About the Department

We're looking for an Equipment Operator, come join us! You'll operate a diverse range of construction, hauling, and agricultural equipment in a safe and efficient manner at the City of Boise’s Twenty Mile South Farm, our biosolids application site. In this hands-on role, you’ll play a key part in supporting essential environmental operations while gaining experience across multiple types of equipment. You’ll also help keep equipment clean, well-maintained, and ready for use. This position works under direct supervision and is a great opportunity to build practical skills in a dynamic, outdoor setting.

Why the City of Boise?
The benefits are real and among the best in the Treasure Valley:

• Zero-cost premium medical coverage for you and your family (easily a $10k+ added value!)
• PERSI retirement (11.96% Employer Contribution, fully vested after 5 years) plus employer-matched 401(k)/457b
• 10 hours vacation/month (grows with tenure), 12 paid holidays, and 8 hours sick leave/month
• 10 weeks paid parental leave
• $500 annual wellbeing incentive
• Tuition reimbursement and free local bus pass
• Basic life and long-term disability insurance at no cost

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 2 years of experience operating and maintaining various farm machinery and equipment, broad-based agriculture experience
• or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

• Valid state-issued driver's license.
• Ability to obtain a class A commercial driver's license within 60 days of employment.

• Applicants must be able to pass:
  City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Driving Record Check
• Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
• Persons in this position must have a CDL that can handle a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds.

Position Duties

Uses farm-related equipment, harvesting machines, agricultural machinery and heavy-duty equipment for various tasks. Prepares soil and plants, tends and harvests crops, controls weeds, administers irrigation water and transports crops to storage areas using farm equipment. Maintains and repairs a pressurized irrigation system. Builds and maintains perimeter fencing to ensure the security of the site. Utilizes tools, welding equipment and all required safety equipment. Maintains and repairs buildings and housing at the biosolids application site. Ensures compliance with regulations and the safety of the property. 

Ensures the safe transportation of biosolids from the wastewater treatment facilities to the farm in compliance with 40 CFR Part 503 federal regulations. Operates a semi-tractor trailer in rural and urban settings to transport equipment, biosolids and other materials as required and in traffic and all weather conditions. Performs visual safety inspections of vehicles, checks fluid levels and tire pressure and performs pre-trip inspections daily. Cleans vehicle and trailer after every delivery. Coordinates biosolids transportation with operations staff and trains staff on trailer loading and operation. 

Performs daily safety and maintenance checks on equipment. Cleans and maintains equipment as scheduled or required. Reports broken or potentially hazardous equipment to the supervisor. Ensures heavy equipment is safely and securely stored. Participates in routine diagnosis, maintenance and repairs of equipment. Coordinates with inventory specialists to ensure a quick turnaround on equipment repairs and maintenance. 

Uses spreader trucks and front-end loaders to apply Class B biosolids to farm fields. Ensures all personal protective equipment (PPE) is properly equipped and utilized. Collects biosolids samples for analysis at the city’s water quality laboratory. Tracks the amount of biosolids material applied to fields to apply appropriate quantities. Uses a high-powered hose to thoroughly clean trucks and equipment after applying biosolids. 

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Minimum Qualifications

Additional Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training
Knowledge of:; the safe operation of biosolids equipment, irrigation systems and related machinery, equipment and tools; standard practices, methods and materials used in a farm setting; traffic and safety rules and regulations and defensive driving techniques; relevant regulatory requirements; safe application practices; and computer usage, including related software

Ability to:; recommended and alternate transportation routes; comprehend information in operation manuals for all pieces of equipment used; read and interpret safety data sheets (SDS) regarding chemical safety; work extended hours and weekends during the harvest season; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; and perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.

Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Knowledge, Experience, And Training
4 years of experience operating equipment for alfalfa or grass hay (swathers, balers, choppers and other equipment).

Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) and three years of driving experience operating a Class A vehicle.

Other Qualifications

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here 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 functions.

Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is always lifting/carrying up to 75 pounds, occasionally lifting/carrying up to 100 pounds and rarely lifting/carrying up to 101+ pounds. Also, the employee is always pushing/pulling up to 75 pounds, occasionally pushing/pulling up to 100 pounds and rarely pushing/pulling up to 101+ pounds. The noise level is always very loud and occasionally moderate. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.Additional physical efforts include: performing duties on equipment with ladders and lifts, working on and around large irrigation equipment during all weather conditions and climbing on pivots and working 5 feet above ground level..

Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Employees are exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards and work in/at heights. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals. The work environment is a remote, rural, 4,225 acre commercial farm that recycles biosolids. Work requires walking on uneven ground, rocky areas, slippery surfaces and ice; exposure to insects, biosolids and agricultural chemicals; driving large equipment and semi-trailer on icy roads and in strong winds; driving through heavy traffic and working in low light. Employees work around biosolids, irrigation equipment, farm equipment and implements.
This position works: evenings, weekends, and holidays as required. During harvest months employees may work irregular hours and shifts as needed.