Operates light heavy equipment, including 18 wheel vehicles and small tractors. Repairs City utilities, lays pipelines, and performs other maintenance and excavation work requiring heavy equipment operation. 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Operates backhoe, graders, and loaders to install, replace, and maintain streets and roads, water utility lines, mains, meters, valves, etc.
• Cuts and fits pipes above or below ground to specifications necessary to install or repair water lines; assembles the pipe system; installs or replaces manholes, valves, tees, bends, and crosses.
• Raises, lowers, or moves water lines as needed.
• Removes sludge from treatment plants utilizing specialized injector tractor; monitors solid buildup and pumps sludge into injecting vehicle.
• Performs basic maintenance on equipment and tools including washing, changing oil, and greasing.
• Operates front end loader to pick up debris during construction projects; assists in performing unskilled or semi-skilled labor such as digging ditches, covering ditches, pouring concrete, mowing, and/or trimming trees and shrubs.
• Performs related work as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of safe operations of heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of geography of the City including major streets and landmarks.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance procedures.
• Knowledge of traffic rules and regulations. 
• Knowledge of vehicles and equipment.

Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in organization and time management. 
• Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. 
• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines of the work.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment.
• Ability to follow oral and written instruction.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Effort Requirements 
Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

 
Work Environment Locations
Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments
 
Sometimes

• Construction site
• Confined space 

Frequently

• Vehicles

Often

• Office or similar indoor environment
• Outdoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Warehouse environment

Exposures 
Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements
 
Sometimes

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Frequently

• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Communicable diseases
• Loud noises (85 decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Travel 
Position will require the employee to travel
Sometimes:

• Local travel
• Regional travel
• National travel
• International travel

Required Education and Experience

• At least two (2) years of experience as a heavy equipment operator or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Selected applicant must undergo a 10-year Federal background check to be conducted by the Airport Department in order to verify that the individual meets federal standards to obtain an airport security clearance, which is an essential tool to perform required duties. Required License

• A valid Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL) class A or B is required and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record.

If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough
background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.
Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.