Backhoe Operator Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

The Public Works Utility Maintenance Operator is a critical role in serving the public's infrastructure.

Operates various types of heavy equipment such as six or ten-wheel transport trucks, backhoes, rollers, and trenching equipment; performs repair of water service connections, water lines, and meters, repairs plugged water meters; thaws frozen lines; cleans and maintains storage tanks; connects and disconnects service; searches out shut off valves; water line leaks; assists in placement of pipe and water regulators; removes, disassembles, cleans or replaces defective parts of regulators, adjusts pilot valves as needed to assure efficient water line service.

Utilizes pipe and cable locator to identify and replace old storm water lines, locating and uncovering broken lines as needed.

Operates a variety of power equipment tools.

Maintains water and sanitation, ensures proper levels of chlorine in the city water system, and ensures the safe operation and maintenance of tanks and the proper and timely replacement of outdated infrastructure; makes adjustments to pressure-reducing valves (PRVs).

Coordinates main line shut-downs for water line repairs; monitors city water well storage levels;  replaces fuses and resistors as needed; maintains pump station; repairs water/booster pumps; removes and disassembles pumps; cleans and replaces defective parts, greases bearings, adjusts packing, and reinstalls in pump housing.

Reads residential and commercial water meters as needed to accurately bill customers for water usage; applies Connect Software features to generate various reports; monitors "leak alarm" and determines leak sources using computer system and applications; performs field and shop repairs on water meters, removes meter, disassemble, cleans and/or replaces defective parts, reassembles and tests to assure proper working order; sets blue stake markers; performs service terminations as needed.

Conducts scheduled and routine water sampling; conducts bacteriological samples for contractors on new water mains; orders and installs chlorine cylinders; monitors chlorine levels; runs weekly investigative chlorine residual samples for state agency; tests water using DPD tester to assure proper chlorine residual levels; reads water flow meter, chlorine pound per day gauge; calculates chlorine dosage and makes proper adjustments; monitors SCADA equipment to ensure accuracy of reports and equipment efficiency.

Operates equipment in the maintenance of city main and lateral sewer lines; including backhoe/loader, jet flusher/vacuum, jet flusher/non-vac; drives and operates boom truck, dump truck(s), and water truck; collects mapping information to ensure accurate location of underground sewer mains, buried manholes, etc.

Performs line cleaning and flushing; may enter manholes to remove obstructions; utilizes early warning devices, harness, winch, gas detector, pumps, compressor, compactor, and forklift.

Operates specialized heavy equipment such as single & tandem axle dump trucks, front-end loaders, backhoe, bucket trucks, snow plow and other similar equipment in the construction, maintenance, and repair of various street department projects and sites; operates light equipment such as mowers, rollers, cement mixers, pick-ups, tractors, spreaders, and various hand and power tools as needed.

Transports and deposits various construction materials such as sand, salt, gravel, dirt, etc.; performs hot mix patching, storm drain cleaning, repair and construction, snow and ice control, gravel street maintenance, street, sweeping, cold mix patching, debris collection, etc.; participates in the installation and maintenance of street and road signs according to established federal guidelines.

General Functions: Checks and services assigned equipment; performs routine maintenance and emergency repairs; reports mechanical problems to the shop for repair; operates a variety of hand and power tools in performing general maintenance of vehicles and equipment; may assist in the fabrication of equipment parts.

Performs duties with due regard for personal safety, that of other employees and the public; assists in training subordinates in proper safety practices; performs as a flagger when assigned to assure safety while working on highways.

Performs other duties (including general labor) as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education and Experience:

A. Graduation from high school or equivalent;
AND
B. Two (2) years of general work experience performing above or related duties;

OR
C. An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Some knowledge of operating basic manual and power tools; the standard practices, methods, materials and tools necessary for pipe line construction and repair activities; pipe fitting procedures, pipe classifications and type; the occupational hazards and safety precautions of trench work construction and pipeline maintenance work; hazards common to heavy equipment operation; drain system construction methods etc.; interpersonal communication skills.

Entry level skill in operation of medium and heavy equipment, including pups.

Ability to operate heavy equipment of various kinds under varying conditions; make minor repairs on assigned vehicles, perform heavy physical labor; develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, elected officials, local agencies and the general public; communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; work from blueprints; tolerate weather extremes in the work environment; perform basic mathematical computations in reading and using various meters, gauges and related devices.

3. Special Qualifications:

Obtain a Water Distribution Certification within twelve (12) months.
Must possess a valid Utah State Class A CDL.
Must be willing to work shift schedules, be on call, and be on 24-hour standby.
Must obtain Flagger Traffic Control Certification.

4. Work Environment:

Tasks require a variety of physical activities, generally involving muscular strain, such as walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, pushing and pulling, bending and stooping, twisting and kneeling, and being able to climb into and onto heavy equipment and vehicles; may be required to lift up to 50 pounds or more on occasion. Aspects of the work require talking, hearing, and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger, leg, and foot dexterity are required. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, and discriminating thinking. Daily local travel is required in the normal course of job performance. Ongoing exposure to changing weather conditions.

Heber City is a drug-free workplace. All candidates offered employment must successfully pass a drug test.