EQUIPMENT OPERATOR III

Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 reserves the right to select candidates considered to be the most highly qualified based on education and/or experience.

Performs advanced (senior-level) construction and maintenance work; Work involves the specialized operation of complex medium and heavy construction equipment used for repair, maintenance, and construction projects on Drainage District facilities. Works under general supervision with some latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

In addition to the tasks performed by an Equipment Operator I and II, the Equipment Operator III also performs the following tasks:

Operates a variety of heavy construction equipment involved in construction and maintenance projects, such as graders, backhoes, front-end loaders, forklifts, dump trucks, excavators, or related equipment.

Prepares daily reports and logs related to quantities of materials used, types of equipment, work hours, and project status.

Performs routine and preventive vehicle and equipment maintenance and repairs to ensure proper operating conditions.

Reports and/or repairs malfunctions on light, medium and heavy equipment.

Grade right-of-way, construction and maintenance of new and existing drain ditches.

May clean/clear or build ditches according to surrounding ground elevations and availability of drainage.

Provides knowledge of or the ability to learn the use of surveyor’s level to maintain elevation grades on project sites.

Performs safety inspections to ensure equipment is in proper working order.

May act as a crew leader on the field.

Provides assistance during emergency situations involving flooding and/or severe weather.

Sets up work zone to ensure adequate safety of workers; ensures proper warning signs are erected at construction and maintenance project sites.

Loads trucks; loads dirt, hauls dirt, gravel, caliche, garbage, and/or the materials and equipment to designated areas and unloads truck.

Performs construction or rehabilitation of streets, surface maintenance, traffic control, drain ditches or drainage zones.

Maintains equipment in ready working condition, including fuel, proper lubrication, and cleaning.

Required to read and interpret construction plans, drawings, and specifications for ditch or other construction.

Regular attendance is a must.

Working hours subject to change as deemed necessary to the needs of the District.

May train and/and or supervise the work of others.

Performs other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Graduation from a high school or equivalent (GED) preferred.

Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with light, medium and heavy construction equipment such as backhoe, front-end loader, dozer, motor grader, excavator, etc.

Must have the knowledge and ability to make minor repairs and adjustments to assigned equipment.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATION

Must have a valid current Texas motor vehicle operator’s license; Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Preferred; CDL may require specialized endorsements depending on area of assignment.

Must be able to be insured by the District’s insurance carrier.

Positions requiring a CDL or positions of a safety sensitive nature are subject to drug and alcohol testing in accordance with federal regulations.

Positions requiring a CDL are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse requirements, including queries for alcohol and drug violations. Applicants must be registered with the FMCSA Clearinghouse and will be required to provide consent for the County to perform a pre-employment query.  Failure to comply with FMCSA Clearinghouse procedures may affect this application process.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of construction and maintenance procedures, repair, and operation of light to heavy equipment, including vehicles.

Ability to maintain records of materials, supplies, time, and work performed.

Ability to observe machine functions and identify potential problems.

Ability to make minor repairs and adjustments to assigned equipment. 

Skill in operating medium to heavy construction equipment effectively and safely.

Ability to perform strenuous work in all types of weather.

Ability to assist during emergency situations such as floods, severe weather, and accidents when scheduled.

Ability to understand and follow oral instructions.

Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with other crew members.

Bilingual (Spanish and English) with the ability to converse fluently in both languages, preferred.

Ability to use a surveyor’s level to maintain elevations at project sites.

Ability to read and interpret construction plans.

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.

Knowledge to perform basic math.

Knowledge of basic computer skills.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written and/or oral instructions.

Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos.

Ability to follow safety procedures and regulations.

Duties may change according to the changing needs of the District.