Equipment Operator II - Transmission & Distribution

Anticipated Hiring Range

$26.57 – $32.99 Hourly

Job Summary

The Equipment Operator II is a skilled member of the Transmission & Distribution Division responsible for operating heavy equipment and performing construction, maintenance, and repair activities on the City's water distribution and wastewater collection systems. The position reports to the applicable Crew Supervisor I and operates equipment used for excavation, installation, repair, and maintenance of water and sewer infrastructure while supporting emergency response and after-hours operations. The position serves as a team leader on assigned projects, provides equipment operation and safety training to less-experienced employees, and assists with project coordination, permitting, documentation, asset management, and customer communication. The Equipment Operator II works with a high degree of independence and exercises sound judgment to address changing field conditions while ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with City standards and procedures. This is an FMCSA-regulated, safety-sensitive position subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements, including pre-employment and random testing.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Current Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment
• Current Class 1 Distribution Operator Certification or ability to obtain within 3 months
• Three (3) or more years of experience in utility or water construction methods, water distribution systems, or a related field
• Current Trenching and Excavation Safety Certification ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment
• Current Confined Space Entry Certification ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment
• Ability and willingness to participate in a rotational on-call schedule
• Ability and willingness to respond to after-hours emergencies within 45 minutes when required, including when not scheduled for on-call duty
• OR Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job
• Possession of a valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialized technical or vocational training beyond high school, typically completed through a program of less than 18 months
• Four (4) or more years of experience in utility or water construction methods, water distribution systems, or a related field
• Current Flagger Certification
• Class 2, 3, or 4 Distribution Operator Certification
• Previous team lead or crew leadership experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of water distribution and wastewater collection systems, utility construction methods, and maintenance and repair practices
• Knowledge of heavy equipment operation, excavation, trenching, backfilling, compaction, and related construction practices
• Knowledge of work-zone safety, traffic control, PPE, trenching and excavation safety, and safe equipment operation
• Skill in safely operating heavy equipment and commercial vehicles in varying field, traffic, and weather conditions
• Skill in interpreting utility maps, construction plans, work orders, permits, and other technical information
• Ability to troubleshoot field conditions, exercise sound judgment, and adjust work activities based on operational and safety needs
• Ability to calculate materials, coordinate resources, prioritize work, and complete required documentation accurately
• Ability to serve as a team leader and train employees in equipment operation, safety, and work procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain positive working relationships with employees, contractors, customers, and the public
• Ability to respond effectively to emergencies, after-hours calls, and changing operational priorities while following City policies, procedures, and safety requirements

Essential Functions

Equipment Operation and Utility Construction

• Operates and maintains heavy equipment used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of water distribution and wastewater collection infrastructure, including backhoes, excavators, loaders, skid steers, dump trucks, semi-tractor trailers, and other assigned construction equipment
• Performs excavation, backfilling, grading, loading, hauling, compaction, and other equipment operations associated with the installation, repair, and maintenance of water mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, wastewater lines, and related infrastructure
• Safely operates commercial vehicles and equipment requiring a Class A CDL with applicable endorsements
• Performs routine inspections and basic preventive maintenance of assigned vehicles and equipment and identifies equipment concerns requiring repair or additional maintenance
• Evaluates field, weather, site, and equipment conditions and modifies or stops work when conditions create safety or operational concerns
• Establishes and adjusts work zones and traffic-control patterns to protect employees, motorists, pedestrians, and the public

Crew and Operational Support

• Serves as a team leader for assigned projects and work activities and provides direction to team members in the absence of the Supervisor or Equipment Operator III
• Trains and assists Equipment Operator I, Maintenance Technician, and other assigned employees in the safe operation, inspection, and maintenance of heavy equipment
• Assists the Supervisor with project scheduling, prioritization, coordination, and follow-up to support efficient completion of assigned work
• Assists with the Stand-by and Crossing Program and other assigned Transmission & Distribution programs and operational activities
• Calculates quantities of concrete, asphalt, aggregate, dirt, rock, and other materials needed for projects and assists with ordering and coordinating materials and supplies
• Troubleshoots field and operational issues and determines appropriate courses of action within established policies, procedures, technical standards, and assigned authority
• Works independently and collaboratively with supervisors, team members, contractors, other City departments, and external partners

Emergency and On-Call Response

• Participates in a rotational on-call schedule and responds to water and wastewater emergencies, including water main breaks, service leaks, infrastructure failures, and other urgent operational needs
• Responds to overtime and after-hours assignments as required and assists with coordinating personnel, equipment, materials, traffic control, and other resources necessary to address emergency conditions
• Communicates with supervisors, employees, customers, and other City departments regarding emergency conditions, service impacts, and work activities

Safety and Training

• Follows and promotes established safety practices and procedures, including work-zone and traffic-control requirements, personal protective equipment, excavation safety, confined-space requirements, hazardous materials procedures, defensive driving, and safe equipment operation
• Identifies unsafe conditions or work practices and recommends or implements appropriate corrective actions within assigned authority
• Provides equipment-operation and safety training to less experienced employees and assists with required departmental safety and operational training
• Participates in safety meetings, equipment training, workshops, and other mandatory or voluntary training required by the City or Department

Documentation, Permitting, and Asset Management

• Completes and maintains accurate work orders, timesheets, equipment records, inspection documentation, reports, and other required records and enters applicable information into CityWorks
• Collects and provides accurate field and infrastructure information to support asset management, GIS/ArcGIS mapping, utility records, and infrastructure inventories
• Assists in the right-of-way permitting process, including preparing, reviewing, and approving applicable permits on behalf of the Water & Sewer Department within assigned authority
• Prepares and coordinates traffic-control plans and other required documentation with appropriate City divisions
• Prepares routine reports, correspondence, and operational documentation as assigned

Customer and Interdepartmental Service

• Assists supervisor as a primary field contact for customers and residents affected by utility construction, maintenance, and emergency activities
• Responds to questions and concerns and provides notification regarding planned work, service interruptions, emergency repairs, and other utility activities
• Communicates effectively with supervisors, team members, contractors, other City employees, and the public
• Understands and complies with applicable City, Department, and Division policies, procedures, standards, and regulatory requirements
• Performs other duties as assigned

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily outdoors throughout the City's water distribution and wastewater collection systems, including streets, easements, utility corridors, construction sites, and utility facilities, with occasional indoor work in shops and storage facilities
• Routinely works in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, and ice
• Regularly works around and operates heavy equipment, commercial vehicles, pumps, compressors, and construction equipment, with exposure to noise, vibration, dust, fumes, chemicals, and other potentially hazardous materials
• Performs work in active roadways, construction zones, excavations, trenches, confined spaces, and around pressurized utility infrastructure while following applicable safety, traffic-control, and PPE requirements
• May be exposed to standing water, mud, biological hazards, chemicals, and other environmental contaminants associated with water and wastewater operations
• Work requires traversing uneven terrain and accessing trenches, vaults, valve boxes, confined spaces, and elevated areas as necessary
• Participates in an on-call rotation and may work extended shifts, overtime, evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency assignments in response to main breaks, service interruptions, severe weather, and other operational emergencies

Physical Requirements

• Mobility: Ability to frequently walk, stand, climb, enter and exit heavy equipment and commercial vehicles, navigate uneven terrain, enter trenches and confined spaces, and access water distribution and wastewater infrastructure