What are the responsibilities and job description for the Equipment Operator position at Harris County?
Position Description
About Harris County Flood Control District:
The Flood Control District has the mission to reduce the risk of flooding in Harris County, the third most populated county in the United States, with a population in excess of 4.7 million, including the City of Houston, the nation’s fourth largest city. The Flood Control District has jurisdiction over the primary stormwater facilities in the county, which consist of approximately 1,500 channels totaling nearly 2,500 miles in length, as well as more than 60 regional stormwater detention basins, totaling more than 10,000 acres and several wetlands mitigation banks including Greens bayou.What you will do at Harris County Flood Control District:
Harris County Flood Control District is seeking qualified candidates for the role of Equipment Operator.
Reporting to the Crew Leader, the Equipment Operator is responsible for operating a variety of gasoline powered equipment such as chainsaws, pole-saws, weed trimmers and other various small engine equipment used to maintain clear channels, drainage elements and rights of ways. This role is also responsible for driving off-road vehicles such as four-wheel drive trucks, tractors, all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s) and extreme utility vehicles (XUV’s) for the purpose of transporting District personnel and equipment to job sites in accordance with the District’s mission to maintain the Infrastructure.
Essential Functions and Duties:
- Spray herbicide(s) in accordance with the manufacturer and District’s instructions from tractor, ATV, XUV or from backpack.
- Cut grass, weeds, and brush in, along and around channels, drainage elements and right-of ways using equipment designated for that purpose.
- Dislodge and remove drifts and debris (trees, limbs, brush, vines, trash, and refuse) from channel berms, slopes, and bottoms for proper disposal.
- Operate equipment including on and off-road vehicles with trailers and loaded equipment and transport personnel and equipment to job sites.
- Perform preventive maintenance and pre-trip inspections to ensure safe operation of equipment and report any deficiencies to supervisor.
- May perform other duties that can be added or changed as the course and scope of the job directs.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education:
- High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
Experience:
- Two (2) years’ experience in field operations, landscaping, herbicide application, construction, or a closely related field.
Licensure:
- Valid Class "C" Texas Driver’s License.
- Good verbal & written communication skills. Can effectively communicate with coworkers and the public.
- Must be able to read and understand written instructions, maps, and be able to provide directions to District locations.
- Can operate gasoline powered equipment and off-road vehicles.
- Ability to work in an outdoor setting.
- Ability to work well with a team in a field environment.
- Can work independently with limited to no supervision.
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
Language:
- Bilingual skills in English/Spanish (preferred)
General Information
Position Type, Hours and Salary:
- Regular | Full-Time | Non-exempt
- 40 hours per week
- Salary: To be discussed at interview
Locations:
- Facilities Maintenance | 5301 Almeda Genoa Rd, Houston, TX 77048
Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:
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:
- Frequent stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying of items up to 11 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
- Frequent driving of a vehicle with automatic controls and four-wheel drive.
- Occasional walking up and down steep slopes of ditches or on rough and uneven surfaces or ground such as sloping terrains, plowed or furrowed areas or construction sites.
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100% of duties are performed outdoors where there will be routine exposure to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture,
air pollution, wind, and dust. -
May be exposed to vegetation retardants, herbicides and fertilizers, petroleum products including but not limited to
gasoline, oil, grease, diesel and other fuels and lubricants, snakes, wildlife, wasps, bees and other flying or walking
insects, aquatic bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms, and vibration or noise in excess of 85 decibels.
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave*
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule*
- METRO RideSponsor Program*
- Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
www.benefitsathctx.com
