Heavy Equipment Operator - Water

Utilities Operator

Operates a wide variety of equipment for the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of water distribution service 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 hat, 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 involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. 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.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process. First consideration may 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, regular, non-exempt, union represented position in the Utilities Department but may be utilized to fill other full-time and / or contract vacancies. Full-time; Regular; Non-Exempt, Union Represented. This position is graded at BC11.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates, uses, and employs backhoe, tractor, truck, 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 and systems.
• Digs manholes for water systems; operates a pipe locator to locate meters, valve boxes, and manholes; transports and disposes of solid waste material collected from commercial and residential locations.
• Respectfully interacts with the public to inform them of maintenance, repair, and installation activities; ensures work is completed with minimal disruption to services.
• 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 systems and infrastructure.
• Responds to water emergencies by assessing the situation; coordinates work crews and completes 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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma, GED AND four (4) years of experience in the construction / installation of water systems, which includes one (1) year of operating construction equipment. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy. Licenses / Certification(s) : Valid Class A commercial driver's license is required. NM Level II Water Certification required, NM Level III Water Certification is desirable. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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. Principles, current principles of record keeping and records management; customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to : perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; 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; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

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; reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.