Equipment Operator

Job Description

The Equipment Operator is a journey level position operating light and medium equipment and performing maintenance duties for Street Operations or the Water Department.


In the Street Department, the job requires knowledge of the operation of power tools and light and medium equipment such as dump trucks with trailers, backhoes, loaders, sweepers, equipment transport vehicles, and snow plowing equipment. It requires knowledge of maintenance techniques for streets, storm drains, and levees.

In the Water Department, the job requires knowledge of the methods of water distribution repair and installation of water mains, services, valves, hydrants, meters and storm/Sewer related infrastructure, operations of power tools and light and medium equipment such as dump trucks with trailers, backhoes, compactors, power brooms, snow plowing equipment and loaders. The job requires Class I Drinking Water Distribution Operator certification.*


The job requires the ability to maintain a collaborative and cooperative working relationship with elected and appointed officials, other City employees, other organizations, and the general public.


The work environment is a public street environment that may include exposure to adverse weather conditions, trench excavation, traffic hazards, moving vehicles and heavy equipment at the job site, and hazards involving the use of power tools and equipment. The noise level is generally moderate but with occasional exposure to noisy and/or loud equipment.


The job is an on-call position, responding to emergency situations. Employees designated as immediate response personnel must live thirty (30) minutes or less from their usual daily work site.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operates power tools and light and medium equipment including, but not limited to, backhoes, loaders, compactors and dump trucks with trailers. Other equipment may include sweeper, camera van, equipment transport vehicles, snow plows, and related maintenance equipment of the assigned department.
• Performs flagging and traffic control duties at work sites. Performs basic maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.
• Street Department
  • Performs maintenance and repair work on City streets, storm drain system and levees. Patches holes and seals cracks in asphalt pavement with hot asphalt and crack seal mixture. Prepares road surfaces for chip sealing, fog sealing, microsealing, and other related maintenance applications.
  • Maintains levee system by cutting trees and clearing brush, cleaning head gates, and clearing debris basins. Maintains storm drain systems by clearing lines, spillways, debris grates, and debris basins using jet trucks and related equipment.
  • Transports hot asphalt, chips for chip sealing, and other repair and maintenance materials to repair and stockpile sites. Transports debris from repair sites to dump, storage and/or recycling sites.
  • Performs snow and ice control work on streets by pre-treating with brine solution. Performs snow and ice removal using equipment to plow, sand, and de-ice streets and roadways, including removing debris from streets and roadways and transporting to dump site. Mixes pretreatment (salt brine) solution for application ahead of storms.
  • Trains to operate all equipment used by the Department.
• Water Department
  • Assists plumbers in performing installation, maintenance and repair work on City water lines, service lines, hydrants and valves.
  • Installs water meters, performs live main line taps, flushes lines and fire hydrants. Backfill, compact and patch utility cuts in pavement.
  • Transports gravel, sand, asphalt or other backfill material used to repair utility cuts and stockpile sties.
  • Performs snow and ice removal using equipment to plow, sand, and de-ice on City streets and sidewalks.
  • May be assigned to assist with pulling pumps and cleaning water storage tanks.
  • Assists in training other employees on operating equipment and trains to operate all equipment used by the Department.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS*

• High school diploma or GED
• Class A CDL with specified endorsements
• Flagging certification
• CPR and First Aid certification
• In the Water Department, Class I Drinking Water Distribution Operator certification
• Two (2) years of light and medium equipment experience is preferred

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

*Hiring Note:

The Equipment Operator position requires a Class A CDL with endorsements within six (6) months of hire date in Street and Water; and/or a Class I Drinking Water Distribution Operator certification within eighteen (18) months of hire in Water. Failure to acquire this certification by the established date will violate the terms of the position and will result in layoff from the position.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position.

Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques of safely operating power tools and light and medium equipment, including but not limited to, backhoes, loaders, dump trucks with trailers and related equipment of the assigned department;
• Methods, techniques, and objectives of snow and ice pretreatment and removal;
• Methods and techniques of using power and landscaping equipment;
• Methods, techniques, and objectives of flagging and traffic control;
• Equipment maintenance methods and techniques;
• Federal regulations and City policies regarding safe work practices relating to use of light, medium, and heavy equipment, power tools, and hand tools;
• Operation of a personal computer and job-related software applications.
• Street Department
  • Methods, techniques, and objectives of street, storm drain, and levee maintenance and repair.
• Water Department
  • Methods, techniques and objectives of water line installation, maintenance and repair.

Skill and Ability to:

• Operate light and medium equipment of the assigned Department;
• Train to qualify to use all equipment used by the Department;
• Perform maintenance and repair duties of the assigned Department;
• Perform levee tree and brush clearing, maintenance, and repair work;
• Perform traffic control and flagging duties;
• Perform basic vehicle and equipment maintenance;
• Operate hand tools, power tools and equipment;
• Maintain a professional demeanor at all times;
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance;
• Complete assignments in a timely fashion; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations;
• Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.
• Street Department
  • Prepare road surfaces for chip sealing, fog sealing, and related maintenance;
  • Perform pre-storm de-icing work on road surfaces and plow, sand, and de-ice impacted roads and streets;
  • Perform storm drain clearing, maintenance, and repair work.
• Water Department
  • Assist plumbers with installation and repair of water lines, service lines, hydrants, valves and meters;
  • Perform road and street repair, including utility cut repair;
  • Perform hydrant flushing and valve exercise programs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials or manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms; operate a motor vehicle or job-related equipment; and work in confined spaces. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Company Description

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Pocatello offers a perfect blend of work and play. With a semi-arid climate, you can experience the best of all four seasons, from hiking and skiing to fishing and camping. Plus, you're just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lava Hot Springs, and other must-visit destinations.


All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Benefits

The City of Pocatello offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees:

• Medical
• Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• PERSI Retirement
• PERSI Choice 401(k)
• 457 Retirement Planning
• HRA VEBA Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  - Medical
  - Dependent Care
• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Education Assistance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer