Heavy Equipment Operator - Distribution Services

About the role

Under the close supervision of the Distribution Services Superintendent, the Heavy Equipment Operator operates heavy equipment and vehicles used in the construction, maintenance, and/or operation of electric transmission and distribution systems. The incumbent loads, secures, transports, and off-loads heavy transmission equipment and materials to meet system needs. The Heavy Equipment Operator is also responsible for the proper transport of equipment, devices, and material to and from various work locations and for the upkeep and maintenance of all related equipment and vehicles. The incumbent may assist the Lead Equipment Coordinator on jobs requiring more than one operator and may assist other Equipment Operators or Light Equipment Operators perform their duties.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains assigned equipment including long haul road tractors, dozers, and backhoes.
• Loads, secures, transports, and off-loads various types of equipment and materials, such as oversize transformers, oil circuit breakers, and poles, in a safe, reliable manner.
• Applies safety guidelines while moving equipment and material, some of which is very heavy, and at times works near high voltage and in adverse weather conditions.
• Rigs secure loads to be transported so that the load is stable and safe.
• Knows the location of stations and lines on the transmission and distribution system to ensure timely delivery of equipment.
• Maintains accurate and current records and reports as related to job responsibilities.
• Ensures that all equipment and tools are maintained in a clean and safe operating condition.
• Performs skilled operation of equipment related to the construction and maintenance of electric utility transmission and substations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of six years of directly related experience in the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment, with at least three years in transporting large equipment and materials.
• Knowledge of current state and federal laws, bridge laws, load limits, and other requirements for transportation of heavy loads.
• Knowledge of applicable Department of Transportation regulations on transportation of heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of proper rigging techniques to secure heavy loads.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to understand maps, blueprints, and other construction documents.
• Ability to speak effectively with other employees.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to use a personal computer to access the intranet and Microsoft Office software as required.
• Physical demands: lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying 50 lb or more; climbing ladders and stairs; working on elevated platforms or scaffolding; walking/