Equipment Operator I - Utilities

Operates equipment used for grading and excavation for the installation, maintenance, and repair of underground utility (water, wastewater, and stormwater) systems.

• Operates hand tools appropriate to the assigned field;

• Occasionally may operate more complex heavy equipment in less complex/precise construction projects; 

• Performs operator maintenance/repairs, reports major repairs; 

• Performs a variety of manual laboring tasks;

• Ensures all tasks are completed in a safe and efficient manner;

• Performs appropriate inspections and keeps equipment and vehicles clean and in safe working order;

• Checks and maintains fluid level/refuels;

• Keeps appropriate records of tasks performed;

• Occasionally fills in for Crew Leader when needed and assists in training other employees;

• Employee will be assigned to a specific after hours on-call schedule depending on assigned field; 

• Performs duties of Maintenance Worker when not operating equipment; 

• Attend training as needed to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements, as well as maintain required certifications;

• Assist in emergency operations as needed; 

• Mentor new employees; and

• Performs additional duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions for operating medium construction equipment; 

• Demonstrates efficiency in operating designated equipment;

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and materials used in various utility (water, wastewater, and stormwater) construction projects;

• Ability to make independent judgments;

• Skill in using methods, materials and equipment to perform assigned construction and tasks; 

• Skill in performing vigorous manual labor under adverse weather conditions; 

• Skill in communicating tactfully and courteously with the public; 

• Skill in reading schematics and following oral and written instructions; 

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, other City staff, and the public.

High school graduate or high school equivalent; plus, experience equivalent to one-year full time work in operating the designated or similar equipment and construction or maintenance activities. Current and valid State of Tennessee or Virginia Class A, Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preferred, or must obtain within 6-months of employment. Must be Forklift Operator trained and certified within first year of employment.

• Preferred

• Grade II Distribution or Collection Systems, or Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control

• Level 1, depending on assigned field.