WASTEWATER MAINTENANCE WORKER / HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (H.E.O.)

WASTEWATER MAINTENANCE WORKER / HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR (H.E.O.)

Positions Available: One (1)

$17.25 per hour - GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Under general supervision, the Heavy Equipment Operator performs skilled work in the operation of heavy construction and maintenance equipment used in street construction, repair, and maintenance activities. This role is responsible for operating a variety of equipment and ensuring work is completed in a safe and efficient manner. Applies knowledge of wastewater systems, equipment and facilities to operate equipment and performs regular, recurring, and non‑routine tasks for maintenance, repair and installation for the wastewater distribution maintenance section.

• Operate City equipment units, such as backhoe, front‑end loader, excavator and dump truck, and tools such as tapping machine, jackhammer, acetylene torch, chain saw, trash pump, ditch compactor, and air compressor, to perform any operation within the capacity of the equipment and as necessary to accomplish the job required. This includes loading and transporting equipment to the work site using truck and trailer as required.
• Employee installs and repairs wastewater lines and other related technical tasks. This includes, but is not limited to, excavating to grade; laying and aligning pipe; and using special tapping equipment, installing sewer taps, construction of catch basins and manholes, installing lateral wastewater lines, and installing manhole cover rings.
• As necessary, required to block off work area and re‑route traffic with consideration for public safety and convenience.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and minor field repairs such as lubrication, checking fluid levels and replacing belts and other components as required.
• Perform work in accordance with all federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations and within mandated and appropriate safety standards.
• Maintain and promote excellent relations and communications with co‑workers. This includes sharing the workload to maintain balance. This may include helping to train and orient new employees in acquiring skills in department policies and procedures, and department functions.
• Professionally respond to public inquiries using oral, written or computer correspondence in a courteous, efficient manner. When unable to resolve issue refer customers to Waste Water Supervisor.
• Perform all duties in accordance with all City of San Benito safety policies and other applicable state or federal regulations.
• Operates heavy equipment such as backhoes, front‑end loaders, graders, bulldozers, dump trucks, skid steers, and rollers.
• Performs maintenance and repair of streets, alleys, sidewalks, and drainage systems.
• Loads, hauls, and spread materials such as gravel, asphalt, and debris.
• Assists in patching potholes, paving streets, and applying seal coats.
• Performs manual labor tasks such as shoveling, raking, and clearing debris when not operating equipment.
• Inspects equipment before and after use; performs routine maintenance and reports mechanical issues.
• Follows traffic and safety regulations during operations; sets up traffic control and barricades when needed.
• Completes work orders and other documentation as required.
• Responds to emergency callouts for street blockages and/or repairs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Maintain regular and prompt attendance; physically present to work
• Performs after work hours as required, (nights and weekends)
• May perform work on weekends; standby is required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience operating heavy equipment, preferably in street maintenance or construction.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class A or B required.
• Must maintain an acceptable driving record.
• May be required to obtain additional certifications depending on job assignment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of construction and street repair methods and materials.
• Skill in operating and maintaining heavy equipment safely and efficiently.
• Ability to read and interpret work orders, safety guidelines, and equipment manuals.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to perform heavy physical labor under varying weather conditions.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES

• Physical strength and ability sufficient to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods under dirty and uncomfortable conditions and in all kinds of weather. Heavy labor is defined, for example, as frequently exerting force sufficient to lift approximately 85 pounds and move or maneuver 100 pounds.
• Ability to maintain continuous physical effort throughout the shift, including frequent bending, walking, stooping, digging, manipulating and heavy lifting.
• Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, extreme temperatures, and hazardous materials.
• Must be able to pass a pre‑employment drug screen and physical examination.

OTHER CAPABILITIES

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate and write clearly and legibly in entries, as‑built documentation, and required reporting forms.
• Flexibility to respond to emergency 24‑hour shift requirements, whether it is on stand‑by or on‑call duty.
• Must be able to effectively use a combination of experience, training and ability to quickly assess situations and arrive at decisions (appropriate with employees training and experience) to ensure efficient and effective continuation of work and customer service delivery that avoids service interruptions or creates hazardous conditions.
• Must be able to use required tools and equipment effectively and efficiently to perform required tasks in a crew environment or independently. Must be able to use various wastewater system monitoring components and other system indicators to assess proper operations and diagnose problems.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all‑inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position of employment requires satisfactory job performance of six‑month probation from starting date. This position requires State of Texas (TCEQ) licensing.

This employee must pass all licensing requirements within one (1) year to successfully complete his/her employment expectations.

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the associate a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the City’s demands change so will the essential functions of this position.