Heavy Equipment Operator I, (B254120-14), 204, Water Treatment

About the Role

Operates light and heavy equipment, including 18-wheel vehicles and small tractors. Repairs City utilities, lays pipelines, and performs maintenance and excavation work requiring heavy equipment operation.

Responsibilities

• Operates backhoe, graders, and loaders to install, replace, and maintain streets, roads, water utility lines, mains, meters, and valves.
• Cuts and fits pipes above or below ground to specifications for installing or repairing water lines; assembles pipe systems; installs or replaces manholes, valves, tees, bends, and crosses.
• Raises, lowers, or moves water lines as needed.
• Removes sludge from treatment plants using a specialized injector tractor; monitors solid buildup and pumps sludge into injecting vehicle.
• Performs basic maintenance on equipment and tools, including washing, changing oil, and greasing.
• Operates front-end loader to pick up debris during construction projects; assists in unskilled or semi-skilled labor such as digging ditches, covering ditches, pouring concrete, mowing, and trimming trees and shrubs.
• Drives a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs related work as required.

Requirements

• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of safe operations of heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of the geography of the City, including major streets and landmarks.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance procedures.
• Knowledge of traffic rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of vehicles and equipment.
• Skill in organization and time management.
• Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing tasks.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisors.
• Ability to give directions and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English and orally in Spanish.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient for full performance of duties.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Frequent exposure to outdoor environments, construction sites, street environments (near moving traffic), confined spaces, and vehicles.
• Frequent exposure to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, loud noises (85+ decibels), and moving mechanical parts.
• Occasional exposure to extreme cold, hostile or irate individuals, and individuals with known violent backgrounds.
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
• Frequent local travel required.

Qualifications

• At least two (2) years of experience as a heavy equipment operator.
• A valid Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL) class A or B and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record.
• If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

A thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required. All selected applicants must undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment and may be subject to random testing if in safety-sensitive positions.