Equipment Operator I - WW (Open until filled)

Job Summary:

Operates heavy and other specialized equipment in the Wastewater Department.

Essential Functions:

• Performs scheduled maintenance and repairs on City streets, rights-of-ways, alleys, medians, storm water drainage systems, and retention basins;
• Operates a variety of equipment, machinery and tools used in department projects and activities, which may include weed cutters, blowers, mowers, and chainsaws; learns to operate dump truck, backhoe, front-end loader, water truck, tractors and associated attachments, and other related equipment;
• Assists in asphalt patching and repairing streets after construction and repair of sewer lines
• Performs general cleaning/maintenance tasks necessary to keep vehicles, equipment, and tools in operable condition, which may include inspecting equipment, checking fluid levels, replacing fluids, greasing equipment, replacing parts, washing/cleaning equipment, or cleaning shop/work areas; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety;
• May respond to emergency situations as needed involving accidents, road spills, debris, or other situations; assists with traffic control when necessary;
• Notifies customers of the nature, duration, and cause of wastewater service interruption, answering questions as necessary, and referring problem customers to crew leaders;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures;
• Set up safe work area;
• Confirms that all utilities are marked.
• Performs installation and maintenance of sewer infrastructure
• Cleans sewers
• Display courteous, civil, and respectful behavior to all persons and shall make every effort to meet the needs of citizens requesting assistance;
• Refrain from the use of abusive, indecent or profane language or gestures in the workplace, in the performance of duties or in the presence of a member of the public;
• Perform duties in a manner that is fair, impartial, and without prejudice toward any person or group;
• Refrain from arguing unnecessarily with any person or otherwise showing a lack of self-control, ridicule, or defame any employee, elected official or any other person or any agency of the City of Columbia;
• Display responsibility for attendance and promptness and report to the work area on time.

Secondary Functions:

• Performs other related duties as required.

Supervisory Functions:

None.

Please note: the minimum qualifications stated below are a guide for determining the education, training, experience, special skills, and/or license which may be required for employment in the class. These are re-evaluated each time the position is opened for recruitment. Please refer to the most recent Job Announcement for updated minimum qualifications.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills:

• Knowledge of hazards and safety rules and precautions in heavy equipment operation;
• Knowledge of traffic laws, ordinances and rules involved in equipment operation;
• Knowledge of safe, efficient operation of assigned equipment and observance of traffic laws and regulations;
• Knowledge of street layouts and routes;
• Must possess computer application skills that at a minimum include Microsoft Office Suite products including Word and Excel.

Ability:

• Ability to operate a variety of equipment, machinery and tools used in department projects and activities, which may include weed cutters, blowers, mowers, and chainsaws; learns to operate dump truck, backhoe, front-end loader, water truck, tractors and associated attachments, and other related equipment;
• Ability to operate a variety of construction power equipment including: jackhammer, tamper, easement machine and dump truck used for installing, maintaining, and repairing wastewater lines to facilitate project completion, to remove soil from excavation site, and move to and from different job locations;
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle or equipment such as: a combination truck, dump truck, crew truck with trailer carrying backhoe, various ½- and ¾-ton, or larger trucks, etc.;
• Ability to use tools ranging from common hand and power tools, such as hammers, hoists, saws, drills, and wrenches;
• Ability to use tools such as shovels, rakes, pruning and handsaws, hedge and brush trimmers, and axes; lawnmowers, chain saws, leaf blowers, and electric clippers;
• Deal with the public in the resolution of service problems;
• Identify hazardous or special waste and take appropriate reporting action;
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs;
• Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; participates in meetings;
• Ability to write clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; able to read and interpret written information;
• Ability to follow instructions, responds to management direction; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan;
• Ability to meet scheduling and attendance requirements

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• Valid Commercial Driver License, Class B
• Random Drug testing

Required Education/or Experience:

Six to twelve months related experience or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education: Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two year-college or technical school; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must regularly required to lift and/or move, push or pull up to 50 pounds with or without assistance, and/or move, push or pull up to 100 pounds or more with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and peripheral vision.

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is always exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; risk of electrical shock and explosives. Uses personal protective equipment. Position may be called out.