Right of Way Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION CLOSES ON AUGUST 10TH AT 5:30PM 

About the Utility

Tillamook People’s Utility District (PUD) is a customer-owned electric distribution utility providing electric service in Tillamook County and parts of Clatsop and Yamhill Counties in Oregon. Currently we serve about 23,000 customers in an area of 1,125 square miles.

PUDs tailor services to meet the needs of those they serve, and Tillamook PUD is no exception. We offer a wide array of programs for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Programs include weatherization, lighting efficiency, heat pump programs and much more.

Tillamook PUD is governed by a five-member Board of Directors, elected by the voters within its service area. The Board sets rates and policies, with the goal of providing the most benefit to our customers.

Tillamook PUD is a unique kind of business. It is not-for-profit and created by the community to serve the community.

OUR MISSION

Through collaboration and operational excellence, Tillamook PUD provides safe, reliable, sustainable, and competitively priced power to our customers.

OUR VISION

Tillamook PUD provides high value to our customers, staff, and community, performing now and preparing for the future. We balance community, economic, and environmental commitments. 

About the Position

The Right of Way Heavy Equipment Operator performs a variety of mowing and maintenance tasks as part of a crew or independently.  The operator mulches under powerlines, assists and supports the tree trimming crews who are trimming and clearing trees and brush away from overhead power lines, and disposes of brush by chipping and hauling away.

Must be willing, available, and responsive to 24-hour callout for emergency situations.

Essential Functions

The essential functions of this position require prioritizing and completing all assigned tasks in a timely and efficient manner, adjusting for changing priorities and availability of resources, and demonstrating initiative in identifying additional job-related tasks to be completed when time permits. Operating heavy construction equipment such as hydraulic track-mounted excavators, cranes, graders, boom trucks, backhoes, crawler tractors, horizontal directional drilling machines, mowers, and dump trucks in compliance with Tillamook People’s Utility Districts operating safety policies and procedures.

• Responsible to maintain District right of ways as well as assist tree trimmers in maintaining proper clearance of the District’s electrical system by mulching of encroaching trees and vegetation, and disposal by chipping and hauling away. 
• Evaluate, determine, and collect inventory of hazardous vegetation along District power line corridors and coordinate, plan, and conduct operations of customer tree/brush work. 
• Primarily work independently and drive and operate equipment used to trim and clear trees and brush away from underneath overhead power lines such as an excavator with a mulcher. Must be a self-starter and able to maintain efficiency with limited on-site supervision. 
• Drive and/or operate a variety of motorized equipment used in mulching and tree trimming operations, including backhoe, boom truck, forklift, track hoe, and other related equipment. 
• Complete daily work assignments in a timely and safe manner for mulching operations under overhead powerlines. Ensure legible and accurate completion of reports and forms related to assigned work. Receive requests and respond to emergencies and unscheduled work. 
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment by observing safety and security procedures and reporting/correcting potentially unsafe conditions. Promote safety in the workplace by requiring compliance with all safety policies, practices, and procedures. 
• Use good judgment in the layout and completion of assigned work following federal, state, and the PUD’s safety rules, policies, procedures, and Construction Standards. Remain calm, adaptable, flexible, and courteous, and use strong problem-solving skills to identify reasonable solutions to identified issues. 
• Conduct visual inspections of assigned equipment prior to daily operation, and perform minor maintenance as required. Conduct daily vehicle/equipment inspections and report damage, safety concerns, and required maintenance to the supervisor immediately. 
• Perform as a Groundman in all phases of ground work necessary for powerline clearance tree trimming. Provide traffic control duties as necessary. 
• Communicate in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner with all employees, contractors, customers, and others with whom we may work. Contribute to a successful and productive work group through positive interactions, active listening, meaningful collaborations, and the constructive exchange of ideas designed to meet or exceed the organization’s strategic goals. 
• Complete special projects and other duties as assigned to meet team, department, and organizational goals. Actively demonstrate accountability and responsibility for achieving desired outcomes and measurable results. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalency.
• Valid Oregon Driver’s License and a Class A CDL (must obtain tanker endorsement within 6 months)
• 3 – 5 years of progressively responsible experience in excavation and operating heavy equipment such as forklifts, backhoes, excavators, dump trucks, etc., and other equipment such as chainsaws and chippers; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Basic mechanical knowledge of excavators and machinery
• Must obtain a First Aid/CPR Card within 12 months.

Knowledge of:

• Tillamook People’s Utility District service territory.
• Occupational hazards and the required safety precautions.
• Ability to use and understand the importance of personal protective equipment.
• Relevant rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and practices.
• Applicable federal, state, and local governmental laws and regulations.
• Computer technology. 
• Standard construction practices and procedures for operation, maintenance, and construction of electrical systems.
• Utility work rules, laws, and regulations, codes concerning utility and construction operations. 
• Safe working practices around energized apparatus and facilities.
• Operating heavy equipment, such as hydraulic track-mounted excavators and cranes, graders, boom trucks, backhoes, crawler tractors, horizontal directional drilling machines, mowers, and dump trucks.

Benefits

Joining Tillamook PUD, you can expect to be competitively rewarded for your hard work. You will also receive a wide range of excellent benefits to support your needs and lifestyle, including:

• Generous paid time off included paid holidays
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• HRA VEBA reimbursement account accessibility
• Oregon PERS employer plus additional retirement benefits
• Life and long-term disability insurance
• On site fitness room
• Top quality facilities and equipment
• Educational assistance program

and many more…

Tillamook PUD is an equal opportunity and veteran’s preference employer.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Applicants with disabilities may request any reasonable accommodation necessary to complete this application, or to take any test for the position for which the applicant has applied, by making a request at the time of application or testing.