally moves tools and equipment weighing up to seventy-five (75) pounds across the manufacturing floor. Occasionally ascends/descends machinery and equipment to repair/service. Action Activity - Sitting, standing, walking, bending, crawling, climbing stairs, reading overhead, crouching and squatting; Motion Activity - repetitive hand and arm movement, and grasping; Other physical requirements; eye/hand coordination, pushing, pulling, hearing, seeing smelling, talking, and fine manipulation; Vision - Operate a motor vehicle; operate CMV, operate a forklift/power industrial equipment, distinguish between colors, and have depth perception. Frequently required to lift, push or pull objects weighing up to 75 pounds.

Working Conditions: Constantly exposed to loud noise levels. Constantly exposed to moving mechanical parts. Occasionally exposed to mechanical oils, vibration, and risk of electrical shock. Work in extremes of heat, humidity, dust, or cold.

EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.