Equipment Operator-Utilities

Performs skilled and semi-skilled work in the operation of various medium/heavy equipment in Plant Operations and Water Services Operations.

When assigned to Landscaping/Tree Maintenance:

• Operates a variety of medium/heavy construction equipment which may include: sweeper truck, bucket truck, back hoe, side loading refuse truck, road tractor, paint machine, crane truck, loader and tanker truck;

• Knowledge, skill, and ability to perform landscaping work including herbicide applications, landscape installation, and landscape maintenance tasks; 

• Skill in removal and care of large trees.

• Perform aerial tree pruning and removal utilizing mechanical equipment and rigging as required ensuring work is completed in a safe and efficient manner; 

• Operate hand tools, blowers, chain saws, and other required equipment, including commercial mowers, tractors and attachments, brush chipper, stump grinder, knuckle boom loader, and bucket truck; 

• Maintain ropes and perform basic maintenance on same; 

• May require valid and appropriate Commercial Pesticide Certification or ability to obtain such within first year of employment.

When assigned to Organic Refuse:

• Operates a recycling collection vehicle, grabber truck, automated garbage collection truck, side-loading refuse collection vehicle and/or rear loading refuse collection vehicle as needed.

• Ability to follow routes and make independent judgments.

When assigned to Plant Operations:

• Operates a variety of medium/heavy construction equipment including sweeper truck, bucket truck, back hoe, side loading refuse truck, road tractor, paint machine, crane truck, loader and tanker truck;

When assigned to Recycling:

• Operates a variety of medium/heavy construction equipment including a grabber truck, recycling truck, automated refuse collection vehicle, side-loading refuse collection vehicle and/or rear loading refuse collection vehicle as needed, sweeper truck, bucket truck, back hoe, side loading refuse truck, road tractor, paint machine, crane truck, loader and tanker truck;

When assigned to Refuse Disposal:

• Operates a variety of medium/heavy construction equipment including the tub-grinder at the demolition landfill, dozer, trackloader, pan, sweeper truck, bucket truck, back hoe, side loading refuse truck, road tractor, paint machine, crane truck, loader and tanker truck;

When assigned to Street Cleaning:

• Operates a variety of medium/heavy construction equipment including sweeper truck and tanker truck;

When assigned to Street Maintenance:

• Operates a variety of medium/heavy construction equipment including sweeper truck, bucket truck, back hoe, side loading refuse truck, road tractor, paint machine, crane truck, loader and tanker truck;

When assigned to Water Services Operations (Drinking Water, Stormwater, or Wastewater):

• Operates a variety of medium/heavy construction equipment including back hoe, trackhoe, skid steer, crane truck, loader and tanker/pumper truck; *(requires a Class A CDL); 
• Performs same duties as other crew members while not operating equipment.

When assigned to Trash Collection:

• Operates grabber truck, recycling truck, automated refuse collection vehicle, side-loading refuse collection vehicle and/or rear loading refuse collection vehicle as needed.

• Ability to follow routes and make independent judgments.

Applicable to all assignments:

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

• Performs operator maintenance/repairs, reports major repairs; 

• Checks and maintains fluid level/refuels;

• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and materials used in various public works and facility construction projects; 

• Skill in operating designated equipment; 

• Skill in using construction, maintenance and repair tools, methods, materials and equipment; 

• Skill in applying mechanical repair and construction methods and techniques to perform assigned construction, maintenance and repair projects; 

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

• Skill in communicating tactfully and courteously with the public; 

• Skill in 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 equivalency; plus experience equivalent to one year full time work in operating the designated or similar equipment and construction or maintenance activities. Must possess and maintain a valid State of TN or VA Commercial Driver's License (Class A CDL).