Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment OperatorOperates heavy equipment such as: backhoe, bulldozer, loader, front end loader, scraper, grader, excavator, dump truck, lowboy, etc. Responsibilities include: rough excavation, spreading, compaction, covering, and finishing to a prescribed fine grade.Essential Functions/Job Competencies/Physical RequirementsESSENTIAL 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.Conducts pre-operation inspections of equipment, identifies equipment problems and reports problems to supervisor for repairs.Performs basic maintenance on equipment and tools including washing, changing oil, and greasing.May assist in performing unskilled or semi-skilled labor such as installing fences, directing traffic, trimming trees, shrubs, and all other duties as needed to maintain the City.May assist in training new employees and in assigning, checking, and approving work of laborers and other equipment operators.Assists in maintaining good communication between staff, visitors, and other business contacts.Must follow all rules of telephone and/or hand held radio courtesy in all communications.Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.Performs other duties as assigned.COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIESKnowledge of:The geography of the City including major streets and landmarks.Preventive maintenance procedures.Traffic rules and regulations, and safe operation of heavy equipment.Operating various types of heavy equipment.Skills and Abilities:Making independent decisions in accordance with established policies and procedures.Maintaining good planning and organizational skills.Taking and following directions from supervisor.Giving directions to and gaining compliance from assigned staff.Performing strenuous and routine work.Maintaining a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.Maintaining harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and responding to general public complaints.Projecting a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.Effectively communicating both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.Complying with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.Maintaining good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDSPhysical 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 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments Often:Office or similar indoor environmentOutdoor environmentStreet environment (near moving traffic)Construction siteConfined spaceVehiclesWarehouse environmentExposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements Seldom:Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)Communicable diseasesMoving mechanical partsFumes or airborne particlesToxic or caustic chemicals or substancesSometimes:Individuals with known violent backgroundsFrequently:Individuals who are hostile or irateOften:Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)Travel Position will require the employee to travel Never:Regional travelNational travelInternational travelOften:Local travelMinimum QualificationsRequired Education and ExperienceAt least three (3) years of experience as a heavy equipment operator.Valid Licenses and CertificationsRequired Licenses or CertificationsValid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.The following Licenses and Certifications that must be obtained after employment. Continued employment is contingent on successfully obtaining required certification(s) and/or license(s) within the specified period of time indicated above from time of hire.Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL) class A or B must be obtained within 12 months of employmentAs 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 two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable. City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.