Company Description
Merritt is a small, caring, resilient city located in the stunning Nicola Valley of BC. We are surrounded by a spectacular sprawling rugged landscape at the hub of the Coquihalla highway mountain pass. Living in Merritt, you'll find short commutes, big amenities and an abundance of outdoor and indoor recreation and leisure amenities for all ages and preferences.
Working at the City of Merritt, you'll join a team of caring coworkers and innovative roll-up-your-sleeves who are passionate about public service and determined to make a difference. Whether we're delivering essential services, running community recreation programs, or more, our team takes pride in helping Merritt to be an attractive, sustainable, healthy and safe small city. We work together to build a respectful and inclusive workplace that reflects our values and the community we serve
Job Description
We have an exciting opportunity for an Equipment Operator I (14 month Term) with the Public Works team. Equipment Operators are guided by the values, policies, standards and established procedures of the City of Merritt and collaborate with the team to provide essential services that upkeep the City’s roads, utilities, sanitization, solid waste, compost, airport, parks and cemetery. In this role, a safety mindset and customer-service orientation are essential and the ability to work outside in all weather conditions.
As an Equipment Operator I, you will safely operate various light to heavy equipment (including but not limited to the backhoe, grader, loader, hydro excavator) and vehicles on public streets and various locations throughout the City. This position also provides coverage for other roles within the Public Works department as required and carries out other related duties as assigned. You may be called to take part in the on call rotation.
This position requires a 40 hour work week
Qualifications
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Mechanical aptitude and a minimum of 2 years experience in the operation of large mobile equipment and large commercial vehicles (standard and automatic) such as garbage trucks, dump trucks, snowplows, in all weather conditions, servicing and routine maintenance of similar equipment and machines engaged in work in municipal settings. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
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A valid BC Driver’s Licence (Class 3) with air brake endorsement or equivalent and a satisfactory driving record.
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A minimum of six months' previous experience operating large mobile equipment (tandem), servicing and maintenance of similar equipment, and machines engaged in work in municipal street settings.
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Ability to work safely, in compliance with safety standards and follow safe work procedures.
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Customer-service orientation.
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Ability to communicate effectively (speaking, listening, writing etc).
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Ability to work independently and within a team, execute tasks safely and efficiently in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate good judgement.
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Teamwork and interpersonal skills; ability to deal with others effectively.
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Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
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Ability to operate related equipment.
For new hires and those working in designated positions of trust, including those working directly with vulnerable persons, employment is conditional on a satisfactory police information check.
Additional Information
It is an exciting time to be a part of our team! At the City of Merritt, you'll find a diverse and forward-thinking team committed to inclusive, collaborative, and innovative approaches to meet challenges, achieve our mission, and make a difference in the community.
This position is within the Cupe local 900 bargaining unit, the rate of pay is: Equipment Operator I $36.79 (2026 rates) per hour. In addition to competitive salaries, the City of Merritt offers a comprehensive benefits for health, vision, dental, group insurance, pension and well-being.
We are actively recruiting for this position. For full consideration, please apply today. The City of Merritt is an equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting an inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve; we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
This position closes on June 26 2026
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