Heavy Equipment Operator
DC Water
Heavy Equipment Operator
DC Water
Provides drinking water and wastewater services
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties, locations, and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) in this job. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties in this description, and incumbent(s) may be required to perform work-related tasks other than those specifically listed in this description. This job description is not a “contract” between the employee and the Authority. The job duties and essential functions may be changed at the discretion of the General Manager.
| Job Title: | Heavy Equipment Operator (Resource Recovery) | Job Code: | S0219 |
| Supervises Directly: | No | ||
| New or Revised: | Revised | Regular or At-Will: | Regular |
| Date Last Revised: | 7/14/2026 | Exempt or Non-Exempt: | Non-Exempt |
| Compensation Approval Signature: | Union/ Non-Union: | Union | |
Division: Department: | Operations Resource Recovery-Central Administration | Salary Schedule: | Regular Wage Service (RW) |
| Cost Center Code: | 810500 | Grade: | RW10 |
| Essential Position: | Yes | Reports To: | Program Manager, Biosolids Operations |
| EEO Code: | Skilled Craft Workers | Work Format | In-Person |
At DC Water, we provide more than 700,000 District of Columbia residents and 24.6 million annual visitors with essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services. DC Water also provides wholesale wastewater treatment services for 1.8 million people in Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia. We aspire to be known for superior service, ingenuity, and stewardship to advance the health and well-being of our diverse workforce and communities. To achieve this vision, we commit to our shared mission every day—exceeding expectations by providing high quality water services in a safe, environmentally friendly, and efficient manner.
The Heavy Equipment Operator (Resource Recovery) operates heavy equipment (e.g. front-end loader, backhoe, skid-steer, blending equipment) to process Bloom into marketable biosolids products. Makes deliveries of products and retrieves feedstock as needed. Monitors and adjusts greenhouse operating conditions. Operates overhead crane in biosolids loading facility and tunnel dewatering pump station as needed. Responsible for cleaning and general housekeeping in blending, curing facilities and the dewatered sludge loading facility (DSLF).
Operates heavy equipment, including front-end loader, backhoe, skid-steer, windrow turner, blending equipment, etc. to process biosolids into marketable Bloom products.
Makes deliveries of products and retrieves feedstock as needed in DC Water pickup trucks, dump trucks and tractor-trailers Weighs loads on plant scales for tracking purposes as directed.
Receives and ensures proper storage of feedstock shipments.
Collects product samples as needed.
Records daily activity and operating conditions. Responsible for tracking feedstock and product storage.
Monitors and adjusts greenhouse operating conditions, including watering, temperature, air flow and plant growth.
Operates overhead crane in biosolids loading facility as needed.
Operates tunnel dewatering pump station (TDPS) overhead crane as needed. Ensures crane buckets and sheaves are thoroughly cleaned after each operation.
Responsible for cleaning and general housekeeping in blending and curing facilities.
Operates a variety of Authority vehicles and equipment including front-end loader, backhoe, skid-steer, blending equipment, pickup truck, etc. as an essential function of the position. Maintains vehicles and/or equipment in a clean and orderly manner. Reports any operating deficiencies to the appropriate Authority personnel.
Performs other related duties and projects as assigned at the discretion of the immediate supervisor.
Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A
Key Working Relationships: Interacts with employees within the Authority, vendors of equipment and services, and representatives of private industry.
The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability necessary for an individual to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable amounts of training are provided.
Required Skills & Qualifications
| Required Experience: |
| Four (4) years of progressive experience that involves the operation of gasoline, diesel, or other powered engine equipment designed for excavation, lifting, and hauling. |
| Minimum Education Requirements: |
| High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate. |
| Required Skills: |
Knowledge of basic mechanical repairs. Skilled in the use of a variety of tools and/or equipment. Ability to perform a variety of manual dexterity tasks. |
Skilled in oral communication and interacting with a wide range of individuals. |
| Required Licenses & Certifications: |
| Must possess and maintain current a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License - Commercial Driver's License, Class A with air brakes endorsement. |
| Must possess and maintain current DC Operating Engineer's License, Class 78. |
| Required Languages: |
| English |
| Physical Requirements: |
Subject to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions that include exposure to extreme cold and/or hot temperatures. |
Subject to atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gasses or poor ventilation that requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment to mitigate these conditions. |
Exposure to a variety of hazards such as high voltage, noise, chemicals, oils and other solvents, bacteria, pathogens and toxic substances. |
Ability to ascend and descend stairs and ladders. |
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. |
Preferred Skills & Qualifications
| Preferred Experience: |
| Experience operating cranes is preferred. |
| Preferred Education Requirements: |
| N/A |
| Preferred Skills: |
| N/A |
*The work environment characteristics described in the physical requirements section of the required skills & qualifications table are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities.
At DC Water, our people make us an industry leader. Join a group of thinkers, innovators, and problem solvers focused on protecting life’s most precious resource in the nation’s capital.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V.
We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against “qualified individuals with disabilities”.
If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to
perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please
email [email protected].
Minimum Salary: $39.56
Maximum Salary: $46.15
DC Water provides water and sewer services to Washington, DC, handling the collection, treatment, and distribution of drinking water and the treatment and management of wastewater. Its products and services work through a network of water mains, pumping stations, treatment plants, and sewer infrastructure to deliver clean drinking water and protect the environment by treating wastewater before releasing it back to the environment. The company emphasizes its team of thoughtful leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators who work to solve environmental challenges in the nation’s capital. Unlike many private utility competitors, DC Water operates as a public utility focused on serving residents and the city, prioritizing reliability, safety, and environmental stewardship. The company’s goal is to provide dependable water services while addressing environmental challenges and protecting public health in Washington, DC.
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