Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

The City of Hanford is seeking to fill one (1) Heavy Equipment Operator vacancy in the Public Works Department - Streets Division. This position is to operate a variety of heavy equipment and related equipment in the performance of excavation, grading, and other construction work in the maintenance and repair of City streets and storm drains; and to provide technical support to assigned supervisor.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Operate backhoes, motor graders, bobcats, and bulldozers on a variety of construction and maintenance projects. Load and transport heavy equipment utilizing tractor trailer. Perform safety inspections and routine maintenance on equipment. Assist with streets crew maintenance functions when not operating equipment. Utilize proper safety and traffic control devices as specified in the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service. Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect. Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication. Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: Mechanical operation of heavy diesel and gas-powered construction and maintenance equipment, including backhoes, graders, loaders and other related equipment. Safe working procedures related to heavy equipment, including trenching and shoring safety practices. Basic hydraulic principles. Ability to: Safely and efficiently operate a variety of heavy equipment. On a continuous basis, know and understand maintenance activities and observe safety rules. Intermittently, analyze problem equipment; identify safety hazards; locate equipment; interpret work orders; remember how to operate equipment; and explain jobs to other employees. Intermittently, sit while driving a piece of equipment; stand and walk while performing maintenance activities; bend and twist to adjust equipment; kneel and squat to review work; climb up on to heavy equipment to test or inspect systems; perform simple and power grasping, pushing, pulling, and fine manipulation; and lift or carry weight of 50 pounds or less. Read hydraulic gauges. Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority. Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable software. Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities. Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Relate effectively with people of varied academic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy. Establish and maintain effective, cooperative and collaborative working relationships with others. Experience and Education Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Experience Two years of responsible experience operating heavy equipment. Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. License and Certificate Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California Class C driver's license. Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California Class A driver's license with tanker and air brake endorsements within twelve months of appointment. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a fork lift certificate within twelve months of appointment.

Screening will consist of a competitive assessment of relevant education, training, and work experience to be followed by a written examination and/or an interview before an Oral Board to determine the most qualified candidates. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to an interview, and the decision of the screening committee is final. Those candidates who are determined eligible for appointment to the position will be placed on the City's Certified Eligibility List. Applicants will receive written notification regarding the results of all phases of the recruitment process up to the establishment of the Eligibility List, if applicable.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: Retirement: Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). The City provides the PERS retirement program: 3% at 60 for Classic Members. 3% Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance Increase, 12-month final compensation period, Sick Leave Credit. 2% at 62 for New Members. 3% Annual Cost-of-Living Allowance Increase, Sick Leave Credit. Holidays: Twelve specific holidays, plus two floating holidays. Paid Holiday Closure: City offices (where possible) will be closed Christmas Eve through New Year's Day. Vacation: Vacation leave starts at 11 days annually, increasing to 21 days based on time in service. Sick Leave: Sick leave accrual of 12 days per year with unlimited accumulation. At retirement, unused sick leave may be applied toward retirement for Classic Members. Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: The premiums for medical and dental insurance are split 60/40. The city covers 60% of the premium, and the employee pays 40%. VSP Vision is provided to each employee at no cost. Additionally, vision coverage for family members is available at a 60/40 shared cost. Hanford Employee Care Connection (City-sponsored clinic): free and available to all insured full-time employees and covered dependents. Medical care offering same-day appointments, little to no copays, and comprehensive healthcare. Life insurance: $50,000 City paid policy. Tuition Reimbursement: A tuition reimbursement plan is available for work-related study for up to $5,000 per fiscal year. Longevity: Employees shall receive a stipend upon completion of the following consecutive years of active service with the City of Hanford. The City Manager shall have the discretion to provide longevity pay based on cumulative years of service at another public entity (State, County, or City municipality) in a management and/or technical level position. Five (5) years of service: 2.5%. Ten (10) years of service: an additional 2.5%. Fifteen (15) years of service: an additional 2.5%. Twenty (20) years of service, an additional 2.5 Maximum allowance of 10%. Deferred Compensation / Employer Match: Employees are eligible to receive matched employer contributions for deferred compensation up to $75 per pay period.