Special Equipment Operator Trainee

Pasco County, FL; Wesley Chapel (FL); On-site; USD 71,635,000 - 81,278,000; Full time

Job summary

Pasco County is seeking a Special Equipment Operator Trainee to learn and operate heavy and complex construction and utility equipment. The 18-month trainee program leads to a Special Equipment Operator role with a starting wage of $25.12 per hour.

The role involves learning CCTV, jet/vac trucks, and multiple machines while performing maintenance, timekeeping, and safety training to support sewer and utility operations. Applicants must meet CDL and safety certification timelines.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• One year experience in utilities/solid waste and/or public works maintenance and/or construction, including six months in heavy equipment operation.
• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license and obtain CDL Class A within 30 days; tanker endorsement within 120 days.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the sewer television inspection unit, jet trucks, vacuum trucks, and related equipment.
• Learn Vactor operations and CCTV equipment; assist with manhole locating and backing spot as needed.
• Enter timekeeping data into the Electronic Asset Maintenance Management System (EAM) and attend required safety trainings.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Teamwork

Basic computer skills

Reading maps/drawings

Safety protocols

Education

High school diploma

Tools

TV truck

Jet-Vac truck

Sludge trucks

Mini trac

Skid steer

Job description

JOIN OUR TEAM AS A SPECIAL EQUIPMENT OPERATOR TRAINEE

Performs work directed and monitored by Special Equipment Operator of more than ordinary difficulty in the skilled operation of heavy and complex construction, maintenance, and transport equipment.

Candidates can expect to be employed under the auspices of the trainee program for approximately 18 months (depending on prior experience and aptitude). Upon successful completion of the trainee program, the candidate will be promoted to the title of Special Equipment Operator with a minimum starting salary of: $25.12 per hour.

The following duties are illustrative and not exhaustive. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

This is skilled and technical work in the operation and maintenance of the sewer television inspection unit, jet trucks, vacuum trucks, and other various equipment used in utilities system maintenance and repair. This position is responsible for learning the Vactor operations and the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) equipment, sludge truck, mini trac -hoe, rubber tire backhoe, skid steer, trac-hoe, and related equipment. Locates and exposes manholes for cleaning, assists with spotting driver when backing the vehicle, and performs vehicle and equipment maintenance which includes sight inspections and fuel checks. Enters timekeeping data into the Electronic Asset Maintenance Management System (EAM). Attends meetings and training classes, remaining current with Confined Space, Trench, Safety, Competent Person training, Intermediate Maintenance of Traffic (MOT), Disaster Preparedness and Response Planning, and First Aid/CPR. Requires lifting and/or moving up to 80 pounds and pushing or pulling heavy objects. Performs related duties as required.

Employees in this position work in teams under the direction of a Utilities Supervisor or designated Field Special Equipment Operator and work is reviewed through observations, reports, and obtained results.

• Knowledge of the operations of all machines and equipment involved in public works and/or utilities/solid waste activities in construction, maintenance, and repair.
• Knowledge of both traffic and safety rules as well as knowledge of applicable precautions to be taken to avoid accidents.
• Knowledge of utilities construction and repair, trenchless rehabilitation processes such as Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP), thermal plastic liner systems, chemical grouting, and manhole rehabilitation processes.
• Knowledge of the practices and techniques applied to the safe operation of heavy equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to understand instructions and make necessary reports.
• Skill in minor maintenance of all equipment to which assigned.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
• Skill in the operation of assigned equipment including basic computer skills.
• Ability to read and interpret maps and drawings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:10% inside a climate-controlled building. 90% outside which includes driving.

PHYSICAL SKILLS: Ability to lift and/or move up to 80 pounds and push or pull heavy objects. May use a handling device (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessively heavy objects. Ability to read for comprehension. Ability to communicate effectively using verbal, written, and visual communication. Ability to frequently bend, climb, stoop, squat, and walk. Ability to work for long hours, out-of-doors, occasionally under adverse weather conditions. Must pass pulmonary function test and fit test within sixty (60) days from date of employment. Position may require being clean shaven in order to comply with safety standards.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. One (1) year experience in utilities/solid waste and/or public works maintenance and/or construction, which includes six (6) months experience in the operation of a variety of heavy and complex construction, wastewater collections, and/or utilities maintenance equipment.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid Florida driver's license. Must obtain a valid Florida Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Class "A" permit within thirty (30) days of employment; full license with N tanker endorsement required within 120 days of employment. Must be able to obtain within (1) year from date of employment: Confined Space Certification Entry & Supervisor and Intermediate Maintenance of Traffic Certification. Trenching & Shoring Certification must be obtained with three (3) months from date of hire.

FDEP Level (3) Water Distribution System Operator License or FWPCOA (C) Wastewater Collection Technician Certification depending on discipline within (18) months from date of employment preferred.

OTHER MACHINES: The work also requires operation and ability to operate several of the following machines: TV truck, Jet-Vac truck, Sludge trucks, Mini trac, rubber tire backhoe, Trac-hoe, Skid steer, forklift, easement machines, generators, and other equipment as assigned.

OFFICE MACHINES: The work requires the ability to operate the following office machines: Telephone, Fax, photocopier, printer, desktop and laptop computers.

TOOLS: The work requires proficiency with various hand and power tools such as wrenches, pumps, grease guns, spray guns, and shovels.

ADA STATEMENT: A qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE: Pasco County BOCC is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida law.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES: All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Under Section 295.07, F.S., Chapter SSA-7, Pasco County BCC provides to Veterans, that preference in appointment will be given to preference‑eligible applicants.

PASCO COUNTY WAS VOTED ONE OF THE NATION'S TOP WORKPLACES FOR 2021