Equipment Operator - Utilities

Performs construction and maintenance work under the general supervision of the Utilities Supervisor. Managing assigned duties necessary to support the water and wastewater divisions by completing the daily tasks of related crews for assigned projects including the operation of backhoes, rubber tire loader, track loader, and other specialized heavy equipment for the repair of water and wastewater utilities.  

• Manage the daily task of related crews.
• Responsible for the successful planning and completion of assigned projects.
• Repair and replace fire hydrants, valves, service connections, and meters.
• Repair and maintain both water and wastewater main lines.  
• Operates Jet/vac machine for sewer line flushing, sewer blockage and hydro- excavating. 
• Operates sewer camera equipment for wastewater main line inspections. 
• Keeps daily records of work performed. 
• Reports any abnormalities in the system to his supervisor for repairs. 
• Ensures adherence to safety procedures.
• Preform non-emergency/emergency line locates. 
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal safety regulations, including traffic control and confined space entry procedures.
• Always ensure safety procedures and proper use of safety equipment.
• Responds to emergency calls from residents and businesses during and after normal operating hours, weekends, and holidays. 
• Loads and unloads construction materials at the Public Works Facility as well as in the field. 
• Conducts routine inspections of equipment to ensure safe and proper operation; performs preventive maintenance and minor repairs as needed.
• Skillfully operates and performs maintenance on variety of equipment and power tools.
• Punctuality and regular attendance are essential functions of this position.
• May perform other assignments and handle special projects as required.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Scope of Supervision 

Works under general supervision of Utility Supervisor with minimal supervision.    

High School Diploma or G.E.D. Five (5) years in maintenance and/or construction including Two (2) years of heavy equipment operations experience.  

Required certifications include Class A Commercial Driver License with Tanker endorsement, Work Zone Traffic Control & Qualified Flagger certification, Confined Space Entry certification and Water Distribution C License, Class II Wastewater Collections License.

To be considered for employment in this position applicants must comply with Department of Transportation Federal Regulations and the City of Watauga Drug Policy.

Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

Work Environment

Continuous outdoor and indoor activity, frequent sitting, standing, walking, squatting, bending, twisting upper body, climbing, exposure to extreme heat, cold, noise, mechanical hazards, fume/odor hazards, toxic waste/material hazards, occasional kneeling, crawling, carrying up to 100 pounds, lifting to 100 pounds. Outside construction and machinery activities performed under normal field operations. Exposed to seasonal temperatures while operating and maintaining heavy construction equipment. Possibility of exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, materials, and inclement weather while in the field. 

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodation, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and Local laws relating to water distribution and wastewater Collection system.

• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of the provisions in the Texas Motor Vehicle Code relating to the operation of motorized equipment on public streets and highways.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, planning and prioritizing.
• Skill in providing excellent customer service. 
• Ability to exercise substantial independent judgment and decision-making.
• Ability to successfully read and understand grid maps and plans.
• Ability to submit detailed and completed daily project work orders. 
• Ability to operate and maintain a variety of light and heavy equipment.
• Ability to produce finished quality construction with minimum rework.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public.
• Ability to be on the yearly on-call schedule
• Ability to respond to after-hours emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule.