Master Heavy Equipment Operator

Master Heavy Equipment Operator

Salary

$24.14 - $26.55 Hourly

Location

Fort Walton Beach, FL

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-123

Department

Water & Sewer

Opening Date

05/28/2026

Closing Date

6/10/2026 11:59 PM Central

* Description

* Questions

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Operates equipment in the hauling and distribution of materials, the transportation of equipment and other construction and maintenance activities of the Water & Sewer Department.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

* Operates heavy and complex trucks and equipment, to include excavator, dump trucks, flatbeds, loaders, backhoes, graders, dozers, trenchers, lowboy, cranes and vacuum truck.

* Inspects vehicles, equipment, and tools to ensure they are properly operated and maintained (i.e., lights, tires, oil, fuel, and brakes); and performs minor maintenance and repair as needed.

* Performs dewatering activities in preparation for construction projects.

* Installs pump stations, water taps, water lines, sewer lines, manholes and fire hydrants for new construction to include work in trench boxes and highly congested traffic areas.

* Performs pressure testing of newly installed lines to meet regulatory inspection standards.

* Locates water and sewer lines for preparing work sites and for outside services and contractors to protect County system lines from damage.

* Performs repairs and maintenance of infrastructure (i.e., water leaks, sewer repairs, stoppages, flush lines, valves, manhole rings and covers).

* Utilizes hand-held, air, and gas-powered tools and equipment in the performance of duties (i.e., pipe wrenches, pipe cutters, saws, cement mixers, air compressors, pipe threaders, tapping machines).

* Participates in restoring work sites to serviceable condition (i.e., repairing asphalt and concrete, filling holes, landscaping rights of way to include planting seed or laying sod).

* Advises and reviews specifications for the procurement of heavy equipment; provides input for future heavy equipment procurement.

* Able to operate heavy equipment outfitted and/or coordinated with GPS positioning systems (machine control).

* Functions as crew foreman in the absence of supervisor or as directed.

* Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, and

Experience:

High school diploma or GED; supplemented by four (4) years of experience in the operation of heavy-duty trucks and equipment, to include experience in installation and maintenance of water and/or sewer systems; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must be able to read and interpret maps, blueprints, construction plans and as-built drawings

Licenses and/or

Certifications:

Requires a valid, Class "A" Commercial Driver License with a Tanker endorsement. Requires a Class "A" Wastewater Collection Certification. Requires a Water Distribution System Operator Level "II" or the ability to obtain within one year of hire. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Defense Biometrics Identification System (DBIDS) badge.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to effectively operate heavy-duty trucks and equipment requiring manipulation of multiple controls. Must be able to exert 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time.

Tasks include considerable bending, stooping, climbing, etc., and working in confined spaces. Physical demands are in excess of sedentary work.

Language Ability:
Requires the ability to communicate effectively in English, including the ability to convey, record and exchange information; requires the ability to explain procedures and to give, receive and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to read and interpret a variety of moderately complex technical data, policy and procedure manuals, codes, professional journals. Requires the ability to prepare forms and reports using prescribed formats, and adhering to all rules of grammar, spelling, diction and punctuation.

Must be able to communicate…