Heavy Equipment Operator ; B254120-14 Water Treatment

Operates light heavy equipment, including 18 wheel vehicles and small tractors. Repairs City utilities, lays pipelines, and performs other maintenance and excavation work requiring heavy equipment operation.

• Operates backhoe, graders, and loaders to install, replace, and maintain streets and roads, water utility lines, mains, meters, valves, etc.
• Cuts and fits pipes above or below ground to specifications necessary to install or repair water lines; assembles the pipe system; installs or replaces manholes, valves, tees, bends, and crosses.
• Raises, lowers, or moves water lines as needed.
• Removes sludge from treatment plants utilizing specialized injector tractor; monitors solid buildup and pumps sludge into injecting vehicle.
• Performs basic maintenance on equipment and tools including washing, changing oil, and greasing.
• Operates front end loader to pick up debris during construction projects; assists in performing unskilled or semi‑skilled labor such as digging ditches, covering ditches, pouring concrete, mowing, and/or trimming trees and shrubs.
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Performs related work as required.

• English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Safe operations of heavy equipment.
• Geography of the City including major streets and landmarks.
• Preventive maintenance procedures.
• Traffic rules and regulations.
• Vehicles and equipment.

• Organization and time management.
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Meet schedules and deadlines of the work.
• Maintain confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Operate heavy equipment.
• Follow oral and written instruction.
• Maintain accurate and complete records.
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing in English and orally in Spanish.
• Comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.
• Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

• Seldom
  • Office or similar indoor environment
• Frequently
  • Street environment (near moving traffic)
  • Confined space
  • Vehicles
  • Warehouse environment
• Often
  • Outdoor environment
  • Construction site

• Seldom
  • Individuals who are hostile or irate
  • Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Sometimes
  • Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
  • Communicable diseases
• Frequently
  • Fumes or airborne particles
  • Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances
• Never
  • Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)
  • Moving mechanical parts
  • Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

• Never
  • Regional travel
  • National travel
  • International travel
• Frequently
  • Local travel

• At least two (2) years of experience as a heavy equipment operator.

• A valid Texas Commercial Driver License (CDL) class A or B is required and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record. If applicant holds an out‑of‑state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.