Equipment Operator

Job Title

Under direct supervision, performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance work. Operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance and replacement of City water, wastewater, streets and City's drainage system. May serve as lead worker over Maintenance Specialist I's and II's in the absence of Crew Leader. Performs other duties as assigned. This position will primarily operate either an asphalt paver or a motor grader, depending on the needs of the department.

Essential Job Functions

Assists Crew Leader in planning, scheduling and implementing construction, maintenance and operation activities to provide quality water, wastewater, street and drainage services for the City. Performs required labor involved in construction and maintenance projects as part of a crew, including pavement repair, ditch digging, manhole and line cleaning, main and pipe repair, laying and backfilling, ability to shoot and read grade. Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards. Ensures the safe operating conditions at work sites according to MUTCD, including but not limited to such conditions as traffic hazards, equipment operation, required barricades, confined space safety / trench safety. Performs routine inspections and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to supervisor; cleans equipment, ensures the proper maintenance of equipment and tools after use; street and drainage maintenance, etc. Responds to complaints regarding asphalt, concrete and drainage repairs; evaluates situations; explains findings to supervisor; contacts residents and business owners in areas where services will be interrupted and explains when services will be restored. Contacts residents and business owners in areas where street and drainage repairs occur and explains what the problem is / was and it was or will be corrected. Assists in training Maintenance Specialist I's and II's to increase their skills in the maintenance, construction and repair of streets and storm drainage systems. Assists in getting locates for gas, telephone, power, cable television, water, sewer lines and storm sewer pipes from the appropriate sources prior to excavation. Performs other duties as assigned. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential function of this position, as is the ability to create and maintain professional, harmonious working relationships with others.

Minimum Requirements

Graduation from High School or GED and three (3) years of proven experience relating to construction, maintenance and repair of streets and drainage. One (1) of the three years of experience related to equipment operation. Supervisory experience preferred. Ability to operate heavy equipment such as asphalt laydown machine, asphalt paver, rollers, asphalt reclaimer, tack machine and a water truck, dump truck and backhoe, motor grader, grade all, track loader. Ability to perform heavy manual tasks for extended periods of time; ability to shoot and read grade; ability to work safely; ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and the public; ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions. Ability to serve as Lead Worker over Maintenance Specialist I's and II's in the absence of the Crew Leader.

Other Requirements

Valid driver's license required. Must have and maintain a good driving record in accordance with the driving standards established by the City of Rowlett. Must report all traffic citations to his / her departmental Director or his / her designee within two working days of receipt. Valid Texas Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with Tanker endorsement is preferred or the ability to obtain one within six (6) months of employment. Must reside within a 1-hour response time from the Public Works Building, employees will have (6) months from employment date in which to relocate. May be required to be on-call and work nights, evenings and weekends.

Must be able to stand and walk to shoot survey grades, clean trucks and flag traffic. Must be able to operate equipment controls, use shovel, carry materials, and write daily reports. Ability to hear and talk when working in groups and listening for traffic. Ability to lift and carry materials up to 150 lbs. This job requires : pushing and pulling to shovel materials and push on brake (20 lbs. of exertion); reaching, bending, sitting, twisting, climbing and balancing in order to use equipment and remove debris. Exposed to extremes in outdoor temperature, inclement weather, high noise levels, and vibration of hands, arms, shoulders and back when operating jack hammer and tamper.