Equipment Operator III, Water Distribution

The purpose of this classification is to operate heavy equipment and perform manual work functions associated with construction, maintenance and repair of City streets/roads, drainage systems, right-of-way areas, parking lots, parks, recreation facilities, grounds areas, utility systems, or other areas of assignment. Emphasis is on the operation of track or rubber-tired construction equipment with specialized functions related to maintenance and construction activities where the operation of complex mechanisms requires the highest degree of skill, dexterity, and finesse, and where work is performed to exacting tolerances; incumbents may function as lead worker on occasion as needed. Classification is reserved for those positions where operation of included equipment is the primary function of the job. Positions in the Gas and Wastewater Departments are subject to 24-hour call.

May serve as a crew leader or lead worker for specific project assignments; monitors and oversees assigned workers to ensure safety; directs work of crew to ensure that assigned tasks are completed.

Maneuvers heavy equipment and operates complex mechanisms involving digging, moving earth and materials, grading, loading, and performing similar tasks in order to advance projects relating to construction and maintenance of City roads, grounds, property, utilities, rights-of-way, and other infrastructure; equipment is primarily driven and operated on-site, but does require some driving over public roads; maneuvers in and around traffic, crew workers, equipment, utilities, and other obstacles; obeys all traffic laws and safety guidelines; monitors immediate environment and work area to ensure the safety of operator, other workers, the equipment, and the public. 

Operates tractor/trailer combinations for the use of hauling heavy equipment and materials to and from the job sites. 

Operates excavator, track hoe, and backhoe to perform skilled digging and trenching for maintenance, upkeep, and construction projects for public utilities and other infrastructure, where exacting tolerances and specification are required; controls placement of equipment and determines optimum approach to each digging scenario in order to minimize destruction of property and avoid electric, water, sewer, and other public utility lines.

Operates a track or rubber-tired loader with large volume and weight capacities to load materials into trucks or move them over short distances; positions equipment and controls height, angle, and position of scoop for optimum delivery of payload; controls amount and weight of materials being lifted to avoid exceeding equipment capacity.

Operates motor-grader, scraper, and excavator with blade attachment to set gradients for large construction and maintenance projects such as roads, landscaping, embankments, and other projects requiring exacting specifications related to slope, angle, and pitch; determines appropriate settings and adjusts blades for height, angle, and pitch to achieve desired outcome; maneuvers equipment and operates mechanisms to skillfully set gradient, smooth surfaces, and spread materials.

Operates bulldozer, scraper, and compactor to move earth, gravel, sand, and other materials for large construction and maintenance projects and landfill operations; operates mechanisms to establish rough grades or to smooth and compact surfaces in preparation for pavement, construction, or other work.

Oversees and skillfully operates the combination sewer cleaning trucks (jetvacs) and sewer video trucks; drives and maneuvers the equipment; operates the various mechanisms to unclog pipes and clear debris; performs manual work functions in support of these tasks.  

Drives knuckle-boom truck to collect trash, limbs, and other debris from work sites, parks, and other City property, and transport it to the landfill; positions vehicle alongside targeted debris.Inspects and prepares equipment for safe and proper operation prior to beginning work for the day; performs light maintenance on equipment, which includes changing oil, refueling, and refilling lubricants; cleans vehicles, beds, and mounted equipment upon completion of assignments; secures vehicle after use.

Transports, loads and unloads various materials and equipment used in projects.

Performs manual work functions associated with construction, maintenance and repair projects, which may include repairing roads/asphalt, compacting road surfaces, installing/repairing pipe, constructing/repairing ditches, repairing/replacing drainage culverts, repairing potholes, constructing sidewalks, cutting pipes, installing fences, installing/repairing irrigation systems, mowing right-of-ways, cutting trees and brush, assembling playground equipment, digging holes or trenches, shoveling materials, lifting/moving heavy materials, flagging traffic, and picking up debris/litter.

Coordinates and/or assists in setting up special events/activities; assists with traffic control and litter pickup; assists departments with moving heavy furniture, files, or other heavy materials.

Responds to emergency calls during inclement weather, or other emergency situations.

Utilizes precautionary safety equipment and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals.

Receives, prepares or completes various forms and documentation, including work orders, time cards, maintenance reports, spray records, diagrams, maps, manuals, reference materials, and other documents; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems; communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; provides information and assistance; takes and relays messages or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.

High school diploma or GED; supplemented by two (2) years of experience in the operation of heavy equipment used in roadway repair, maintenance and installation of utility infrastructure (water, wastewater, gas, and electric), or similar work; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.  Must possess and maintain a valid Class B commercial driver’s license, and any state or federal certifications required in the field of assignment.  Will be required to obtain a valid State of Louisiana Class B commercial driver’s license at time of appointment and maintain throughout employment for this classification.  Assignment on some equipment may require a valid State of Louisiana Class A commercial driver’s license and/or special endorsements.  May be required to obtain Flagging certification.

Gas Department must obtain certifications required from the Office of Pipeline Safety within six months of hire.

Water Department will be required to obtain a HAZMAT endorsement within forty-five (45) days of appointment and maintain throughout employment for this classification. 

Salary : $33,220 - $39,855