Public Works Equipment Operator

ABOUT HUDSONVILLE

Discover the distinctive allure of Hudsonville, Michigan, a growing community of 7,600 residents nestled in Ottawa County. Conveniently situated between Grand Rapids and Holland, Hudsonville embodies small-town charm with big-city appeal. From well-kept neighborhoods and numerous parks to highly acclaimed schools and an ongoing business district revitalization, the city offers a harmonious blend of tradition and progress. Explore iconic spots like Hughes Park and the bustling community events, reflecting the community's vibrant local culture. Whether residents are drawn to the friendly atmosphere or the dynamic growth, Hudsonville strives to enhance the living experience in a welcoming and thriving community.

Hudsonville Department of Public Works at a Glance:

• 31 Miles of City Streets
• Extensive Non-Motorized Pathway Network
• 8 Parks Totaling Over 120 Acres of Public Space
• 40 Miles of Water Main, 2 Elevated Storage Tanks
• 30 Miles of Sewer Main and 10 Sewer Lift Stations

JOB SNAPSHOT

This is a full-time, year-round, union position within the Department of Public Works. The Equipment Operator’s primary responsibility is to install, maintain, and/or repair city sewers, water mains, streets, sidewalks, parks, buildings, and traffic signs. They operate and maintain a variety of vehicles and mechanical equipment.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

Our ideal candidate would be an energetic and motivated individual with strong interpersonal skills, and a valid Michigan Driver’s License, MI CDL-B. We are seeking an individual who also has strong organizational and planning skills, and works well independently with light supervision. An ideal candidate will hold a MI S-4 water distribution license with experience in municipal water systems.

Experience in construction, excavation, water/sewer system operation, landscaping, grounds keeping, or any other related trades is highly desired. Working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions is a must.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following: (This list may not be wholly inclusive of expected tasks.)

• Install, maintain, and/or repair city sewers, water mains, streets, sidewalks, parks, buildings, and traffic signs.

o Make excavation cuts, patch curbs, sidewalks, and pavements; erect/repair street and traffic signs; remove ice/snow from streets and salt streets.

o Consult with and supervise contractors installing public infrastructure in both City and private projects.

o Collects State-required compliance samples from the drinking water system.

o Operates and maintains fire hydrants and underground valves.

o Responds to underground utility locate requests from the MISS Dig system.

o Clean storm/sanitary sewers; install new sewer lines/drain fields.

o Repair water mains and water service line leaks.

o Cleans, maintains, and troubleshoots the City’s 10 sanitary lift stations.

o Sweep streets/empty trash barrels in parks and downtown area.

o Mow grass and trim trees in parks and on roadways. Paint buildings/refinish picnic tables; maintain parks/athletic facilities including irrigation system maintenance and installations.

• Operate and maintain a variety of heavy and light motor vehicles/mechanical equipment.

o Operate heavy and light trucks to haul material and equipment to work sites.

o Participates in snow removal and salting of City streets.

o Operate specialized equipment such as backhoe, loader, riding mowers, sewer jetting machine, diesel powered lift station bypass pumps, dewatering pumps, and portable generators.

o Operate a variety of power tools such as mowers, chain saws, air hammers, and sprayers.

o Assist in maintenance/light repair of mechanical equipment.

• Read, install, and repair water meters.
• Utilize the City’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software for the monitoring and operation of the City’s remote water and sewer stations.
• Work after-hours emergency situations and participate in the Department’s “ON CALL” rotation.
• Utilize the City’s Geographical Information System (GIS software) to locate infrastructure, property information, and easements.
• Perform related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Required training includes a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience in construction, water/sewer system operation, snow removal, or related trades is preferred.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a class “B” Commercial Driver’s License issued by the State of Michigan within one year.
• Possession of or ability to obtain within 12 months a State of Michigan S-4 Water Distribution Operator’s License.

JOB-BASED COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of the procedures and practices for operating and maintaining assigned vehicles and mechanical equipment.
• Knowledge of safety procedures/precautions involved in various public works projects and equipment operations.
• Skill in operation of assigned vehicles/mechanical equipment/power tools.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with fellow employees.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• This is an exempt, union position with a hiring wage range of $23.56 - $25.98 per hour.
• A generous benefits package that includes:

o Medical – 82% employer paid premium

o Dental – employer paid

o Vision – employer paid

o Life/Disability – employer paid

o Flex Spending Accounts

o Employee Assistance Program

• Defined Contribution Retirement Plan (401A) with up to 11% employer contribution with 2% employee contribution.
• Vacation, Holiday, Sick, and Personal leave banks
• Access to City owned gym, and other facility perks.
• Participation in the City’s Wellness program.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED

Motorized vehicles and equipment, including dump truck, pickup truck, utility truck, street sweeper, sewer jetter, street roller, man lift, tamper, saws, pumps, compressors, sanders, generators, common hand and power tools, shovels, wrenches, detection devices, mobile radio, phone, and ditch witch. Water distribution and sanitary sewer software and geographical information systems.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Public Works Operations Manager or their designee.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and smell.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places, and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock. Employee will participate in an “on-Call” rotation.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; final selection, background check, and drug screen.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

Pay: $23.56 - $25.98 per hour

Benefits:

• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Union benefits
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $26