Backhoe Operator (Multiple Vacancies)

Position Information

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is seeking experienced Backhoe Operators to operate heavy construction equipment for its Water, Sewer, and Streets (WSS) Bureau. These crew members are responsible for operating a backhoe to excavate trenches on construction sites/roadways and backfill and perform fine grading, along with operating other related equipment to assist in the construction and/or maintenance of seasonal public works projects.

Specific duties include:

• Operating a uni-loader, backhoe, forklift, skid steer, and/or crane truck with precision, considering site and utility line locations, and determining appropriate methods of operation for other properties and infrastructures;

• Moving materials, equipment, and grading surfaces for construction;

• Loading various size trucks (medium 6 axle, tandem, 10 axle) and driving/operating other equipment such as asphalt rollers (walk behind and riding), asphalt/concrete saws (handheld and walk behind), and front-end loader;

• Performing routine and preventive maintenance on equipment;

• Providing technical guidance and on-site training to crew members;

• Assuring that all applicable safety requirements are met and providing safety guidance to crew members; and

• Serving as back-up in the absence of Master Technician and performing other job-related duties as assigned.

The successful employee will be a safety-oriented team player, with effective communication skills, and demonstrated experience operating a backhoe on construction projects in a public right-of-way.

Selection Criteria

NOTE: This recruitment may be used to fill comparable vacancies within the department.

Minimum:

• High school diploma/equivalent;

• Three (3) years of experience in public works, construction, or another trades vocation that demonstrates the ability to perform semi-skilled to skilled manual maintenance and/or construction;

• One (1) year of the required experience must include operating heavy/specialized equipment such as backhoes, concrete trucks, medium and tandem dump trucks, crane trucks, front-end loaders, or asphalt rollers, asphalt/concrete saws, skid steers and forklifts and/or other specialized equipment; and

• Must possess a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year for year basis.

Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• Two (2) years or more of operating a backhoe and/or similar equipment;

• Excavating trenches below grade and around utilities;

• Field construction, reading/interpreting plans, cut sheets, etc.; and/or

• Performing preventive maintenance on equipment.

Special Requirements

• Selected candidates must possess a Class B or A commercial driver's license (CDL) at time of hire.

• Must possess or obtain a Virginia Department of Transportation Basic Work Zone Certification within one year of employment.

• Selected applicants must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or they must provide a copy of official driving record. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon a favorable review of driving record and passing a pre-employment drug screening and alcohol breath test as required by applicable standards.

• A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

• Applicant must provide written consent for Arlington County to obtain from previous employer's information required by a Department of Transportation (DOT) agency regulations concerning drug and alcohol testing information. Employee will be subject to a DOT drug screening at such times during employment as required by law.

• Applicants invited for interview may be asked to participate in skills testing involving the operation of equipment.

• Additional special licensure, certifications, and/or endorsements may be required depending on area of assignment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The employee performs activities outdoors and is subject to hazards including a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, exposure to high heat, exposure to chemicals, and/or biohazardous waste.

• The employee is subject to one more of the following conditions: Fumes, odors, dusts, mists, loud noises, gases or poor ventilation, oils, and other cutting fluids.

• The employee spends long periods of time standing, crouching, stooping, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying.

• The employee is required to wear common protective gear or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, or hard hats.

• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

SAFETY

Requires learning and following all safety rules and regulations pertaining to job function which includes attending all required safety classes and meetings in order to ensure a safe working environment and that team members are practicing the required safety rules and regulations.

Additional Information

The pay ranges listed are effective June 30, 2024.

Work Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Must be available on a rotating basis for water main maintenance stand-by, and on a regular basis for responding to emergencies such as water main breaks and snow removal operations. Occasional overtime and ability to work alternate shifts may be required on short notice.

The official title of this position is Water/Sewer/Streets (WSS) Equipment Operator.

Arlington County offers a competitive salary and a great benefits package including a Defined Benefit (pension) plan. For more information on Arlington's family friendly benefits click here.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

Please complete each section of the application. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

#LI-Onsite

Applicants who have questions or need assistance with the application may telephone (703) 228-3500 or visit the Human Resources Department. Our staff will be happy to work with you to enter your application into the system. Public access computers are available at all County Libraries, and in the Human Resources Department.

The examination process for this position may include: (1) training and experience evaluation; (2) written and oral examination; (3) personal interview; (4) performance test/work sample; and/or (5) physical examination.

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process. Please call the ADA Coordinator at 703-228-3559 (voice) or email pers@arlingtonva.us.

Eligibility for Arlington County Government employee benefits depends on your position type (permanent or temporary) and your status (full-time or part-time).

More detailed information on benefits and conditions of employment is available on the Arlington County Human Resources Department website: www.arlingtonva.us/pers.

Permanent, Full-Time Appointments

All jobs are permanent, full-time appointments unless otherwise stated in the announcement. The following benefits are available:

Paid Leave: Vacation leave is earned at the rate of five hours biweekly. Leave accrual increases gradually until eight hours of leave are earned biweekly for twelve or more years of service. Sick leave is earned at the rate of four hours biweekly. Paid parental and family leave benefits are also offered. Leave is pro-rated for part-time employees.

