Senior Equipment Operator (Urban Forestry)

City of San Antonio; Odessa (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of San Antonio seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator for the maintenance and construction of parks and public properties. This role involves operating heavy machinery, executing arborist duties, and providing technical supervision to crews. Applicants must have three years of experience and a Class 'A' CDL to ensure safety and effectiveness in various working conditions.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience operating light to heavy equipment.
• Ability to supervise and train staff.
• Knowledge of safety procedures for equipment operation.

Responsibilities

• Operate various types of heavy equipment for maintenance and construction.
• Perform inspections and maintenance on equipment.
• Supervise and train subordinate employees in maintenance tasks.

Skills

Reading and Writing

Equipment Operation

Supervision

Communication

Tree Care

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Class 'A' Commercial Driver's License

Job description

Under general supervision, is responsible for performing skilled and lead work operating one of several types of heavy equipment used to excavate, load, transfer, or move dirt, gravel, trees, or other material in the maintenance or construction of parks, streets, and other public properties. The Urban Forestry Division calls for this position to be involved in all facets of the tree removal process including but not limited, to chainsaw operations and site remediation. Exercises technical supervision over assigned crews.

Work Location
5800 Enrique M. Barrera Pkwy.

Work Hours
6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. All schedules are subject to seasonal adjustments, including some evenings and weekends. Shifts are subject to change to accommodate evening coverage, rotating weekends, and holiday shiftwork, as dictated by business needs.

• Operates cranes, graders, excavators, bulldozer, tractor trailer, and other types of light to heavy equipment.
• Ability to perform work duties from a bucket truck.
• Executes work instructions and directs subordinate employees in performing maintenance and construction tasks.
• Performs arborist duties, including but not limited to: Tree trimming, tree removal, tree planting, ecosystem management and site remediation.
• Performs inspections and minor maintenance or service checks on equipment and vehicles.
• Performs site inspections to assess tree health and for work planning purposes.
• Prepares reports and work orders, and maintains logs and time sheets.
• Participates in training employees in the use of equipment.
• Transports tools, vehicles, and equipment to and from job sites, frequently lifting and carrying materials weighing 50 pounds.
• Provides lead supervision to crews as assigned and ensures work is completed according to specifications and quality standards.
• Ensures that all established safety standards are observed while work is performed, including the wearing of safety apparel. (Personal Protection Equipment or P.P.E.)
• Ensures the proper placement of barricades and warning signs.
• Removes debris from drainage ditches, streets, roads, and alleys.
• Operates heavy equipment in disposal of refuse at a City landfill.
• Assists supervisor in maintaining a stock of supplies and materials required to perform assignments.
• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

• Formal or informal education or training which ensures the ability to read and write at a level necessary for successful job performance.
• Three (3) years of experience operating light, medium, and heavy equipment.
• Must have Class "A" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or the appropriate level of Texas Commercial "CDL" Driver's License plus all required endorsements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) or more years of experience operating backhoes.
• Two (2) or more years of experience operating skid loaders.
• Two (2) or more years of experience with large volume tree planting operations
• Two (2) or more years of experience with tree maintenance to include pruning and removals.
• Knowledge of arboricultural best practices.
• Knowledge of South Texas trees.
• Ability to read and write English.
• Basic computer skills.
• Familiar with SAP/CRM computer systems.

Applicant Information

• If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.
• Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
• Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
• Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.

• Knowledge of characteristics, limitations, and safety procedures of the equipment being operated.
• Knowledge of equipment inspection procedures and maintenance requirements.
• Knowledge of traffic safety practices and procedures.
• Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions.
• Ability to develop work schedules and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to recognize malfunctions in the equipment being operated.
• Ability to work under adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to perform all the physical requirements of the position, with or without accommodations.
• Working conditions are primarily in a construction site environment with frequent exposure to temperature extremes, dust, damp/wet surfaces, high noise levels, oily surfaces, and hazardous heavy equipment.