Equipment Operator (Semi-Skilled) – Water Distribution

Job Summary

Under general supervision visually inspects equipment to ensure proper operating conditions, performs minor lubrications services; reports major malfunctions or repairs needed to supervisor; operates equipment to include tractor with rotating cutter and various hand help equipment; positions necessary safety equipment around worksite to avoid possible hazards; locates and identifies utility lines before digging or installing water mains; inspects worksite to ensure specifications are met and equipment has been properly installed and performs additional tasks in support of the department as needed or upon request.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statement of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required, assigned and expected aside from those set forth below to address operational needs and changing operational practices.

• Visually inspects back hoe and equipment to ensure no problems are existing.
• Check fluid levels to include oil, water and hydraulic fluids; adds additional fluid as needed.
• Performs minor repairs on equipment to include replacing blown lights, bulbs, and fuses.
• Reports major equipment malfunctions or repairs or needed to supervisor for repair by shop mechanic. Visually inspects tires to ensure no wear or damaged is visible; using air pressure gauge tests to ensue tires are properly inflated.
• Inspects exterior of vehicle and equipment lights and replaces broken or damaged parts as necessary.
• Using a grease gun performs lubrication services on equipment.
• Inspects fittings or joints on equipment to ensure they are serviceable.
• Using a pressure washer, brush and cleaning solution cleans exterior of vehicles and equipment to remove mud, dirt and debris.
• Positions necessary safety equipment around work area to avoid safety hazards to include safety cones, signs and flares; may position flag person to direct traffic.
• Ensures that signaling and beacon lights are operating when work is in progress.
• Uses two-way radio to communicate with superintendent, dispatchers, and other work crews.
• Operates tractor with rotating cutter to cut sewage right-of-ways and lift station grounds.
• Loads sand, gravel, and heavier debris into trucks for transport.
• Operates hand held packer to re-pack dirt upon completion of repairs. Confers with line locators on locations and possible hazards of utility lines and takes safety precautions not to damage existing water mains or other utilities when working near live lines to include electrical and gas lines fiber optic (telephone) lines.
• Use chain saw to cut trees and low hanging limbs in right of ways; may cut larger debris before loading for dumping at the landfill.
• Uses jackhammer to break pavement or concrete to access sewer lines in need of repair.
• Receives daily work assignments from supervisor; confers with utility personnel to ensure that lines have been located and identified before beginning work; determines type of repair installation needed.
• Installs water main pumps and service lines for residential and commercial properties.
• Assists in installing water pumps at pump stations.
• Uses various hand tools to include hammers, wrenches and hand saw to perform pipe fitting, installations and repairs to include gas powered pipe saw to cut pipe used in water line repairs.
• Assists in performing various pipe fitting tasks, may raise and rebuild man holes.
• Forms, mixes concrete to replace areas of driveways or sidewalks, damaged or removed to make repairs or installations.
• Attends departmental and safety meetings and training on the use of operation of new equipment.
• Performs additional tasks as assigned or upon request.

Qualifications

Education & Experience Guidelines
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities required for this position would be:

Education/Training
Have high school education or GED equivalent or demonstrated level of proficiency.

Experience
Operating various equipment including but not limited to a backhoe, track hoe and dump truck.

Licenses or Certifications Required
Must possess valid driver’s license.

The following generally describes the knowledge and abilities required in order to successfully perform the assigned duties of the position:

Knowledge of:

• Water design and operations including installations.
• Organization and operational procedures of water division of Utilities Department.
• Various tools and equipment including tamps, air hammers and pipe saws.
• Utility safety rules and procedures.
• Policies, rules and regulations of the City of Phenix City.

Ability to:

• Read in order to comprehend operator manuals, directives, gauges and indicators.
• Write in order to prepare reports, work orders and similar non-complex documents.
• Verbally communicate in order to converse with supervisor and co-workers on work-related issues.
  Count, add, and subtract whole numbers.
• Safely and efficiently operate jackhammer to access water lines.
• Operate chain saw to cut low hanging limb or other debris from right-of-ways.
• Operate gas powered pipe saw to cut pipe used in water line repairs.
• Work under general supervision and complete assigned tasks.
• Exercise judgment particularly in tasks involving safety of self and others or efficiency of operations.
• Follow instructions and efficiently complete tasks.
• Work as a member of a team.
• Work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.

Physical Demands & Working Environment

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations needed to perform the essential duties of this position.

Environment: Work done primarily outdoors.

Physical Demands: See accompanying page for details

Key Working Relationship: Supervisors, co-workers and other city employees.

Applications for this position will be accepted until a pool of 20 applications is received or the position is filled, whichever comes first. Current city employees wishing to apply should send Internal Job Application provided by the Human Resources Department to the HR Director by the deadline stated. (A courtesy copy will be sent to the employee’s department head.)

Applications can be found online (download an application) or picked up at the City of Phenix City Human Resources Department:
1200 8th Avenue
Phenix City, AL 36867
Ph: 334 448-2706

Applications are available for pick up and drop Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET. You may also email your completed application with the required supporting documents.