HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (DRAIN DITCH)

Job Summary

Employee is responsible for the maintenance of drainage ditches with the use of equipment such as a backhoe, front end loader, excavator, dump truck, and other similar department equipment; and assists department personnel with street paving, and the completion of a wide range of department projects. Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties.

Essential Job Functions

• Operates equipment such as backhoe, front end loader, excavator, dump truck, and similar equipment used in the completion of assigned public works projects including the maintenance of ditches to prevent any obstructions and/or corrosion.
• Uses a variety of hand tools such as shovels, weed eaters, and chainsaws to cut grass, clean sidewalks, cleans and removes debris from City rights-of-way and alleyways and performs public works related tasks around trees, wires, cars, and personal property and fellow workers.
• Operates paving equipment such as a Paving Machine, Motor Grader, Roller, Front End Loader, Dump Trucks, and other heavy equipment for overlay / reconstruction of streets.
• Required to respond to emergency situations as necessary.
• Assist the Paving Crews with the overlay / reconstruction of roads with the use of Paving equipment such as a Roller, Front End Loader, Dump Trucks, and other heavy equipment.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Applicant must have current Valid Class "C" Driver's License and be insurable (Valid Class "A or B" License preferred but not required)
• High School diploma or equivalent preferred and one to three (3-5) years of prior experience in the operation of heavy equipment; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Applicate must pass pre-employment criminal background check and drug screen at City's expense.
• Must successfully complete Emergency Management and Incident Command Training within first three months of hire date.
• Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

• Knowledge of safe and effective operation of equipment and machinery; working knowledge of public works department operations. Working knowledge of the location of city streets.
• Ability to make good judgement when making decisions regarding their regular job duties and be able to have the following mental functions: reading, simple math calculations, and withstanding moderate amounts of stress.
• Skills in the operation of equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Employee constantly performs work outdoors on a variety of public works projects. Employee is exposed to equipment/machinery, noise, odors, chemical fumes, dust, smoke, heat, cold, oil, dirt or grease, and risk of personal injury. Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours at nights and/or on weekends in response to emergency situations. Work requires moderate intermittent physical strength and effort daily. Work includes lifting, moving, and positioning/loading heavy objects (up to 100 lbs.), pulling, pushing, remain stationary or move about for the full workday may also be involved. Driving in adverse weather troublesome road conditions may be required.
• Duties may involve a high degree of intense mental concentration together with hand and eye coordination and visual attention for long periods in performing activities such as operation or repair of a Class A vehicle or Class C hydraulic equipment.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned to this position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

Any applicant selected for employment with the City of Weslaco must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing, references, background checks, and credential verification.