Heavy Equipment Operator (Utilities)

Description Under general supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled work in the operation of medium to heavy construction equipment, such as a grader, backhoe, dump truck, and other heavy motor equipment, in support of the City’s Utilities Department, adjusts and performs routine maintenance to a variety of medium to heavy equipment and trucks; performs construction and maintenance work, and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general supervision from the Water Superintendent & Sanitary Superintendent as assigned by the Department.
Exercises no supervision of staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is a journey-level class that performs the operation and routine maintenance of a wide variety of medium and heavy construction equipment.
Incumbents with sufficient vehicle and heavy equipment operations experience operate all City moving stock, tools and equipment and learn a wide variety of practices and procedures.
In addition, incumbents perform a wide variety of work to ensure that City utilities systems and facilities are maintained in a safe and effective working condition.
Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative.
Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
This class is distinguished from the other maintenance class series in that it performs specialized activities related to the operation of heavy construction equipment in addition to routine maintenance duties.
Examples of Essential Functions Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Operates a variety of heavy equipment, including backhoe, dump trucks, dozers, excavators, loaders, concrete crushers, compactors, graders, trailers, and a wide range of construction equipment; operates small to medium sized trucks and smaller equipment such as pick-up trucks and forklifts.
Drives construction and maintenance equipment to and from job sites; and loads and unloads equipment from trucks.
Excavates, backfills, grades, and rolls construction and repair sites.
Excavates for water meter installations, service lines, sewer lines, water lines and insures all underground utilities are located before excavating.
Identifies equipment needs for assigned projects, including picking up and delivering heavy equipment from construction projects.
Cleans and reconstructs water systems, sewer systems, including cleaning debris from the wastewater treatment plant, lift stations, reservoir sites, and well sites.
Performs a wide variety of skilled maintenance on water and wastewater system, construction and labor work when the nature of the job does not require constant equipment operations.
Inspects equipment; performs preventive maintenance; makes operating adjustments and minor repairs to equipment, such as changing buckets and teeth and tightening loose bolts and hydraulic couplings.
Notifies supervisor of the need for repair or additional maintenance as found during routine inspection; notes service requirements.
Checks job sites for potential hazards and determines precautions necessary for safe operations.
Performs asphalt and concrete repair and patchwork; removes trees, brush, and debris from right-of-ways and easements to access sewer main lines, laterals, water mainlines and services.
Ensures that adequate materials and supplies are available for maintenance and repair work.
Maintains accurate records of work performed.
Performs duties of a disaster services worker in event of an emergency.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Qualifications Knowledge of: Principles, practices, tools, equipment and supplies required to maintain and repair City systems and facilities, including streets, sanitation systems, water systems, and related department facilities.
Operation, work methods, and limitations of gasoline and diesel-powered medium to heavy construction equipment used in the maintenance and construction of City department facilities.
Principles and practices of servicing and basic preventive maintenance of heavy equipment.
Basic troubleshooting principles and practices.
Occupational hazards and safety equipment and practices related to the work.
Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Basic mathematics.
Safe driving rules and practices.
Basic computer software related to work.
English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.
Ability to: Perform skilled construction, modification, maintenance, and repair work on assigned municipal infrastructure, facilities, systems, and/or appurtenances.
Operate specialized construction and maintenance, medium to heavy vehicles and equipment.
Set up and operate traffic area construction zones, including cones, barricades, and flagging.
Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for repair.
Read and interpret construction drawings, blueprints, maps, and specifications.
Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and related equipment required for the work.
Perform basic servicing and preventative maintenance on construction equipment.
Operate and maintain a variety of hand, power and shop tools related to the trade.
Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone or radio, and in writing.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Understand and follow Underground Service Alert guidelines and knowledge of utility markings.
Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.
A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and one (1) year of experience in the operation of equipment related to the construction and maintenance of systems and facilities involving the operation of medium to heavy construction equipment.
License: Possess and maintain a valid California class B driver’s license with the appropriate endorsements Possess and maintain a valid California class A driver’s license with the appropriate endorsements or ability to obtain within 24 months Physical Demands/Environmental Elements/Working Conditions PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces and around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio.
The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards.
Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment.
Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites.
Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 100 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.