Heavy Equipment Operator

Under limited supervision, and with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, performs complex (journey-level) work in the operation and general maintenance of heavy equipment used to perform construction type work and to transport that equipment between sites; maintenance and repair of general and water and wastewater system maintenance and repairs as necessary. May oversee the work of others. This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and reports to the Operator foreman, supervisor or Construction Manager.
 

• Operates heavy equipment such as vacuum trucks, back hoes, excavators and pay loaders, dump trucks, trailers as well as hand tools, saws and the like in order to perform daily activities and functions as assigned. Cleans wastewater lines with high velocity hydraulic cleaner and vacuum unit. 
• Responsible for cleaning, excavating and locating water/wastewater lines; repairing broken gravity lines, force mains, lift stations, etc.; installing new water/wastewater lines and force mains; performing relocations as require; etc.
• Performs both preventive and emergency maintenance as assigned and moves equipment between job sites as needed.
• Receives work assignments verbally or in hard copy from the foreman(Utility Technician III) or supervisor, and emergency assignments via phone or radio throughout the day; plans and evaluates the work to be performed; identifies and gathers the materials, supplies equipment, and parts that may be need to complete the assignments and performs the assigned work, which may include installing, repairing, inspecting and testing utilities or roadways, as appropriate to the work of the department.
• Performs manual labor associated with the function to which the operator is assigned (i.e., spotting, digging, preparing the trench and locating obstacles such as utility lines, and restoring and cleaning the site once work is completed) and may direct the work of the crew in performing these tasks.
• May serve as the crew member-in-charge in the absence of the supervisor.
• Performs pre and post-inspections of equipment, performing general maintenance on the
• equipment (i.e. greasing, lubing and cleaning and adjusting parts and mechanisms) and reporting repair needs to the appropriate department.
• If an incident occurs that results in damage to the truck or equipment or public or private property, files a written report with the supervisor and safety officer and assists in documenting the event and the extent of the damages.
• Follows all safety standards including the wearing of protective equipment and preparing the work site by setting up appropriate safety barriers and working with customers or individuals in the area to clear the site for work prior to beginning the work.
• Assesses problems or obstacles to completing the assigned work and notifies the supervisor or lead to determine steps necessary to complete the work.
• Cleans and restores the work site to its original condition; notifies the supervisor or lead when assistance is required to restore the site.
• Interprets blueprints and sketches and interprets schematic drawings of electrical circuits.
• Documents work performed in the daily log, notifying the lead or supervisor of work not yet complete.
• Communicates with the public, with customers and with other employees on a variety of topics (i.e., seeking their assistance in making the site available, responding to complaints or questions and the like).
• During the time the heavy equipment is not in use, should make him/herself available to assist hands on in repairs or maintenance that pertains to his/her division, as required by the Foreman (Utility Tech III) and/or the supervisor.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED with three years of experience operating heavy equipment; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Class B CDL drivers license driver's license with satisfactory driving record held throughout employment; class A CDL preferred.
• Attainment of Water Distribution license level three (3) and Wastewater Collection
• Technician class "C" certification; or the ability to obtain it in one (1) year.

 

• Ability to use small office equipment, computers, and highly technical computer applications with general knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel.
• Good communication skills required, including fluency in English (oral and written).
• Bilingual preferred (Spanish-English; French/Creole-English).
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
• Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, supervisors, division and department heads, public/private sector contacts, and City contractors.
• Ability to organize work, establish priorities, meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• General and specific knowledge of the operations of the assigned department and the service area.
• Skill in the use of tools, machinery and both heavy and light equipment necessary for performing the assigned work.
• Knowledge of the types and properties of sewer line construction.
• Knowledge of sewer layouts, gases encountered and water flow characteristics.
• Considerable knowledge of occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions.
• Knowledge of sewer inspection, maintenance and repair procedures.
• Skill in troubleshooting work assignments and job sites and communicating questions or concerns to the appropriate parties in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to read work orders and follow oral and written specific and technical instructions.
• Ability to read utility planning maps, diagrams, schematics, blueprints and the like
• Understanding of and ability to independently follow and instruct others on the safety guidelines for the type work being performed, including work with and around hazardous materials.
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, customers, as appropriate. Bilingual communication skills a plus.
• Must be able to write legibly and effectively document the work performed.
• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, adaptabilities, limitations, and safety precautions related to a broad range of automotive and construction equipment.
• Ability to complete accurate accident or other routine reports.
• Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and heavy and light equipment. Tasks require the ability to exert heavy physical effort in heavy work, with greater emphasis on climbing and balancing, but typically also involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds); may occasionally involve heavier objects and materials (up to 100 pounds).,Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
• Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, smoke, temperature and noise extremes, confined spaces, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim lights, pathogenic substances, or rude/irate customers.

Salary : $46,114 - $71,538