Operates light heavy equipment, including 18 wheel vehicles and small tractors. Repairs City utilities, lays pipelines, and performs other maintenance and excavation work requiring heavy equipment operation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Operates backhoe, graders, and loaders to install, replace, and maintain streets and roads, water utility lines, mains, meters, valves, etc.
• Cuts and fits pipes above or below ground to specifications necessary to install or repair water lines; assembles the pipe system; installs or replaces manholes, valves, tees, bends, and crosses.
• Raises, lowers, or moves water lines as needed.
• Removes sludge from treatment plants utilizing specialized injector tractor; monitors solid buildup and pumps sludge into injecting vehicle.
• Performs basic maintenance on equipment and tools including washing, changing oil, and greasing.
• Operates front end loader to pick up debris during construction projects; assists in performing unskilled or semi-skilled labor such as digging ditches, covering ditches, pouring concrete, mowing, and/or trimming trees and shrubs.
• Performs related work as required.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of safe operations of heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of geography of the City including major streets and landmarks.
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance procedures.
• Knowledge of traffic rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of vehicles and equipment.

Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in organization and time management.
• Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines of the work.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment.
• Ability to follow oral and written instruction.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements
Position will have the following exposures

• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards
• Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations
Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments:

• Sometimes
  • Construction site
  • Confined space
• Frequently or Often
  • Outdoor environment
  • Street environment (near moving traffic)
  • Vehicles

• Sometimes
  • Individuals with known violent backgrounds
  • Fumes or airborne particles
  • Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Frequently or Often
  • Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
  • Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
  • Moving mechanical parts
  • Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

• Local
  • Frequently or Often

Required Education and Experience

• At least two (2) years of experience as a heavy equipment operator.

Required Licenses

• A valid Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL) class A or B is required and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record.

*If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained prior to employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough
background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.
Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.
Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.