$33.77 p/h - Equipment Operator

American Water; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility company is seeking an Equipment Operator in Alexandria, VA. The operator will handle various construction machines, perform safety inspections, and assist in maintaining the water distribution system. Candidates should have two years of experience with construction equipment, a high school diploma or GED, and a valid driver's license. This role requires a commitment to safety and teamwork, with opportunities for overtime. Join us to make a difference in the community!

Qualifications

• Two years experience operating construction equipment.
• Ability to read safety rules and maintenance instructions.
• Valid motor vehicle operator's license required.

Responsibilities

• Operate a backhoe and front-end loaders for various tasks.
• Perform safety inspections and routine maintenance on equipment.
• Assist with erecting barricades and placing safety lights.

Skills

Problem solving

Ability to interpret instructions

Mathematical skills

Common-sense understanding

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Various construction equipment

Job description

Join to apply for the Equipment Operator role at American Water

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Primary Role

Operates various types of power construction equipment such as backhoe and front‑end loaders, to excavate, move, grade and replace soils and miscellaneous backfill/restoration materials, and to load/unload pipe, fittings and materials. Assist other crewmembers with various duties in connection with the operation, maintenance and construction of the water distribution system.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform all functions of the position in a safe and conscientious manner, with constant regard for the safety of fellow employees and the general public.
• Operate earthmoving and construction equipment and vehicles.
• Takes instructions and decides what needs to be done with the assigned equipment in order to complete the job.
• Reads and understands schematics, blueprints or sketches of work to be done.
• Understands Miss Utility marks and is familiar with the hazards associated with other below and above ground utilities including a general understanding of the Miss Utility laws and regulations and related company policies.
• Performs safety/operational inspections and routine minor preventative maintenance to equipment.
• Has a general understanding of Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act and company policies relating to same.
• Assist with wet taps using large and small tapping machines, install repair sleeves, flare copper, and install meter settings and yokes.
• Be familiar with the duties of Laborer, Truck Driver, and Utility Worker classifications.
• Assists with erecting barricades and placing safety lights around worksites to protect workers from street traffic, may flag traffic as required.
• Maneuvers pipe sections, valves and fittings into position.
• Backfills excavations using compaction equipment on dirt, crushed stone and cold mixed asphalt.
• Removes and installs water meters, reads meters after installation.
• Work overtime as required.
• Drive Company vehicles and pull trailers as required.
• Perform maintenance work on Company property and grounds.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Core skills:
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Language skills:
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Mathematical skills:
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
  • Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret graphs.
• Reasoning ability:
  • Ability to apply common-sense understanding to carry out instruction furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
  • Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Experience / Education:
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
  • Two (2) years experience operating backhoe and other construction equipment.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to write simple reports and correspondence.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
  • Valid motor vehicle operator's license with acceptable driving record.
  • Confined Space Entry Certification (post‑hire).
  • VDOT Flagging Certification (post‑hire).

Work Environment

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job in all weather conditions and is regularly exposed to vibration.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in outside weather conditions.
• The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and extreme cold.
• The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, extreme heat and risk of electrical shock.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, talk or hear, and taste or smell.
• The employee must regularly lift and/or remove up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Competencies

• Champions safety
• Customer obsessed
• Cultivates innovation
• Nimble learning
• Drives Results
• Collaborates

Seniority Level

• Not Applicable

Employment Type

• Full-time

Job Function & Industries

• Management and Manufacturing
• Utilities