Equipment Operator III (Water)

City of Dothan; Dothan (AL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Dothan is seeking a hands-on Equipment Operator to support water and wastewater construction and maintenance projects. You will operate a range of heavy equipment, dig trenches, and perform related tasks to ensure safe, efficient infrastructure upkeep.

You will collect samples, assist with directional bore operations, clear rights-of-way, and participate in routine maintenance. The role may involve on-call response and supervision in the absence of a supervisor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One year of recent experience operating heavy construction equipment (backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, etc.).
• Water-related certification (ADEM Grade I Water) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment as part of water/wastewater construction and maintenance projects.
• Dig trenches, install trench boxes, perform asphalt cuts as needed.
• Transport samples to external lab; collect samples as required.
• Supervise and participate in bore operations; mix drilling fluids per specs.
• Clear rights-of-way; remove debris and vegetation; perform grounds work.
• Perform preventive maintenance and report repairs; potential supervision in absence of supervisor.
• Locate underground utilities and respond to emergencies; support customer service.

Skills

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Communication

Team supervision

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CDL Class A

Job description

This position operates assigned equipment in support of water and wastewater operations construction and maintenance projects.

• Operates heavy equipment on a crew engaged in the construction, repair, and/or maintenance of water treatment and water distribution systems as assigned; digs trenches and installs trench boxes; performs asphalt/street cuts to make repairs.
• Operates backhoe, excavator, crane truck, dump truck, line truck, forklift, front end loader, trencher, horizontal directional drilling machine, and other equipment as assigned.
• Collects samples and transports to external laboratory for analysis.
• Supervises and participates in the operation of directional bore equipment as assigned; mixes drilling fluid chemicals according to specifications.
• Operates equipment to clear rights-of-way as assigned; removes debris, trees, and brush from easements.
• Performs preventive maintenance procedures on assigned equipment and vehicles; reports repair needs to supervisor.
• Directs the work of personnel in the absence of the crew maintenance construction supervisor.
• Locates underground utilities.
• Performs grounds maintenance duties.
• Responds to after-hours emergencies as a supervisor when on call; responds to customer complaints; determines if additional support is needed; removes fallen trees or branches; identifies and resolves system malfunctions.
• Responds to storm and other emergency events as needed.
• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of the techniques, equipment, and materials used in the construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of water system infrastructure and related equipment.
• Knowledge of city and departmental safety policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the geography of the city, including street names and locations.
• Skill in the operation of a variety of assigned equipment.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.
• Skill in the use of hand and power tools.
• Skill in directing the work of personnel.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include traffic laws, work safety policies, and city policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related equipment operation duties. Inclement weather and heavy traffic contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to operate equipment in support of a variety of department operations. Successful performance contributes to the provision of efficient and effective water services to the public.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, other city personnel, vendors, contractors, and the public.
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, bending, crouching, walking, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color.
• The work is typically performed outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position may have functional supervision over assigned personnel.

• Graduation from a standard senior-high school or GED equivalent, as recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); and
• One (1) year recent experience in the operation of heavy construction equipment to include backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, low-boys, boring machine, trencher, and/or tanker truck.
• Possession of an ADEM Grade I Water certification preferred.
• Water treatment and distribution system knowledge, skills, and operations preferred.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT/PROMOTION/DEMOTION/TRANSFER

Employees are required to complete/sign the Certification & Condition of Employment/Promotion/Demotion /Transfer form(s). [See condition(s) for details.]

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid operator’s driver license and an acceptable driving record. (PBA 9/10/01)
• Employees are required to obtain a Class A (UNRESTRICTED)Commercial Driver License (CDL) within 120 days of date of employment/promotion/transfer/demotion to this position. (See condition for details.)
• In an emergency and/or standby situation, an employee in this position must be able to report to his/her regular workstation in a maximum of 30 minutes from the time of notification. (Sec. 2-30. (2) / PBA 1/9/95) This requirement must be met within six (6) months of employment/promotion /demotion/transfer. (See condition for details.)
• An employee in this position must be available to be contacted via phone within 30 days of employment/promotion/demotion/transfer, due to call out requirements.
• An applicant for this position is subject to various background investigations up to and including a criminal, credit, past employment, and reference checks.
• Employees are required to submit to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with the City of Dothan policy, which includes pre-employment and random tests for the duration of employment in this position. (PBA 8/13/12)
• Must meet the City of Dothan’s employment physical standards, which include drug/alcohol testing.

An Equal Opportunity, Affiant employer