Heavy Equipment Operator I, (B254120-14), 204, Water Treatment

Operates light heavy equipment, including 18 wheel vehicles and small tractors. Repairs City utilities, lays pipelines, and performs other maintenance and excavation work requiring heavy equipment operation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Operates backhoe, graders, and loaders to install, replace, and maintain streets and roads, water utility lines, mains, meters, valves, etc.
• Cuts and fits pipes above or below ground to specifications necessary to install or repair water lines; assembles the pipe system; installs or replaces manholes, valves, tees, bends, and crosses.
• Raises, lowers, or moves water lines as needed.
• Removes sludge from treatment plants utilizing specialized injector tractor; monitors solid buildup and pumps sludge into injecting vehicle.
• Performs basic maintenance on equipment and tools including washing, changing oil, and greasing.
• Operates front end loader to pick up debris during construction projects; assists in performing unskilled or semi-skilled labor such as digging ditches, covering ditches, pouring concrete, mowing, and/or trimming trees and shrubs.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use. 
• Performs related work as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of safe operations of heavy equipment .
• Knowledge of geography of the City including major streets and landmarks.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance procedures.
• Knowledge of traffic rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of vehicles and equipment.

Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in organization and time management. 
• Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. 
• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines of the work.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment.
• Ability to follow oral and written instruction.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.        Occasional outside work.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

• Office or similar indoor environment

• Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Confined space 
• Vehicles
• Warehouse environment

• Outdoor environment
• Construction site

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds

• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Communicable diseases

• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
• Moving mechanical parts
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

• Regional travel
• National travel
• International travel

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience

• At Least two (2) years of experience as a heavy equipment operator.  

Required Licenses or Certifications

• A valid Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL) class A or B is required and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.