Equipment Operator

Locations

Below are the duty locations where positions may be filled under this announcement:

• Alpine, TX
• Fort Stockton, TX

Job purpose

Performs equipment operations work involving the operation, maintenance, and repair of heavy and light equipment. Operates vehicles and equipment to assist line crews in the construction, maintenance and operation of overhead and underground distribution lines by clearing and maintaining right-of-way. Work under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Duties and responsibilities

• Operate a variety of light and heavy equipment, such as backhoes, front-end loaders, forklifts, dump trucks, or bulldozers, involved in clearing rights-of-way, according to RUS requirements and Cooperative policies, to prepare for construction and maintenance project
• Monitor performance and perform preventive maintenance inspections, routine servicing, and minor repairs on equipment; track scheduled maintenance of equipment
• Load and unload equipment from vehicles used to transport
• Ensures adherence to safety standards when operating equipment
• Inspects equipment to ensure that it meets specifications
• Prepares and maintains records, files, and reports on equipment and inventory
• Perform other work as directed during emergency situations such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, accidents, and hazardous material spills
• Perform other jobs as directed
• Learn and comply with Cooperative’s safety rules and procedures
• Maintain confidential information

Qualifications

• Proven experience and skill in the use of heavy and light equipment that relates to right-of-way clearing; Apprenticeship, certificate or associate degree in heavy equipment technology, preferred
• Experience in the use of mechanical devices of the trade and hand and power tools; in resolving equipment related issues; in reading and monitoring gauges and instrumentation; and in adjusting electrical and mechanical equipment
• Knowledge of the operating principles, practices maintenance, and repair of heavy and light equipment; basic vehicle mechanics; and applicable industry safety standards, guidelines, and specification codes
• Ability to understand and follow instructions; to operate heavy and light equipment; to analyze operating difficulties in the equipment
• Must possess a valid Texas Class “A” Interstate CDL (Commercial Drivers License)
• Knowledgeable with TxDOT rules and regulations
• Proficient with maintenance and repair tools
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals
• Good organizational skills
• Insurable with the Cooperative’s auto insurance carrier
• Possess oral and written communication skills in the English language
• Possess good interpersonal skills, including the ability to maintain a harmonious working relationship with all Cooperative employees
• Must be or become certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Working conditions

• Exposed to moving mechanical parts, potential precarious places and loud or noisy equipment
• To ensure all employees are provided with drug free and alcohol-free working conditions, pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and random drug and alcohol tests are conducted on all employees
• Subject to irregular hours, which may include nights, holidays and weekends; some overtime hours may be required
• Must be able to work under adverse weather conditions, such as extreme heat, cold, high winds or stormy conditions
• Subject to travel, including multiple overnight stay(s)

Physical requirements

• Required to pass a physical examination when employed
• Must have sufficient health to perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities of the job
• Requires lifting, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and/or carrying of various weights
• Standing, walking and sitting for extended periods of time

Direct reports

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Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc. (RGEC) was organized in 1945 to enhance the quality of life for rural residents by providing electric service where none existed. Today, at over 35,000 square miles, RGEC has the largest service territory of any electric cooperative in the contiguous United States, serving 18 counties in Texas, and two counties in New Mexico. While it still serves rural areas, many metropolitan areas have expanded into RGEC’s territory, which now includes hospitals, schools, and urban housing developments.

The Cooperative was also selected by the military to be the electrical maintenance provider for Fort Bliss, El Paso, and Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio. RGEC maintains offices in Alpine, Brackettville, Carrizo Springs, Dell City, El Paso, and Fort Stockton, with the Brackettville office serving as corporate headquarters.

Mission

RGEC is committed to providing its members safe and reliable energy services through the efficient use of resources, highly skilled employees, and technology.

Motto

Empowering communities, enhancing lives.

Values & Vision

RGEC proudly serves members based on a foundation of integrity and excellence, while striving for the betterment of communities and quality of life for those in the region it is privileged to serve.

Seven Cooperative Principles

Voluntary and Open Membership | Democratic Member Control | Members’ Economic Participation

Autonomy and Independence | Education, Training and Information | Cooperation Among Cooperatives | Concern for Community

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer.