Utilities Equipment Operator

Department: PUBLIC WORKS WATER & SEWER DIVISION

UTILITIES EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

General Statement of Duties

Operates a variety of difficult heavy construction equipment performing functions requiring a high level of skill and

competence.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Employees in this class operate difficult heavy maintenance and construction equipment requiring a high level of skill or

competence in the construction, maintenance and repair of water and sewer lines, and related infrastructure. When not

operating equipment, employees work with the crew to install, repair and replace or maintain the water and sewer system,

assist with work orders, locates, etc. Employees perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs to assigned

equipment. Employees are subject to hazards in streets maintenance work including working in both inside and outside

environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as noise, oils, dusts, mists, tight

quarters, moving mechanical parts, vibrations, chemicals, and narrow passage ways. Work is performed under regular

supervision of the Water and Sewer Superintendent and is reviewed for accuracy, safety, and adherence to established

standards. Employees are also subject to on-call and call-back work.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Operates a variety of heavy equipment such as loader, backhoe, and front end loader. Operates large

tractors with a variety of mowing attachments to mow rights-of-way and easements in traffic or

independently.

• Operates backhoe to cut and remove asphalt street sections, sidewalks, or curb and gutter for patch or

reconstruction; digs trenches, culverts, dig down to water or sewer lines, and load sand, rocks, etc.

• Operates back hoe to load stone and related tasks.

• May provide training to new employees or lower skill employees in equipment operation and work

procedures; may assign work and serve as crew leader in the absence of higher level supervision.

• Operates equipment in street and pedestrian traffic, around other ground utilities and in other tight

places requiring care and skill.

• Performs minor repairs and preventive maintenance to assigned equipment.

• Cleans and washes equipment on a periodic basis.

• Reports any unsafe conditions of equipment and other necessary repairs to supervisor. May lead crew in

absence of other supervisory staff.

Additional Job Duties

• When not operating equipment performs semi-skilled and unskilled work on the job site such as cleaning lines.

Locating, closing work orders and other duties as required.

• Performs landscaping duties where work was performed

• Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledges Skills and Abilities

1. Thorough knowledge of the operation, maintenance, capabilities and limitations of heavy equipment used

in the area of assignment.

2. Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and proper safety precautions involved in the operation

of heavy equipment.

3. Thorough knowledge of the traffic laws and regulations governing equipment operation

4. Skill in manipulating the controls of complex construction equipment in the area of assignment. Skill and

care in the operation of several types of construction equipment.

5. Ability to perform difficult and complex operational duties in the equipment of assigned responsibility.

6. Ability to make minor repairs to heavy equipment.

7. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and to make simple records of work activity.

8. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other employees, supervisors, and the

general public.

9. Working knowledge of computer-based work order system, SCADA, timesheets and various other

programs.

10.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping,

kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping,

feeling, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions.

• Must be able to perform very heavy work exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally; and/or 50

pounds of force frequently; and/or 20 pounds constantly.

• Must possess the visual acuity to operate heavy equipment and distinguish details and differences in

grading streets as well as for safety issues and to read instruction and prepare simple records.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from high school and 2-4 years of experience in the operation of heavy equipment related to the areas of

assignment including of construction experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirement

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license. Commercial driver’s license is preferred.

Ability to obtain Grade I Collection or Grade C Distribution certification within 18 months

Special Note: This generic class description gives an overview of the job class, its essential job functions, and

recommended job requirements. However, for each individual position assigned to this class, there is available a

completed job questionnaire with a physical abilities checklist which can give further details about that one specific

position. Those documents should be reviewed before initiating a selection process. They can provide additional

detailed information on which to base various personnel actions and can assist management in making legal and

defensible personnel decisions.

Oxford

1999

2008

2018

Revised 2022