Equipment Operator III

Hidalgo County; Weslaco (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Hidalgo County is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator III to perform advanced road construction and maintenance work. This role involves operating complex machinery, ensuring safety inspections, and may include acting as a crew leader. Candidates should have a high school diploma and experience with heavy equipment. Bilingual skills in Spanish and English are preferred.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience with light, medium, and heavy construction equipment.
• Knowledge and ability to make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment.

Responsibilities

• Performs safety inspections and operates various heavy equipment.
• May act as a crew leader and assists during emergencies.
• Prepares daily reports and performs routine maintenance.

Skills

Knowledge of construction

Ability to maintain records

Safe operation of equipment

Ability to perform strenuous outdoor work

Bilingual in Spanish and English

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Heavy construction equipment

Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Job description

Performs advanced (senior-level) road construction and maintenance work, involving the specialized operation of complex medium and heavy road construction equipment used for repair, maintenance, and construction programs. Work may involve some instruction or supervision. Works under general supervision with some latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

In addition to tasks performed by a Heavy Equipment Operator I and II, the Heavy Equipment Operator III also:

1. Performs safety inspections to ensure equipment is in proper working order.
2. May act as a crew leader in the field.
3. Provides assistance during emergency situations involving flooding and/or severe weather.
4. Possesses knowledge of or the ability to learn the use of surveyor’s level to maintain elevation grades on project sites.
5. Sets up work zones to ensure worker safety and proper warning signs at construction and maintenance sites.
6. Grades roads, spreads caliche, and assists in the construction and opening of new roads.
7. Cleans, clears, or builds bar ditches according to ground elevations and drainage needs.
8. Operates various gasoline and diesel equipment, including graders, backhoes, front-end loaders, forklifts, dump trucks, and related machinery.
9. Prepares daily reports and logs on materials, equipment, work hours, and project status.
10. Performs routine and preventive maintenance and repairs on vehicles and equipment.
11. Performs general manual labor as required.
12. Loads trucks, hauls materials, and unloads at designated areas.
13. Sets up traffic control to ensure safe working environments.
14. Reports and repairs equipment malfunctions.
15. May work on reconstruction or rehabilitation of streets, surface maintenance, traffic control, or drainage zones.
16. Maintains vehicles in ready condition, including fueling, lubrication, and cleaning.
17. May read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and specifications.
18. Works effectively and cooperatively with team members.
19. May train or supervise others.
20. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications include:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years of experience with light, medium, and heavy construction equipment.
• Knowledge and ability to make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment.

Certificates, licenses, and registration:

• Preferred: Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Must have a valid Texas motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Must be insurable by the County’s insurance carrier.
• Subject to drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive positions.

Additional skills and abilities include:

• Knowledge of construction, maintenance, repair, and operation of equipment and vehicles.
• Ability to maintain records and work effectively with the public.
• Safe operation of equipment and knowledge of Texas motor vehicle laws.
• Skill in operating heavy equipment safely.
• Ability to perform strenuous outdoor work.
• Ability to understand and follow oral instructions.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow safety rules, instructions, and manuals.
• Basic math skills.
• Ability to apply common sense and handle standardized problems.