Heavy Equipment Operator (Wastewater)

Pay: $21.29 to $25.54 per hour   

Under general supervision, performs skilled work in the operation of specialized vehicles and heavy equipment used by the Public Works Department in the maintenance of City utilities or water/sewer systems.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operates specialized vehicles and heavy equipment used by the Public Works Department in the maintenance of City utilities or water/sewer systems; duties may vary according to job assignment and individual skills.
• Operates a wide range of specialized vehicles and motorized equipment, including front-end loader, dump truck, bulldozer, spreader, grader, roller, scraper, backhoe and tractor; performs work in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures.
• Performs skilled and semi-skilled construction, maintenance and repair work; digs and fills holes; installs, repairs and maintains sewers, water pipes, valves and hydrants.
• Maintains vehicles, tools and specialized equipment in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures; inspects, cleans and performs routine maintenance work on vehicles and equipment; identifies and reports mechanical problems requiring additional repair.
• Hauls materials, and transports vehicles and equipment to job sites using various trucks.
• Performs traffic control activities as needed.
• Performs tasks in the interest of public safety and property protection during emergencies; reports safety hazards and traffic problems.
• Completes work according to specified work orders; completes required daily logs and reports.
• Cross-trains work crews in proper work methods and safety procedures.
• Responds outside of normally scheduled work hours in response to special events, natural disasters, emergencies, or critical incidents as determined by the City.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values and goals of the City by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Cooperates with co-workers professionally to accomplish work efficiently and effectively.
• Has regular, predictable attendance; attendance is a factor in continued employment with the City.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED equivalent; AND two years work experience operating heavy motorized vehicles and maintenance equipment.  

Required Licenses or Certifications:

• Possess a valid Texas Commercial Driver’s License, or obtain a CDL within one year of hire.
• Must possess Water or Wastewater Operator licenses from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) or must obtain licenses within one year of hire; additional technical skills training and certifications may be required for some job assignments.

Required Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Materials, methods, tools and equipment used in repair and maintenance of water distribution and wastewater collection infrastructure.
• Operation, maintenance and repair standards for heavy equipment and specialized vehicles.
• Federal, state and City safety rules and regulations, occupational hazards and safety precautions
• OSHA safety rules and regulations, and safety practices in hazardous traffic environments.
• Traffic laws and rules for vehicle and equipment operation.
• Proper use and storage of chemicals, including OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous chemicals used in the workplace.
• Customer service standards and protocols.

Required Skill in:

• Using specialized tools and heavy motorized equipment to perform maintenance and repair work.
• Safe and efficient operation and maintenance of tools and motorized equipment according to standard operating and safety procedures.
• Making routine operating adjustments and repairs to assigned equipment.
• Identifying mechanical problems.
• Following and maintaining safety standards.
• Performing heavy manual labor including lifting and carrying heavy objects.
• Closely following verbal and written instructions and procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers.

Physical Demands / Work Environment: 

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors at work sites throughout the City; required to perform moderate physical work, and lift and carry up to 80 pounds.