Utilities Heavy Equipment Operator

Starting Hiring Range: $46,823 - $57,359, annually

Under general supervision of the Utility Supervisor, this position operates heavy equipment while acting in a lead position on the field. Performs general maintenance, repair, and installation on city owned and operated facilities and utilities.

• Operates heavy equipment such as backhoe, grader, tractor, bobcat, loader, and truck to perform work assignments.
• Maintains heavy equipment by fueling and oiling the machines, inspecting them for damage, replacing missing or broken parts, and performing minor repairs; operates machines in a safe and efficient manner.
• Installs, maintains, and repairs water and/or sewer lines; troubleshoots and identifies water and/or wastewater flow problems and initiates corrective action.
• Installs, repairs, and removes residential and commercial water meters.
• Inspects, troubleshoots, installs, and repairs manholes, valve boxes, and water valves.
• Traces, locates, and taps water and/or sewer lines and mains from blueprints; marks water and/or sewer lines.
• Checks and records flow data from flow meters located throughout the City.
• Interprets the meaning of various indicators and makes appropriate adjustments as necessary.
• Completes daily reports, fuel logs, and tracks materials used.
• Supervises the work crew and distributes work assignments.
• Ensures necessary materials are available and safety protocols are followed.
• All other duties as assigned.
  
  

High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.

One (1) year of relevant experience in water and sewer preferred.

• Knowledge of city and departmental practices, procedures, systems, and federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and best practices relating to heavy equipment operation, general maintenance, construction, tools, equipment, safety practices, job site preparation, and repair techniques for water and sewer.
• A comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the organization.
• Knowledge of and ability to correctly interpret, explain, and apply laws, rules, operations, practices, procedures, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment, light equipment, power tools, and hand tools requiring a high degree of manipulative skill.
• Maintains knowledge of work hazards and applicable safety precautions in the operation of equipment.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance, service procedures, and minor mechanical repairs to equipment. Ability to clean, check fluid levels, and lubricate.
• Ability to learn a variety of construction, repair, and maintenance tasks involving water distribution and sewer collection systems.
• Ability to install water and sewer lines, use basic plumbing techniques, and read maps and blueprints.
• Ability to follow instructions, safety practices, and perform work accurately and thoroughly which requires performing multiple tasks simultaneously under time pressures and deadlines.
• Ability to allocate and utilize limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Ability to read papers, periodicals, journals, manuals, dictionaries, thesauruses, and encyclopedias, to deal with system of real numbers; practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions, and measurement and to write reports, prepare business letters, expositions, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.
• Ability to be organized and have efficient management of time and deadlines.
• Knowledge, skill, and ability to utilize telephone, computers and applicable software daily including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Excel, and Laserfiche.
• Skill in preparing accurate reports and tracking inventory.
• Ability to effectively supervise staff in a proactive, appropriate, and productive manner.
• Advanced ability to interact with people in a professional and congenial manner.
• Ability to communicate in a clear, effective, and concise manner, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to regularly interact with others and exchange and receive of information, providing effective and tactful customer service, and work independently with a high level of discretion.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all people.
• Ability to be punctual and attend work regularly.
  
  

Special Requirements

Mobility within a field and outdoor environment is required.

Subject to be on-call during non-working hours.

Must be available to work during severe weather events.

This position is classified as a safety-sensitive position and is subject to FMCSA DOT requirements and random drug and alcohol testing during the course of employment.

Licenses & Certifications

Water Class D (Distribution) and/or Wastewater Class D (Collections I) license is required, or must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record as established by the City of Midlothian driving standards. Class A Commercial Driver’s License is required or must be obtained within six (6) months of employment.

Work Environment

Work involves continuous outdoor work with frequent exposure to extreme and inclement weather conditions, disagreeable elements, and noise. Working environment includes the potential of exposure to dust, chemicals, and mechanical hazards. Occasional exposure to moving traffic, confined spaces, loud noises, fumes, irritants, rodents, and insects. Physical demands require a heavy strength level frequent lifting, carrying, and loading/unloading of objects weighing up to 80 lbs., and occasional pushing and pulling objects up to 100 lbs. Continuous physical exertion and repetitive motion, requiring heavy muscular effort with resulting fatigue of arms, legs, back, or sensory faculties. Climbs, kneels, squats, stoops, bends, or walks in confined spaces. May be subject to extended periods of sitting, standing, bending, reaching, kneeling, walking, and operating equipment.