Holidays: There are eleven paid fixed holidays each year, as well as two floating holidays. Initial allotment of floating holidays may vary based on when you are hired.

Health and Dental Insurance: Four group health insurance plans are offered - a health maintenance organization, two plans with in-network only coverage, and a high-deductible plan with in and out-of-network coveerage, along with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Group dental insurance is also offered, with two options for coverage. The County pays a significant portion of the premium for these plans for employees and their dependents. The County also contributes to the HSA.

Life Insurance: Basic life insurance is provided at no cost to employees. The benefit is one times annual salary. Additional life insurance may be purchased for yourself, spouse, and/or children.

Retirement: The County retirement program is made up of three parts: a defined benefit (pension) plan, a defined contribution plan (401(a)), and a deferred compensation plan (457). The defined benefit plan provides a monthly retirement benefit based on your final average salary and years of service with the County. You contribute a portion of your salary on a pre-tax basis to this plan. General employees contribute 4% of pay; uniformed public safety employees contribute 7.5% of pay. The County also contributes to this plan. Employees become vested in the plan at five years of service.

For general employees, the County also contributes 4.2% of pay to a defined contribution plan (401(a)). The 457 deferred compensation plan allows you to save for retirement on either a pre-tax (457b) or post-tax (457 Roth) basis up to the IRS annual limit. New employees are automatically enrolled with a pre-tax contribution equal to 2% of your pay. A variety of investment options are available for the 401(a) and 457 plans.

Other Benefits: The County also offers health care, dependent care, and parking flexible spending accounts; adoption assistance, tuition reimbursement; transit and walk/bike to work subsidies; a college savings plan; wellness programs; training opportunities; and a variety of other benefits.

Permanent, Part-Time Appointments:

Part-time employees who work ten or more hours per week receive paid leave and benefits in proportion to the number of hours worked per week.

Limited Term Appointments:

Benefits are the same as permanent appointments except that the employees do not achieve permanent status.

Temporary Regular Appointments:

Temporary regular employees who work 30 hours or more per week are eligible for health, dental, and basic life insurance as described above. They are also eligible for vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

Temporary Seasonal and Occasional Appointments:

Temporary employees who work on a seasonal basis or variable hours receive sick leave, but do not normally receive other paid leave or benefits. Exceptions are noted in individual announcements.

01

Please acknowledge:

• The possession of a valid Class A or B commercial driver's license is required at time of application.

• I must authorize Arlington County to obtain or provide a copy of the applicant's official driving record.

• I must provide written consent for Arlington County to obtain from previous employer's information required by DOT agency regulations concerning drug and alcohol testing information.

• Prior to appointment, I must pass a pre-employment drug screening and will be subject to drug screening at such times during employment as required by federal, state, and local standards and policies.

• If I am invited for an interview, I may be asked to participate in skills testing involving the operation of equipment.

• I understand the work hours are from 6:30am to 3:00pm, Monday-Friday, and may occasionally be required to work overtime and respond for call-back in emergency situations and snow removal operations. I have read, understand, and agree to the requirements for this position.

• Yes

• No

02

How much experience do you have in public works, construction, or another trades vocation that demonstrates the ability to perform semi-skilled to skilled manual maintenance and/or construction?

• None

• Less than 1 year

• 1 to less than 2 years

• 2 to less than 3 years

• 3 or more years

03

How much experience do you have operating a Backhoe and/or similar equipment? Please ensure the detail of this experience is reflected in your application.

• None

• Less than 1 year

• 1 to less than 2 years

• 2 years or more

04

What valid driving permit/licenses and/or certifications do you possess? Check all that apply

• Regular Driver's License

• CDL Learner's permit

• Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

• Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

• Hazardous Materials Category C

• DOT Basic Work Zone Safety Certification

• DOT Intermediate Work Zone Safety Certification

• None of the above

05

Which of the following equipment/machinery do you have experience operating? Check all that apply:

• Backhoe

• Excavator

• Gradall excavator

• Mini Excavator

• Air compressor with tools

• Brine system

• Bulldozer

• Cement mixer

• Crane

• Forklift

• Skid Steer

• Road grader

• Roller (tailgate, dual drum)

• Snow Melter

• Snow Plow (V-Box & Plow)

• Crane truck

• Vactor/Jetter

• Wheel Loader

• None of the above

06

Please check the box(es) if you have experience with any of the following: Please ensure the detail of any experience checked is reflected in your application.

• Moving, loading, and/or digging material utilizing excavators, dozers, loaders, etc.

• Excavating trenches below grade and around utilities

• Field construction experience (reading/interpreting plans, cut sheets, etc.)

• Performing preventive maintenance on heavy equipment

• Operating other specialized equipment (list on application)

• None of the above

Required Question

Agency Arlington County

Address 2100 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 511

Arlington, Virginia, 22201

Phone 703-228-3500

Website https://careers.arlingtonva.us/