Public Works Operator I

$19.44/hr. DOE/Q

Must have a valid Drivers License and a good driving record.

Regular Hours: Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am to 5:30 PM . Will be on-call every 3 weeks.

GENERAL PURPOSE

Works under the general supervision of the Operations Superintendent, performing a variety of entry level skilled duties in the operation of heavy and light equipment in the construction, repair, maintenance, and replacement of various components of the city public works systems, including water distribution, sewer collection and streets.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Water Distribution: operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of City water and storm drainage facilities and systems; performs installation or repair of water service connections, repairs or replaces fire hydrants and plugged water meters; meter cans, meter valves, etc.; repairs water mains and water boxes; thaws frozen lines; connects service; searches out shut off valves; repairs water line leaks; assists in placement of pipe and water regulators; removes, disassembles, cleans or replaces defective parts of regulators, adjusts PRV's as needed to assure efficient water line service

Wastewater System: operates a variety of equipment in the construction, operation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of city wastewater collection system to control flow and operates jet-rodder equipment to clear and maintain sewer lines.

Streets: Operates specialized heavy equipment such as single & tandem axle dump trucks, dozers, front-end loaders, backhoe, snow plow and other similar equipment in the construction, maintenance and repair of various street department projects and sites and drainage inverts; transports and deposits various construction materials such as sand, gravel, dirt, etc.; performs hot mix patching, storm drain cleaning, repair and construction, snow and ice control, gravel street maintenance, cold mix patching, debris collection. Performs general maintenance functions performs installation and maintenance of city street signs; constructs and maintains manholes; prepares proper barricading for streets, water and related public works projects; performs traffic control at road construction.

Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education and Experience: Graduation from high school or GED; AND one (1) year of responsible experience in a field directly related to above duties; OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Some knowledge of machinery, materials, and methods of constructing roads, drainage systems, culverts, etc.; safety standards related to road construction; hazards common to heavy equipment operation; equipment maintenance and repair; the standard practices, methods, materials and tools necessary for water and sewer 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; water supply and distribution systems; construction requirements for water distribution and pumping systems; hazards associated with water treatment chemicals; sewer line chemical cleaning procedures and associated hazards; sewer pipe installation and repair (clay & PVC); cross connection control methods and standards; basic civil engineering; State or Federal regulations governing installation and maintenance of water systems; street surfacing methods and practices.

Some skill in the operation of heavy mechanized equipment as required by the position; i.e., dump truck with snow plow, water truck, dozer, bucket truck, street roller, backhoe, forklift, compressor, saws, tamper, saws, pumps, sanders, generators, common hand and power tools, shovels, mechanic tools, loader, scraper.

Ability to tolerate weather extremes in the work place; 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.

1. Special Qualifications:

Class B Commercial Driver's License may be required. Must be willing to work on-call 24/7. May be required to obtain level I certification in wastewater collections and water distribution within one year of hire.

Work Environment:

Tasks require variety of physical activities, and generally involve muscular strain, related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, and reaching. Daily exposure to hazardous conditions such as: working on high ladders and in manholes; daily potential for hazardous exposure to methane, hydrogen sulfide, and chlorine gases; daily potential for hazardous exposure to oxygen deficient atmosphere; daily exposure to seasonal changes and weather extremes; daily potential for hazardous exposure to electrical shock, industrial wastes and raw sewage (containing pathogens such as typhoid, paratyphoid, dysentery, polio, tetanus, etc.); daily exposure to moving parts and equipment such as pumps, motors, heavy equipment, etc.; daily exposure to stressful environmental conditions such as dust, fumes, dampness, cold, heat, and noise. Essential functions require talking, hearing and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity exist. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Periodic travel required in normal course of job performance.

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Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. Management reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed without notice. This job description supersedes earlier versions.