Heavy Equipment Operator I, (B274130-6), 204, Transmission & Distribution

City of Laredo; Laredo (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Laredo is seeking a heavy equipment operator to support street, water, and utility projects. The role requires operating backhoes, graders, and loaders, performing pipe work, and assisting with general labor on construction sites.

Applicants must have at least two years of heavy equipment experience and hold a Texas CDL A or B with a clean MVR. The position includes safety training and background checks as part of City policy, with work primarily outdoors in varied conditions.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience as a heavy equipment operator.
• Valid Texas CDL class A or B and satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record.

Responsibilities

• Operates backhoe, graders, and loaders to install, replace, and maintain streets and roads, water utility lines, mains, meters, valves, etc.
• Cuts and fits pipes above or below ground to specifications necessary to install or repair water lines; assembles the pipe system; installs or replaces manholes, valves, tees, bends, and crosses.
• Raises, lowers, or moves water lines as needed.
• Removes sludge from treatment plants utilizing specialized injector tractor; monitors solid buildup and pumps sludge into injecting vehicle.
• Performs basic maintenance on equipment and tools including washing, changing oil, and greasing.
• Operates front end loader to pick up debris during construction projects; assists in performing unskilled or semi-skilled labor such as digging ditches, covering ditches, pouring concrete, mowing, and/or trimming trees and shrubs.
• Performs related work as required.

Job description

Operates light heavy equipment, including 18 wheel vehicles and small tractors. Repairs City utilities, lays pipelines, and performs other maintenance and excavation work requiring heavy equipment operation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Operates backhoe, graders, and loaders to install, replace, and maintain streets and roads, water utility lines, mains, meters, valves, etc.
• Cuts and fits pipes above or below ground to specifications necessary to install or repair water lines; assembles the pipe system; installs or replaces manholes, valves, tees, bends, and crosses.
• Raises, lowers, or moves water lines as needed.
• Removes sludge from treatment plants utilizing specialized injector tractor; monitors solid buildup and pumps sludge into injecting vehicle.
• Performs basic maintenance on equipment and tools including washing, changing oil, and greasing.
• Operates front end loader to pick up debris during construction projects; assists in performing unskilled or semi-skilled labor such as digging ditches, covering ditches, pouring concrete, mowing, and/or trimming trees and shrubs.
• Performs related work as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of safe operations of heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of geography of the City including major streets and landmarks.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance procedures.
• Knowledge of traffic rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of vehicles and equipment.

Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in organization and time management.
• Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines of the work.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment.
• Ability to follow oral and written instruction.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements

Position will have the following exposures

• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards
• Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations

Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments:

• Sometimes
  • Construction site
  • Confined space
• Frequently or Often
  • Outdoor environment
  • Street environment (near moving traffic)
  • Vehicles

Exposures

Position will require the employee to be exposed to:

• Sometimes
  • Individuals with known violent backgrounds
  • Fumes or airborne particles
  • Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Frequently or Often
  • Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
  • Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
  • Moving mechanical parts
  • Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Travel

Position will require the employee to travel:

• Local
  • Frequently or Often

Required Education and Experience

• At least two (2) years of experience as a heavy equipment operator.

Required Licenses

• A valid Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL) class A or B is required and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record.

*If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained prior to employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at [phone] two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.