Equipment Operator III, Utility Services

City of Santa Fe Springs; Alexandria (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Dental and vision

Job summary

City of Alexandria is seeking skilled personnel to operate heavy equipment for street, utility, and drainage projects. The role emphasizes precise digging, grading, and material handling with attention to safety around traffic and the public.

The position requires at least 2 years of relevant experience, a valid Louisiana Class B CDL, and backhoe operation ability. Training in flagging and local regulations may be required, with opportunities to lead crew tasks as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience operating heavy equipment used in roadway repair and utilities.
• Valid Class B commercial driver's license (Louisiana) required; Class A may be required for certain equipment.
• Backhoe operation experience required; proper training and verification of past work will be reviewed.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment and perform digging, grading, loading, and material movement for road, utility, parks and drainage projects.
• Maneuver equipment to maintain safety around traffic, coworkers, and the public; ensure work complies with specifications.
• Produce and interpret work orders and records; communicate status and coordinate with supervisor and crew.
• Assist in setting up traffic control measures and responding to emergencies as needed.
• Perform manual tasks related to construction and maintenance as assigned.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Backhoe operation

Flagging certification

CDL (Class B)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Description

The purpose of this classification is to operate heavy equipment and perform manual work functions associated with the construction, maintenance, and repair of City streets/roads, drainage systems, right-of-way areas, parking lots, parks, recreation facilities, grounds areas, utility systems, or other areas of assignment. Emphasis is on the operation of track or rubber-tired construction equipment with specialized functions related to maintenance and construction activities where the operation of complex mechanisms requires the highest degree of skill, dexterity, and finesse, and where work is performed to exacting tolerances; incumbents may function as lead worker on occasion as needed. Classification is reserved for those positions where the operation of included equipment is the primary function of the job. Positions in Utilities are subject to 24-hour call.

Examples of Duties

• May serve as a crew leader or lead worker for specific project assignments; monitors and oversees assigned workers to ensure safety; directs work of crew to ensure that assigned tasks are completed.
• Maneuvers heavy equipment and operates complex mechanisms involving digging, moving earth and materials, grading, loading, and performing similar tasks in order to advance projects relating to construction and maintenance of City roads, grounds, property, utilities, rights-of-way, and other infrastructure; equipment is primarily driven and operated on-site, but does require some driving over public roads; maneuvers in and around traffic, crew workers, equipment, utilities, and other obstacles; obeys all traffic laws and safety guidelines; monitors immediate environment and work area to ensure the safety of operator, other workers, the equipment, and the public.
• Operates tractor/trailer combinations for the use of hauling heavy equipment and materials to and from the job sites.
• Operates excavator, track hoe, and backhoe to perform skilled digging and trenching for maintenance, upkeep, and construction projects for public utilities and other infrastructure, where exacting tolerances and specification are required; controls placement of equipment and determines optimum approach to each digging scenario in order to minimize destruction of property and avoid electric, water, sewer, and other public utility lines.
• Operates motor‑grader, scraper, and excavator with blade attachment to set gradients for large construction and maintenance projects such as roads, landscaping, embankments, and other projects requiring exacting specifications related to slope, angle, and pitch; determines appropriate settings and adjusts blades for height, angle, and pitch to achieve desired outcome; maneuvers equipment and operates mechanisms to skillfully set gradient, smooth surfaces, and spread materials.
• Operates bulldozer, scraper, and compactor to move earth, gravel, sand, and other materials for large construction and maintenance projects and landfill operations; operates mechanisms to establish rough grades or to smooth and compact surfaces in preparation for pavement, construction, or other work.
• Performs manual work functions associated with construction, maintenance and repair projects, which may include repairing roads/asphalt, compacting road surfaces, installing/repairing pipe, constructing/repairing ditches, repairing/replacing drainage culverts, repairing potholes, constructing sidewalks, cutting pipes, installing fences, installing/repairing irrigation systems, mowing right-of-ways, cutting trees and brush, assembling playground equipment, digging holes or trenches, shoveling materials, lifting/moving heavy materials, flagging traffic, and picking up debris/litter.
• Coordinates and/or assists in setting up special events/activities; assists with traffic control and litter pickup; assists departments with moving heavy furniture, files, or other heavy materials.
• Responds to emergency calls during inclement weather, or other emergency situations.
• Utilizes precautionary safety equipment and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals.
• Receives, prepares or completes various forms and documentation, including work orders, time cards, maintenance reports, spray records, diagrams, maps, manuals, reference materials, and other documents; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems; communicates via telephone and/or two‑way radio; provides information and assistance; takes and relays messages or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.

Typical Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in the operation of heavy equipment used in roadway repair, maintenance and installation of utility infrastructure (water, wastewater, gas, and electric), or similar work; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class B commercial driver’s license, and any state or federal certifications required in the field of assignment. Will be required to obtain a valid State of Louisiana Class B commercial driver’s license at time of appointment and maintain throughout employment for this classification.
• Assignment on some equipment may require a valid State of Louisiana Class A commercial driver’s license and/or special endorsements. Will be required to possess a valid State of Louisiana Class A commercial driver’s license and/or special endorsements. May be required to obtain Flagging certification.
• Applicants must be able to operate a Backhoe.
• Applicants must supply complete and accurate information concerning their previous training and experience including a detailed description of their work experience, the names and addresses of all previous employers and the dates of employment. The information is subject to verification.

Examination may consist of a written test, a rating of training and experience, a performance test or any combination thereof deemed necessary to adequately screen and rank applicants. Examination notices will be sent out via email with a testing date, time, and location if applicable.

Benefits

• We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees, including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long‑term disability, holidays, vacation, sick leave, and a wellness clinic for employees.

The City of Alexandria is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, national origin, or disability.