Senior Equipment Operator

About the Role

This is a fully functioning journey-level position performing equipment operation and maintenance duties, operating all equipment in an assigned Department. The Senior Equipment Operator may provide direction to crews on site and requires knowledge of power tools and all equipment in the Department inventory. In the Water Department, this includes methods of trench excavation, site grading, water distribution repair, and installation of water mains, services, valves, hydrants, meters, and storm/sewer-related infrastructure. The role requires a Class I Drinking Water Distribution Operator Certification and the ability to maintain collaborative working relationships with officials, employees, organizations, and the public.

The work environment is a public street setting with potential exposure to adverse weather, trench excavation, traffic hazards, moving vehicles, heavy equipment, and power tools. Noise levels are generally moderate but may occasionally be loud. This is an on-call position responding to emergencies, requiring immediate response personnel to live within thirty 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.
• Monitors job sites for compliance with safety procedures and protocols.
• 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.
• 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.
• Class I Drinking Water Distribution Operator Certification (required within eighteen months of hire).
• Three years of heavy equipment experience is preferred.

Failure to acquire required certifications by the established deadlines will result in layoff from the position.

Skills

• Knowledge of methods and techniques for safely operating power tools and all equipment in the Department inventory, including graders, paving and milling equipment, bulldozers, large excavators, backhoes, loaders, dump trucks, sweepers, equipment transport vehicles, camera vans, snowplows, sanders, jet trucks, and related equipment.
• Knowledge of snow and ice pretreatment and removal methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of flagging and traffic control methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of equipment maintenance methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of federal regulations and City policies regarding safe work practices for excavation, shoring, use of light/medium/heavy equipment, power tools, and hand tools.
• Proficiency in operating a personal computer and job-related software applications.
• Knowledge of water line installation, maintenance, and repair methods and techniques.