Equipment Operator I

Harris County Flood Control District; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harris County Flood Control District is seeking an Equipment Operator I to perform field maintenance along channels, drainage elements, and rights-of-way in Houston, TX. You will operate trucks and small to mid-size equipment, mix and apply herbicides, and assist in debris removal while following district safety guidelines.

Required is a High School diploma or GED, one year of field operations experience, and a valid Class C Texas driver's license; ability to work outdoors in all weather;

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalency.
• One year of experience in field operations or a related field.
• Requires a valid Class C Texas Driver's License.
• Knowledge of bayou, drainage area and right-of-way maintenance is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate trucks and equipment including spray equipment, tractors, chainsaws, XUVs, and weed trimmers.
• Mix and apply herbicides per formulas and instructions; dispense from vehicle or backpack.
• Cut weeds, grass and brush along channels, drainage elements, and rights-of-way with appropriate equipment.
• Inspect, maintain and report on equipment; fuel and wash as needed; report defects to supervisor.
• Assume additional duties as required in response to District needs.

Skills

Good verbal & written communication

Outdoor work

Team player

Independent worker

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Gasoline-powered equipment

ATV operation

Off-road vehicle operation

Job description

About Harris County Flood Control District:

The Harris County Flood Control District’s (District’s) core mission is to mitigate the risk of flooding in Harris County, which has a population of over 5 million and includes the City of Houston, the fourth-largest city in the United States. The District’s responsibilities extend to approximately 1,500 channels spanning nearly 2,500 miles, over 60 regional stormwater detention basins covering more than 10,000 acres, and several wetlands mitigation banks. The Harris County Flood Control District (District) is seeking qualified candidates for the role of Equipment Operator I, who will be responsible for operating various small engines and small- to moderate-sized equipment used to maintain clear channels, drainage elements, and rights-of-way in accordance with the District’s mission to maintain the Infrastructure.

What you will do at Harris County Flood Control District:

The Harris County Flood Control District (District) is seeking qualified candidates for the role of Equipment Operator I, who will be responsible for operating various small engines and small- to moderate-sized equipment used to maintain clear channels, drainage elements, and rights-of-way in accordance with the District’s mission to maintain the Infrastructure.

Essential Functions & Duties:

Equipment Operation

• Operate trucks and equipment, including spray equipment, tractors, chainsaws, 4-wheel drive extreme utility vehicles (XUV), and weed trimmers.

Herbicide Handling

• Mix herbicide(s) in accordance with the manufacturer's and the District’s formulas and instructions and dispense from the truck, tractor, XUV, or from a backpack.
• Clean and repair all spray equipment and properly store herbicides and supplies.

Vegetation & Debris Control

• Cut weeds, grass, and brush in, along, and around channels, drainage elements, and rights-of-way using equipment designated for that purpose.
• Dislodge and remove drifts and debris (trees, limbs, brush, vines, trash, and refuse) from channel berms, slopes, and bottoms for proper disposal.

Equipment Maintenance & Reporting

• Check and maintain all equipment fluids, perform daily inspection(s), and fuel and wash equipment, as needed.
• Report necessary replacement or repair of defective equipment to the supervisor.

Additional Duties

• Assume additional responsibilities as required, adapting to the District's evolving demands, responsibilities, needs, and objectives.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail]

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Education

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalency

Experience

• One (1) year of experience in field operations or a related field

Required Licenses

• Requires a valid Class “C” Texas Driver's License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good verbal & written communication skills.
• Can effectively communicate with coworkers and the public.
• Good analytical skills in applying guidelines and adapting standard methods to fit facts and conditions.
• Ability to work in an outdoor setting.
• Familiarity with operating gasoline-powered equipment and off-road vehicles.
• Ability to work well with a team in a field environment.
• Can work independently with limited to no supervision.

NOTE:

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. “See Resume” will not be accepted for qualifications.

Experience

• Prefer some knowledge of bayou, drainage area, and right-of-way maintenance, including, but not limited to, mowing, application of various herbicides, cutting and clearing brush, and debris removal.

License

• Prefer a valid Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License.
• Prefer a valid Texas State-licensed ATV Operator to operate four-wheel vehicles with a trailer.
• Prefer a valid Texas State Commercial or Non-commercial Pesticide Applicator License.

Position Type

• Regular Full Time

Hours

• 40 hours per week

Salary

• To be discussed at the interview

Location

• Facilities Maintenance | 7522 Prairie Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77086

Physical Demands & Environmental Exposure

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Frequently walking up and down steep slopes of ditches or on rough and uneven surfaces or ground such as sloping terrain, plowed or furrowed areas, or construction sites.
• Frequent stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying items up to 20 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds.
• Frequent driving of vehicles with automatic and four-wheel drive controls.
• Occasional ascending and descending stairs.
• 100% of duties are performed outdoors where there will be routine exposure to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture, air pollution, wind, and dust.
• Will be exposed to vegetation retardants, herbicides, and fertilizers.
• Will be exposed to petroleum products, including but not limited to gasoline, oil, grease, diesel, and other fuels and lubricants.
• Will be exposed to snakes, wildlife, wasps, bees, and other flying or walking insects.
• May be exposed to aquatic bacteria, viruses, and other micro-organisms.
• May be exposed to vibration or noise in excess of 85 decibels.
• May be exposed to fluids, compounds, or chemicals used in cleaning offices and work areas.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.