Heavy Equipment Operator - Water

Nature of Work

Operates equipment for the installation, service, and repair of water distribution service and main lines, fire hydrants, and other components of the distribution system to ensure efficient and effective services to the community.

Environmental Factors:

Works is performed outdoors 95% and 5% indoors; exposure to all weather conditions, noise, dust, dirt, open manholes, street cave-ins, chemicals, gases, mechanical, electrical, explosive and burn hazards. Safety equipment required includes safety shoes, vest, ear plugs, sound attenuator, hard had, safety visor and gloves.

Physical Factors:

Heavy physical work requires lifting items in excess of 90 pounds; balancing, bending, stooping, climbing, crouching, kneeling, squatting, reaching above shoulder height; pushing/pulling items in excess of 90 pounds; moving around construction sites with uneven terrain; uses a two-way radio; requires the ability to hear warning sounds.

Work Situation Factors:

Position may involve shift work, work on holidays, weekends, nights, overtime and standby status. Work may involve emergency situations. Precise limits, tolerances and standards must be met. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies. Release of Information Form (49 CFR Part 40) required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

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 lines.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

FIRST CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES EMPLOYEES WHO MEET ALL THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.

This initial posting will be used to fill a full-time, contract position in the Utilities Department but may be utilized to fill other full-time, and/or contract vacancies.

Full-Time; Contract

This position is graded at CN11

Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates backhoe and other equipment required to perform exclusive activity to meet the need of the specific job and performs preventive maintenance and minor repair on equipment.

• Digs manholes for water systems; operates a pipe locator to locate meters, valve boxes and manholes; completes reports on work requests.

• Respectfully interacts with the public to inform them of waterline maintenance activities.

• Ensures adherence to all traffic safety regulations and procedures at all times.

• Participates with crew leaders and other crew members in the overall operation of the City water system.

• Responds to water emergencies by assessing the situation; coordinating the work crew; and completing the work.

• Provides work direction and training to other crew members.

• May operate a dump truck with a GVWR of 53,000 pounds and a 2.5 ton truck to transport equipment to the work site, an excavator for larger jobs which require digging deeper than 10 feet, and a fire truck used for water line cleaning and restoration.

Minimum Qualifications

Equivalent to a high school diploma PLUS four (4) years of experience in the construction/installation of water systems, which includes one year of operating equipment. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Valid Class A commercial driver's license and current NM Level II Water Certification required, NM Level lll Water Certification preferred. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

General knowledge of: OSHA and state safety regulations; operations, services and activities of a water distribution system; methods and techniques of general construction, maintenance and repair; safety hazards, procedures, and equipment used when working on or near underground utility lines; limitations and general operating procedures of a variety of medium construction equipment; tools, equipment, materials, and supplies needed for installing, maintaining, and repairing water lines; and traffic control procedures using barricades and traffic cones.

Skills in: Proficiently operating equipment including backhoe, air compressors, trenchers, boring machine, shoring, chop saw, and other standard hand tools; operating heavy equipment such as a dump truck, excavator, and fire truck.

Ability to: Follow established procedures for installing, maintaining, and repairing water services; follow safety practices and procedures when working around multiple utilities, such as water, gas, and electric; perform technical reading and writing; execute water volume calculations; maintain concentration; direct the work of others; respond effectively to emergency situations; interact respectfully with City staff and members of the public; operate a motor vehicle and navigate across even and uneven surfaces.