Equipment Operator, Principal

Equipment Operator, Principal

The City of Richmond, Department of Public Utilities is seeking a qualified Equipment Operator, Principal to maintain and operate advanced complex heavy motor equipment, machinery and vehicles. This position is also responsible for routine maintenance procedures, safe and effective operating, loading and storage of the equipment.

The incumbent will perform advanced and highly skilled work in operating heavy and specialized equipment used for the installation, repair, and maintenance of natural gas utility infrastructure. Additionally, the incumbent will act as a lead operator on complex assignments and provides direction and technical oversight to equipment operators and crew members in the absence of a supervisor.

Work is performed under the limited supervision of a Gas Maintenance Crew Supervisor and may require independent decision-making in the field during critical operations or emergencies.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Operates heavy construction and specialized equipment including but not limited to excavators, backhoes, vacuum excavation units, and fusion equipment for gas infrastructure installation and repair.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on equipment operation and gas utility construction procedures, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency.
• Trains and mentors junior equipment operators and crew members in the safe operation of machinery and adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Oversees and performs complex field procedures such as bagging for gas control, live main tapping, pipe fusion (PE), and emergency isolation.
• May respond to critical gas leaks and other emergencies, operating detection equipment and coordinating repair activities with minimal supervision.
• Interprets construction drawings, schematics, and utility maps to identify and avoid conflicts with underground facilities.
• Ensures all work meets federal, state, and local compliance standards, including those outlined by PHMSA and OSHA.
• Maintains daily logs, vehicle and equipment reports, and ensures materials and tools are available and in working order.
• Conducts pre-operation inspections and makes or recommends necessary repairs to equipment.
• Supports supervisor in scheduling, planning, and coordinating daily tasks, and may serve as acting supervisor in their absence.
• Performs related field duties such as trenching, shoring, meter setting, and facility restoration as required.

Qualifications, special certifications and licenses:

• MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
• High School Diploma or GED
• Two years of experience at the Equipment Operator, Senior level
• Training in equipment used at this level of assignment
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification
• PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Five or more years of experience operating heavy construction equipment, with at least two years in gas utility construction or maintenance.
• Must obtain and maintain certification in plastic pipe fusion within one year of hire.
• Subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing.
• Position requires a 1-hour emergency response time and participation in an on-call rotation if needed.
• LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
• A valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record
• A valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of hire
• A valid Commonwealth of Virginia Commercial Driver's License with proper endorsements in accordance with Division of Motor Vehicle regulations
• KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Expert-level knowledge of equipment operation practices, safety regulations, and gas construction techniques
• Complex heavy equipment and vehicles
• Hydraulics
• Safety rules regarding the operation of various equipment and tools
• Basic math
• Usage of various tools and equipment
• Demonstrated leadership in mentoring or training others
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
• Proficiency in field documentation, basic computer usage (including mobile work order systems), and communication with supervisory staff and peers
• Communication:
  As a lead communicator in the field, providing updates and guidance to team members and stakeholders
• Service Orientation:
  Coaches team members on customer-facing professionalism and responsive service during outages or incidents
• Generating, completing and distributing reports and other forms
• Oral and written communication
• Customer service
• Map reading
• Preparing and restoring a work site
• Operating equipment in the Equipment Operator and Equipment Operator Senior classifications, as well as operating equipment and vehicles mentioned above
• ABILITIES:
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, locate underground utilities, and adapt field strategies accordingly.
• Proven ability to remain calm and decisive in high-pressure emergencies.
• Organize:
  Prioritizes equipment use, field tasks, and emergency responses based on urgency and available resources
• Problem-solve:
  Diagnoses field issues…