Equipment Operator I- Water/Stormwater

Starting pay range is $24.96 - $27.52 an hour (plus on- call pay) per the AFSCME 1386A Working Agreement. Detailed information about the AFSCME 1386AWorking Agreement including salary schedule and benefits can be found here: https://www.cityofportsmouth.com/hr/employment-contracts

We welcome diverse and non-traditional backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don’t satisfy every single bullet on this list.

Learn more about why our employees enjoy working with City of Portsmouth by watching this video: Working for the City of Portsmouth

The City offers a generous compensation and benefits package that includes retirement paid time off including vacation holidays medical & dental insurance flexible spending account professional development career growth longevity incentives and more!

There are two (2) openings for Equipment Operator I. One (1) in the water division and One (1) in the stormwater division.

NATURE OF WORK

The purposes of this position are to perform skilled municipal maintenance and construction work and operate heavy equipment as required to complete work assignments. Included are assignments such as crew leader, snow and ice control operations, street cleaning, other seasonal clearing and cleaning operations, drainage systems construction and maintenance, trench preparation and pipe laying, street repairs and paving, improving traffic and pedestrian access and sight distances, grounds maintenance, vegetation trimming, cutting and removal, excavating, back filling, loading, transporting and implementing job site and work safety procedures. Performance is subject to review according to the City's personnel plan through observation, reports and the results achieved.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to, or extension of, the position.

1. Regularly operates one or more of the following pieces of heavy equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, frontend loader, roller, snow loader, trucks, street sweepers or similar pieces of equipment.

2. When working as a crew leader he/she supervises the work of semi-skilled and unskilled workers in routine maintenance and construction activities as assigned.

3. Operates on an emergency and seasonal basis trucks and equipment for winter snow and ice removal and control and other seasonal clean up operations.

4. When not engaged in heavy equipment operation, performs various skilled and semi-skilled tasks essential to public works and utility operations.

5. Prepares, maintains and performs job site and work safety practices.

6. Maintains work and equipment records.

7. Prepares, maintains and reports work according to approved formats and procedures.

8. Operates and checks vehicles and equipment for correct fluid levels, pressures and general operating condition. Cleans and washes any assigned vehicles. Services equipment and makes minor field repairs and adjustments. Reports repair needs to supervisors and mechanics.

9. Daily attendance, participating in on call rotation, and attendance for overtime assignments and emergencies is required.

10. Is subject to callouts to respond to emergencies after normal working hours.

11. Performs such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the supervisor.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
An incumbent in this position consistently demonstrates a(n)...

1. Ability to determine the best way to undertake various tasks and projects, particularly in his/her areas of skill, plan the work, effectively supervise other assigned employees in their work and efficiently and effectively complete assigned work. A good understanding of the interdependence between assigned work or projects and the entire job and the sequence in which work should be performed.

2. Ability to effectively and safely use power driven tools, hand tools, specialized machines and heavy equipment and a good knowledge of the characteristics of materials used i.e., their purpose, suitability for application or use and useful life.

3. A strong commitment to producing excellent work and work products in the most cost-effective manner possible.

4. On-going development and training of acquired skills and knowledge in the efficient, safe and effective use of equipment, materials, tools, computerized equipment and time.

5. Strong personal example to provide excellent services to external and internal customers.

6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, co-workers, employees in other divisions or municipal departments and City officials.

7. Ability to communicate effectively with customers, other employees and other operating units orally, in writing and by listening in the activities of understanding the intent of and following instructions, giving instructions, discussion and work reports appropriate for the position.

8. Ability to perform all tasks assigned, in a reasonable amount of time, with a positive attitude. It is imperative to a successful crew that all team members work well together and provide support for each other.

9. Ability to communicate effectively with the general public, City staff, and government officials at all levels and maintain an understanding of racial equity, inclusion, and belonging.

ENVIRONMENT, WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORT

Work is performed in garage, yard, field locations and while driving and requires substantial physical dexterity, strength and use of all limbs and most fingers. This includes the ability to work in and around all types of job sites and projects and to lift up to 80 pounds unassisted. Work is performed inside and out-of-doors in all weather conditions. Equipment operation and record keeping knowledge is required. He/she must be able to hear normal sounds, distinguish sound as voice patterns and communicate through human speech.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants for this position must have graduated from high school or have earned a graduate equivalent diploma (GED), have a strong knowledge of how to care for, operate and use heavy equipment effectively and efficiently and not less than three (3) years' experience in construction or maintenance work.

New hires and incumbents must possess the following licenses:

1. A valid commercial driver’s license, class B and have no offenses which would prohibit or restrict insurability by any insurance carrier providing coverage to the City or the ability to obtain one at the end of the probationary period.

2. A Water Distribution License Grade I and a Sewer Collection License Grade I or the ability to acquire appropriate licensing within eighteen (18) months from the date of original appointment.

3. Obtaining additional certification or licensing may be required.

(The above descriptions are illustrative. They are intended as guides for personnel actions and are not complete itemizations of all facets of any job.)

DISCLAIMER
The essential functions and duties described herein are normal for this position. They are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similarly related or a logical assignment to or extension of the position. Other duties may be required and assigned by the supervisor. The City of Portsmouth is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The City is committed to providing access to equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact our Human Resources Director by phone 603-610-4478.

APPLICATION SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
Finalist must complete pre-employment screening, drug testing, & background check.