Description

The principal responsibility of the Distribution/Collection Equipment Operator is to have the practical knowledge and experience necessary to safely and efficiently operate all equipment requiring special knowledge, competence and skill including backhoes, trenching machines, loaders, sewer machines and other equipment that is needed to maintain the daily operations of the Distribution and Collection Department. In addition, understanding and applying State and Federal laws and standards related to trenching, excavation and competent person procedures, notifying the proper utilities of excavation sites and ensuring all lines have been located before excavation begins is essential. At the discretion of the Director, the Equipment Operator will also be responsible for training other employees in the Distribution and Collection Department in the safe and proper use of equipment. Other facets of the position will include continually seeking ways to improve existing standards of safety through training and job knowledge and implementing a preventive maintenance program for assigned equipment, tools and vehicles that helps to ensure a safe work environment, assisting the Foreman with assigned office and field work and, during the Foremans absence, assuming those responsibilities, communicating with the Foreman and Director concerning problems or requests in areas of public or employee relations, maintenance or construction projects and budgeted expenses, completing daily work orders and reports related to materials, man-hours and equipment in an accurate and timely manner, providing courteous, prompt, knowledgeable and professional service to customers and helping to maintain a public relations program that is proactive by design, participating in a cross-training program relative to all aspects of the Distribution and Collection Departments, being regular in attendance and consistently on time for each shift, participating in the on-call rotation in which responsibilities of equipment operation are imperative, being available to work after normal hours of operation and during emergencies, maintaining a good personal appearance that reflects favorably on the City as a whole and, to the best of their ability, working in cooperation with others to help provide an efficient and harmonious work environment.

Examples of Duties

The most vital aspect of the position of Equipment Operator is to have the practical knowledge and experience necessary to safely and efficiently operate all equipment requiring special knowledge, competence and skill including backhoes, trenching machines, loaders, sewer machines and other equipment that is needed to maintain the daily operations of the Distribution and Collection Department. Underground utility work presents hazards and concerns for the Equipment Operator that are unique to the Distribution and Collection Department and the employee must be aware not only of water and sewer lines, but also of low, intermediate and high pressure gas lines, 110 to 7,200 volt electric lines, single drop, multiple pair and Fiber Optics telephone lines and CATV lines that may also be buried at the excavation site. Inadvertently cutting one of these lines can result in much more than simple disruption of service. Fires or possible explosions can occur when gas and electric lines are cut and the result of the accident could lead to serious injury or possible death. Telephone lines, especially multiple pair and Fiber Optics cables, transmit 911 information and other critical data for literally thousands of customers and an outage could create widespread problems, not to mention accountability for monetary damages that result from disruption of service. Also, because of unstable soil conditions and trenches of various depths or grades, employees are often required to work in adverse or possibly hazardous situations, and it will always be the foremost responsibility of the Equipment Operator to continually seek ways to maintain safe conditions for self and others. Therefore, understanding and applying State and Federal laws and standards related to trenching, excavation and competent person procedures, notifying the proper utilities of excavation sites and ensuring all lines have been located before excavation begins is essential to ensure the safety of the operator, fellow employees, the public and property. A working knowledge of and the ability to safely operate the sewer machine that is used in the maintenance of the Wastewater Collection system is also of utmost importance. The majority of the employees knowledge in these areas will be provided through a continuing education program from accredited schools and courses, through monthly TWUA meetings, through periodic safety meetings and seminars conducted by other regulatory agencies or by the Director and other employees of the Distribution/Collection Department and through magazines, periodicals or other literature that the City and/or employee receives related to the Water and Wastewater fields. In addition, ensuring equipment is in the best possible working condition is essential to safe operation and the employee will be responsible for daily visual and audio preventive maintenance inspections, including greasing all parts and checking air filters and fluid levels for assigned equipment and for reporting any substandard conditions to the Director. A general understanding of TCEQ rules and regulations concerning the Water and Wastewater fields and their practical field applications is also necessary, as the employee will be required to work closely with the Foreman and the Crew Member on a daily basis. At the discretion of the Director, the Equipment Operator will also be responsible for training other employees in the Distribution and Collection Department in the safe and proper use of equipment. This will include teaching others the fundamentals and purposes for specific equipment, precautions and maintenance inspections to ensure safety and most importantly, practical applications for use. Training others to properly and safely use heavy equipment is a major responsibility of the Equipment Operator and attention to detail concerning these areas is of utmost importance.

Qualifications

The successful applicant must possess a High School Diploma or GED, a valid Texas Driver's License, has a personal telephone and be easily contacted during emergencies. The applicant must have a minimum of three years of progressively work related experience, including two years experience of heavy equipment operation. Also, a class C Water Distribution Certificate and a Class C Wastewater Certificate are desired.

Knowledge

Ability to operate a backhoe and ditching machine safely and efficiently. Know and understand trenching and excavation procedures. Ability to complete work orders and keep up with materials.