Equipment Operator
This is a non-exempt, full-time, classified position with full benefits. Expected starting salary is minimum of range 16; $17.83.
DESCRIPTION: Under general supervision of the Utility Operations Manager, a utility equipment operator operates a variety of light to heavy construction equipment and performs a variety of skilled and semiskilled work in the construction, maintenance, and repair of the City's water and sewer infrastructure. Normally, the backhoe/track hoe is the primary piece of equipment operated as it is usually essential to the construction, maintenance, and repair of underground utility systems. Work may be performed in adverse weather conditions. When not operating a machine, an employee in this class is expected to take the initiative in assisting in the manual and technical aspects of the construction, maintenance, and repair activities. This class performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this classification.
TASKS: An employee in this class is distinguished from other equipment operating
classes by its responsibility for operating a variety of equipment in order to install, maintain, and repair City water and wastewater lines and appurtenances. The knowledge and ability to recognize the consequences of cutting through utility lines, which range from little risk of injury but potentially large cost of repair in the case of telephone cables, to life threatening potential for the operator and other persons in the area from energized power lines or live gas mains. This class is subject to frequent emergency call-out. An incumbent must be willing to work scheduled stand-by and overtime on nights, weekends, and holidays, as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of the practices and procedures used in installing, maintaining, and repairing water and sewer mains and services.
- Knowledge of the safety hazards, procedures, and equipment used when working on or near underground utility lines.
- Knowledge of the limitations and general operating procedures of a variety of medium construction equipment including backhoe, trencher, excavator, loader and tapping machines;
- Knowledge of sewer cleaning equipment and procedures.
- Knowledge of the tools, equipment, materials, and supplies needed for installing, maintaining, and repairing water and sewer lines.
- Knowledge of proper safety precautions associated with utilities construction, including traffic control, trenching, and equipment operation.
- Skill in reading and understanding maps and plans relating to water and wastewater systems.
- Skill in recommending measures to improve production methods, equipment use, changes in working conditions, and quality of work.
- Skill in providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
- Skill in completing required logs and reports.
- Knowledge of current Maricopa Area Government (MAG) standards.
- Knowledge of applicable Blue Stake regulations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: This classification involves work that requires the ability to traverse uneven terrain, climb ladders, perform repairs on equipment, lifting heavy objects up to 60 pounds, ability to wear a respirator and use utility equipment.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: The equivalent of a high school diploma or GED, an Arizona Driver’s license and two years underground utility equipment operation experience. Possession of, or the ability to obtain within six months of hire an Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Grade 1 Water Distribution Certification. Possession of, or ability to obtain Trench Safety Competent Person Certification within 90 days of hire.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Will be required to work overtime, holidays and weekends and be on-call 24 hours per day, per the departmental on-call policy. Must be able to respond to call out within twenty (20) minutes. Required to complete physical examination to ensure ability to perform work requirements.