Equipment Operator

Experience Required: 2 to 3 years

Salary: $15.97 - $25.56

Minimum Education Requirements: High school diploma/GED

Direct Supervisor: Water & Sewer Superintendent

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Primary Work Location: Outdoors

Physical requirements: Often required to work non-traditional working hours which include weekends, holidays, and nights. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, run, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to handle or operate objects, controls, or tools. Must be able to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds.

Certification: Valid driver’s license

Job Summary: The Water & Sewer Equipment Operator performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled work related to the maintenance, repair, and operation of the City’s water distribution and sewer collection systems. Duties include assisting with water and sewer line installation and repairs, routine system maintenance, and other Water & Sewer Department operations. As needed, this employee may operate equipment such as a backhoe, mini excavator, hydro vacuum excavation equipment, sewer jet/rodding equipment, and other machinery necessary to complete assigned work. Equipment operation is performed on an occasional, as-needed basis and is not the sole or primary function of the position. The employee is also responsible for performing preventative maintenance checks and basic service on equipment used and assisting with other Public Works Department duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties:

1. Assist with the installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution and sewer collection lines, services, and related infrastructure.
2. Operate backhoes, mini excavators, hydro vacuum excavation equipment, sewer jet/rodding equipment, and other equipment on an occasional, as-needed basis to support Water & Sewer Department operations.
3. Perform excavation and related work safely around existing utilities and infrastructure.
4. Follow applicable State and Federal regulations and City safety procedures related to trenching, excavation, confined work areas, and equipment operation.
5. Assist with routine maintenance, cleaning, inspection, and other operational needs of the City’s water distribution and sewer collection systems.
6. Perform preventative maintenance checks and minor service on assigned vehicles, machinery, tools, and equipment.
7. Assist other employees and crews within the Public Works Department as operational needs require.
8. Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA’s) for Employment

An employee in this class must have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities upon application:

Knowledge

• Light and medium equipment operating principles, practices, and procedures.
• Minor equipment maintenance and repair functions.
• Hazards and safety precautions common to mechanized equipment operation.

Skills

• Handle stress effectively without it interfering with performance.
• Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Abilities

• Establish and maintain highly effective working relationships with other employees and the public.
• Work alone and make decisions with little to no supervision.
• Act effectively in emergency and stressful situations.
• Adhere to all City and departmental safety policies and procedures.