Equipment Operator
- Syracuse, IN
- $39,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. DNR Fish & Wildlife enriches the quality of life for present and future generations by balancing the biological, ecological, recreational, and economic benefits of Indiana’s fish, wildlife, and habitats.Role Overview:This position's primary role involves the construction and maintenance of Division of Fish and Wildlife Public Access Sites (ie. boat ramps and fishing areas) across northern Indiana. Winter projects include maintenance and repair of equipment and vehicles. Other roles include project assistance on Fish and Wildlife Areas and Hatcheries such as early succession control and water control structure installation. Experience operating heavy equipment and experience with mechanical repair of heavy equipment and vehicles are highly preferred. Work schedule consists of 37.5 hours Monday through Thursday. Opportunity for overtime is possible during emergency situations such as flooding on Fish and Wildlife Areas but is very infrequent.Salary Statement:The salary for this position traditionally starts at $39,000.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.A Day in the Life:The essential functions of this role are as follows:
- Operate equipment such as backhoes, tractors, mowers, and heavy pumps to dig drainage ditches or dig out ponds, etc.
- Ensure equipment is maintained and prepared for use.
- Ensure operator maintenance such as inspecting, cleaning, and lubricating equipment, preventive maintenance, adjustments, and changing of operating attachments is accomplished.
- Assist in coordinating, scheduling, and delivering equipment, vehicles, and materials for maintenance and construction projects or other approved activities.
- Operate snow removal equipment such as plows and rotary blowers.
- Perform routine duties such as cutting down trees, cleaning paths in the woods, and raking leaves.
- Prepare areas for roads, walks, and parking by ditching, back sloping, level blading, scarifying, using motorized grader, or other equipment as necessary and available.
- Perform site cleaning, excavation, backfilling, and similar work.
- Workday attendance at assigned worksite(s) is an essential function of this position.
- Two (2) years of experience in the operation of heavy equipment.
- Must have the ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL – Class A) within 6 months of employment. The Class A CDL must be retained for the duration of employment as an Equipment Operator.
- Working knowledge and skill in the safe operation of the necessary light and heavy equipment.
- Working knowledge of various safety rules and regulations.
- including the use of the different sets of controls and various attachments.
- Knowledge of the mechanics of this equipment to maintain and repair it when necessary.
- Knowledge of, and ability to use, proper tools in the performance of duties.
- Knowledge of traffic laws as they apply to light and heavy equipment.
- If this role is with the AGO, you must complete the IDOC training to supervise an IDOC work crew.
- Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
- 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Group life insurance
- Referral Bonus program
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Parking for most positions
- Free LinkedIn Learning access