INTERNAL - Equipment Operator III

DEFINITION: Perform a variety of tasks in support of the repair, maintenance, and construction of the city’s water distribution & sewer collection systems.ESSENTIAL AND RELATED FUNCTION STATEMENTS:
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Operate backhoe/mini-excavator during construction of new water/sewer systems and repairs to existing water/sewer systems.
•  Inspect equipment daily to ensure proper operation prior to commencement of work.        
• Install new water/sewer taps and line services.        
• Assist with installation & preventative maintenance of fire hydrants, valves, valve boxes, and manholes.
•  Open and close valves to ensure proper operation, flush lines, and replace damaged parts.
•  Assist other departments as needed.  
• Perform special projects and perform other duties as apparent or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities which would typically be acquired through:

• High school diploma/equivalent.
•  Requires 2-4 years of proven working experience in operation/maintenance of backhoe/mini-excavator.  (Backhoe operation abilities will be tested.)
• Knowledge of pipeline construction methods, and water/sewer pipe maintenance & construction preferred.
•  Requires experience with various hand/power tools including power saws, cutting/tapping machines, jackhammers, ditch witch, hydrolift, confined space equipment, etc.  
• Must be able to arrive at the worksite within a thirty (30) minute response time when emergency situations occur.  
• Ability to follow verbal/written instructions, maintain work records, perform strenuous physical work under varying weather conditions, and ability to interact with staff, contractors, and the general public in a courteous and professional manner.  
• Must have a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record; Class “B” CDL preferred. 
• Must obtain TCEQ Class “D” Water/Wastewater certification within one (1) year of hire and Class “C” Water/Wastewater certification prior to Class “D” expiration.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently stand and walk; walk for long distances and on sloped ground and slippery and uneven surfaces; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
• finger dexterity and arm-hand steadiness to use a variety of hand and power tools and operate equipment; ability to use feet to operate control pedals on equipment;
• must be able to reach and lift arms above the shoulder; ability to lift material weighing over 100  lbs. with assistance; ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crawl, and crouch; corrected hearing and vision to normal range;
• verbal communication;
• ability to wear safety and protective clothing such as hard hats, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs, respirators, gloves, boots and chemical resistant clothing; use of heavy power-driven maintenance equipment, such as tracked hydraulic excavator, backhoes, graders, and  front end loaders, as well as hand tools, chain saws, grinders, drill presses, and jackhammers.