Senior Equipment Operator

About the role

The Senior Equipment Operator is a fully functioning journey-level position performing equipment operation and maintenance duties, operating all equipment in an assigned Department. This position is differentiated by the type of equipment operated, training and experience required, and supervision provided on the job site. This role may also provide direction to crews and requires knowledge of power tools and all equipment in the Department inventory.

In the Water Department, the position requires knowledge of trench excavation methods, site grading, water distribution repair, and installation of water mains, services, valves, hydrants, meters, and storm/sewer-related infrastructure. A Class I Drinking Water Distribution Operator Certification is required. The role involves maintaining collaborative working relationships with officials, employees, organizations, and the public.

The work environment includes public streets with exposure to adverse weather, trench excavation, traffic hazards, moving vehicles, heavy equipment, and power tools. Noise levels vary from moderate to loud. This is an on-call position responding to emergencies, requiring immediate response personnel to live within thirty (30) minutes of their usual work site.

Responsibilities

• Operates all equipment in the Department inventory, including graders, paving and milling equipment, bulldozers, large excavators, backhoes, loaders, dump trucks, sweepers, camera vans, equipment transport vehicles, water trucks, compactors, boring equipment, snow plows, and related street maintenance equipment.
• Assists in training other employees on operating equipment.
• Assesses job sites for marked and unmarked utilities and monitors compliance with safety procedures.
• Performs basic maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
• Performs flagging and traffic control duties at work sites.
• Performs all work duties in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Recognizes and excavates safe trenches around underground utilities.
• Assists plumbers with installation and repair of water lines, service lines, hydrants, and valves.
• Backfills, compacts, and patches utility cuts in pavement.
• May assist with pulling pumps and cleaning water storage tanks.
• May provide direction to other employees at a job site.
• Fills in for vacant positions on night and weekend shifts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Class A CDL with tanker and trailer or other specified endorsements (required within six months of hire).
• Flagging certification.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Three years of heavy equipment experience is preferred.
• Class I Drinking Water Distribution Operator Certification (required within eighteen months of hire).
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for safely operating power tools and all equipment in the Department inventory.
• Knowledge of snow and ice pretreatment and removal methods.
• Knowledge of flagging and traffic control methods.
• Knowledge of equipment maintenance methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of federal regulations and City policies regarding safe work practices.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and job-related software applications.
• Ability to operate all equipment in the assigned department and assist in training employees.
• Ability to provide direction to crews on a job site.
• Ability to perform traffic control and flagging duties.
• Ability to perform basic vehicle and equipment maintenance.
• Ability to operate hand and power tools.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to complete assignments in a timely fashion and comply with all rules and policies.
• Ability to assist with water line installation, repair, and maintenance.
• Ability to excavate and recognize safe trench practices, including soil identification and shoring procedures.
• Ability to perform site grading, earthwork, and interpret civil blueprint drawings and grade stakes.
• Ability to perform road and street repair, including utility cut repair, hydrant flushing, and valve exercise programs.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, climb ladders, work at heights, and in confined spaces.
• Requires hand/finger dexterity to handle materials, manipulate tools, operate a computer, and reach with hands and arms.
• Requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Requires sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform essential functions and interact with the public.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

About the Company

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Pocatello offers a perfect blend of work and play. With a semi-arid climate, you can experience the best of all four seasons, from hiking and skiing to fishing and camping. The area is a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lava Hot Springs, and other must-visit destinations.

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life Insurance.
• PERSI Retirement and PERSI Choice 401(k).
• 457 Retirement Planning.
• HRA VEBA Contributions.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care).
• Vacation and sick time.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Education Assistance.
• Employee Wellness Program.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.