Lead Utilities Heavy Equipment Operator - Gas Infra

City of Richmond, Virginia; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Virginia Retirement System (VRS)

Language Incentive

Referral Bonus

T uition Assistance Program

Job summary

The City of Richmond is seeking a qualified Utilities Heavy Equipment Operator for the Department of Public Utilities to maintain and operate heavy machinery used in gas infrastructure installation and repair.

The position requires leadership on complex tasks, training of junior crew, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards, with a one-hour emergency response time and on-call rotation possible.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Six years of relevant work experience, including at least two years at the Equipment Operator, Principal level.
• Training in the equipment used at this level of assignment.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy construction and specialized equipment including excavators, backhoes, vacuum excavation units, and fusion equipment for gas infrastructure installation and repair.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on equipment operation and gas utility construction procedures, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency.
• Trains and mentors junior equipment operators and crew members in the safe operation of machinery and adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Oversees and performs complex field procedures such as bagging for gas control, live main tapping, pipe fusion (PE), and emergency isolation.
• May respond to critical gas leaks and other emergencies, operating detection equipment and coordinating repair activities with minimal supervision.
• Interprets construction drawings, schematics, and utility maps to identify and avoid conflicts with underground facilities.
• Ensures all work meets federal, state, and local compliance standards, including those outlined by PHMSA and OSHA.
• Maintains daily logs, vehicle and equipment reports, and ensures materials and tools are available and in working order.
• Conducts pre-operation inspections and makes or recommends necessary repairs to equipment.
• Supports supervisor in scheduling, planning, and coordinating daily tasks, and may serve as acting supervisor in their absence.
• Performs related field duties such as trenching, shoring, meter setting, and facility restoration as required.

Skills

Lead mentorship

Mechanical aptitude

Field documentation

Safety compliance

Plan interpretation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

The City of Richmond is seeking a qualified Utilities Heavy Equipment Operator for the Department of Public Utilities to maintain and operate heavy machinery used in gas infrastructure installation and repair.

The position requires leadership on complex tasks, training of junior crew, and adherence to safety and regulatory standards, with a one-hour emergency response time and on-call rotation possible.