Equipment Operator, Principal*

About the role

The City of Richmond, Department of Public Utilities is seeking a qualified Equipment Operator, Principal to maintain and operate advanced complex heavy motor equipment, machinery and vehicles. This position is also responsible for routine maintenance procedures, safe and effective operating, loading and storage of the equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy construction and specialized equipment including but not limited to excavators, backhoes, vacuum excavation units, and fusion equipment for gas infrastructure installation and repair.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on equipment operation and gas utility construction procedures, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency.
• Trains and mentors junior equipment operators and crew members in the safe operation of machinery and adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Oversees and performs complex field procedures such as bagging for gas control, live main tapping, pipe fusion (PE), and emergency isolation.
• May respond to critical gas leaks and other emergencies, operating detection equipment and coordinating repair activities with minimal supervision.
• Interprets construction drawings, schematics, and utility maps to identify and avoid conflicts with underground facilities.
• Ensures all work meets federal, state, and local compliance standards, including those outlined by PHMSA and OSHA.
• Maintains daily logs, vehicle and equipment reports, and ensures materials and tools are available and in working order.
• Conducts pre-operation inspections and makes or recommends necessary repairs to equipment.
• Serves as acting supervisor in their absence.
• Performs related field duties such as trenching, shoring, meter setting, and facility restoration as required.

Qualifications, Special Certifications And Licenses

• High School Diploma or GED
• Two years of experience at the Equipment Operator, Senior level
• Training in equipment used at this level of assignment
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department)
• Five or more years of experience operating heavy construction equipment, with at least two years in gas utility construction or maintenance
• Must obtain and maintain certification in plastic pipe fusion within one year of hire
• Valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record
• A valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire
• A valid Commonwealth of Virginia Commercial Driver's License with proper endorsements in accordance with Division of Motor Vehicle regulations

Licenses, Certifications, And/or Other Special Requirements

• A valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record
• A valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire
• A valid Commonwealth of Virginia Commercial Driver's License with proper endorsements in accordance with Division of Motor Vehicle regulations

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Expert-level knowledge of equipment operation practices, safety regulations, and gas construction techniques
• Complex heavy equipment and vehicles
• Hydraulics
• Safety rules regarding the operation of various equipment and tools
• Basic math
• Usage of various tools and equipment

Environmental Hazards

Working conditions may include exposure to travel to other locations within the City of Richmond as well as outside of the City of Richmond; exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, etc.; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation; inadequate lighting; intense noise; and environmental hazards such as disruptive people, imminent danger, and a threatening environment.

Physical Requirements And Working Environment

• Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents must be able to perform detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks, with frequent interruptions and under time constraint.
• The essential duties of this classification may require the ability to regularly finger and see; frequently talk and hear; and occasionally balance, stoop, crouch, stand, pull, grasp, and feel.
• The working conditions may include environmental hazards.
• In terms of the physical strength to perform the essential duties, this classification is considered to be medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.