Heavy Motor Equipment Operator ​/ Public Works Laborer

DUTIES:

Performs a variety of manual labor tasks related to the maintenance, repair, and construction of the City’s water distribution system. Typical duties include but are not limited to:

• Assisting in the installation, repair, and maintenance of water mains, service lines, hydrants, valves, and any other appurtenances and related infrastructure using whatever methods, tools, and procedures are necessary to complete the task in a safe, proper, and proficient manner.
• Operating and using hand tools and small power equipment to dig trenches, break pavement, cut and lay pipe, and backfill excavations.
• Assisting and supporting specialized units or contractors with water main break repairs, including, but not limited to, preparing or repairing work sites, shutting off valves, and checking or adjusting system components.
• Responding to emergencies as directed and assisting in emergency response activities as related to system failures and/or crisis situations.
• Reading water meters in the absence of the Meter Technician and conducting valve exercising.
• Reading and following specifications on engineering blueprints, sketches and diagrams of the water and sewer system.
• Locating, operating, repairing, and maintaining underground utilities and controls related to the water infrastructure.
• Mark out water mains and services.
• Performing minor maintenance functions on equipment, including, but not limited to, checking and maintaining air pressures and fluid levels, lubricating mechanical joints and applying necessary greases, and routinely cleaning vehicle exterior and interior.
• Assisting with customer response and problem resolution as directed by supervisor as related to water system issues and reporting such issues to foreman.
• Assisting in the safe collection and transport of water samples in compliance with all Environmental Protection Agency and State DEP safe drinking water regulations (with training).
• Transporting pipes, gates, service boxes and any other water appurtenances to job sites.
• Assisting in the unloading of parts from deliveries.
• Performing snow removal around hydrants and water/sewer facilities when necessary for department projects or public safety and spreading salt or sand as needed.
• Assisting other City departments as directed, including loading and unloading materials and equipment.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with superiors, co-workers and the general public.
• Use electronic work order system.
• Completing routine maintenance of tools, equipment, and vehicles.
• Observing safety procedures and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Responding to emergencies as directed.
• Reporting any emergencies to a Foreman.
• Performing related tasks as assigned.

• Ability to receive and interpret written and oral instructions and to give written and oral reports to supervisors.
• Must have ability to use tools of trade in a safe manner.
• Must be in good health, dependable, and able to do hard physical work.
• Must possess a valid Massachusetts Class B Driving License with a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Must obtain a D1 Water Distribution license issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure.
• Must have a safe driving record.
• Prior experience in water utility work is preferred but not required.

Work requires agility and physical strength, ability to function in close quarters, and is subject to outside environmental conditions, including wet, hot and cold weather. Worker is subject to noise, vibrations, hazards and atmospheric conditions including fumes, dust and air contaminants. Work requires some agility and physical strength, such as moving in, about or over rough terrain, or standing or walking most of the work period.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical

Skills:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend, crawl, sit, talk, move about, hear and speak. Noise level may be high when operating power equipment. Employee is exposed to outside weather conditions as a regular part of job. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and greater than 50…