Senior Equipment Operator

Job Description

The Senior Equipment Operator is a fully functioning journey level position performing equipment operation and maintenance duties, operating all equipment in an assigned Department. This position is differentiated from the Equipment Operator by the type of equipment operated, training and experience on the equipment, and supervision required on the job site. This job may also provide direction to crews on site.

The job requires knowledge of the operation of power tools and all equipment in the Department inventory.

In the Water Department, the job requires knowledge of the methods of trench excavation, site grading, water distribution repair and installation of water mains, services, valves, hydrants, meters and storm/Sewer Related infrastructure. The job requires a Class I Drinking Water Distribution Operator Certification*.

The job requires the ability to maintain a collaborative and cooperative working relationship with elected and appointed officials, other City employees, other organizations, and the general public.

The work environment is a public street environment that may include exposure to adverse weather conditions, trench excavation, traffic hazards, moving vehicles and heavy equipment at the job site, and hazards involving the use of power tools and equipment. The noise level is generally moderate but with occasional exposure to noisy and/or loud equipment.

The job is an on-call position, responding to emergency situations. Employees designated as immediate response personnel must live thirty (30) minutes or less from their usual daily work site.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operates all equipment in the Department inventory including, but not limited to, graders, paving and milling equipment, bulldozers, large excavators, backhoes, loader, dump truck, sweeper, camera van, 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 site for marked and unmarked utilities. Monitors job site 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 and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
• Equipment operators are responsible for recognizing and excavating a safe trench excavation around various underground utilities. Assists plumbers with installation and repair of water lines, service lines, hydrants, and valves. Backfills, compacts and patches utility cuts in pavement. May be assigned to assist with pulling pumps and cleaning water storage tanks. May provide direction to other employees at a job site. Fills-in vacant position on night and weekend shifts.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED; and
• Class A CDL with tanker and trailer or other specified endorsements*;
• Flagging certification
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Three (3) years of heavy equipment experience is preferred.
• Class I Drinking Water Distribution Operator Certification is required*

*Hiring Note: The Senior Equipment Operator position requires a Class A CDL with endorsements within six (6) months of hire, and a Class I Drinking Water Distribution Operator certification within eighteen (18) months of hire. Failure to acquire this certification by the established date will violate the terms of the position and will result in layoff from the position.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position.

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques of safely operating power tools and all equipment in the Department inventory, including but not limited to, graders, paving and milling equipment, bulldozers, large excavators, backhoes, loaders, dump trucks with trailer, sweeper, equipment transport vehicles, camera van, snowplows, sanders, jet trucks, and related equipment, as assigned
• Methods, techniques, and objectives of snow and ice pretreatment and removal
• Methods, techniques, and objectives of flagging and traffic control
• Equipment maintenance methods and techniques
• Federal regulations and City policies regarding safe work practices relating to excavation and shoring procedures, use of light, medium, and heavy equipment, power tools, and hand tools
• Operation of a personal computer and job-related software applications.
• Methods, techniques and objectives of water line installation, maintenance and repair

Skill and Ability to:

• Operate all equipment in the assigned department
• Assist in training employees in lower grades to qualify to operate all equipment used by the Department
• Provide direction to crews on a job site, as assigned
• Perform traffic control and flagging duties
• Perform basic vehicle and equipment maintenance
• Operate hand tools
• Operate power tools and equipment
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• Complete assignments in a timely fashion; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations
• Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public
• Assist plumbers with installation and repair of water lines, service lines, hydrants, valves and meters
• Excavate and recognize safe trench practices with emphasis on soil identification and shoring procedures around underground utilities
• Perform site grading and earthwork
• Interpret Civil blueprint drawings and grade stakes
• Perform road and street repair, including utility cut repair
• Perform hydrant flushing and valve exercise programs

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, climb ladders, work at heights, and in confined spaces. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to handle materials, manipulate tools, operate a computer, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Company Description

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Pocatello offers a perfect blend of work and play. With a semi-arid climate, you can experience the best of all four seasons, from hiking and skiing to fishing and camping. Plus, you're just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lava Hot Springs, and other must-visit destinations. 

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Benefits

The City of Pocatello offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees: 

• Medical
• Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• PERSI Retirement
• PERSI Choice 401(k)
• 457 Retirement Planning
• HRA VEBA Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  - Medical
  - Dependent Care
• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Education Assistance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer