Sewer Equipment Operator, Heavy

The City of Tacoma is recruiting for experienced Sewer Heavy Equipment Operators to work in the Operations and Maintenance Division in the Environment and Public Works Department.

In the Environment and Public Works Department, we believe everything we do supports healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound, leaving a better Tacoma for all. This is accomplished with a clear focus on customers, employees, and operations. Sewer Heavy Equipment Operators perform skilled work in the operation of heavy power-driven equipment such as backhoes, sweepers, loaders, and excavators; they also perform excavation and grading work used for sewer construction and maintenance activities;

and operate equipment to install, repair, and maintain underground storm and sanitary sewers and related collection structures.

Examples of

Job Duties

• Operate on a regular basis, heavy, power-driven equipment such as backhoes, excavators, street sweepers, front-loaders, dump trucks, Vactors, bulldozers, and other large trucks or equipment.
• Operate auxiliary mechanical equipment and attachments; service and maintain assigned equipment.
• Load and unload a variety of materials and equipment; lift and move materials to designated areas.
• Perform excavation filing, compacting and grading work used for repair, construction and maintenance activities.
• Operate equipment to install, repair, and maintain underground storm and sanitary sewers and related collection system structures and facilities.
• Operate equipment in cleaning paved streets; maintain roadside conveyance systems, ponds, regional holding basis, ditches and City owned properties.
• Assist crews to complete work assignments.
• Maintain proper levels of supplies and equipment as needed.
• Maintain daily work reports and other related forms.
• Inspect equipment to assure safe operating conditions, coordinate equipment maintenance with appropriate persons or departments.
• Ability to work safely, cooperatively and communicate effectively with co-workers and the public.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Position requires good motor coordination and depth perception, climbing, lifting and bending.

Outdoor environment, subject to adverse weather conditions.

Required to respond to emergency callouts during off duty hours.

Employees in this classification may be subject to driving from site to site, heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions; fumes, raw sewage, confined space and excavation hazards; prolonged periods of noise and potentially hazardous materials.

Work Schedule

This classification is overtime eligible, and employees must be available and willing to work either shift (day or graveyard). Graveyard shifts receive premium pay 5%.

Positions are generally staffed Sunday through Friday. Shift placement is determined by union seniority and subject to semi-annual change. These positions are subject to 24-hour call-out response to emergencies.

This classification follows a 9/80 schedule, defined as follows: during a two-week pay period, employees work four days at nine (9) hours each, Monday to Thursday, and one eight (8) hour day on Friday in the first week. The second week consists of four days at nine (9) hours each, Monday to Thursday, with a one-half (1/2) hour unpaid lunch break each workday, and Friday is a non-working day.

Week 1:
Monday-Thursday 9 hours each;
Friday 8 hours.

Week 2:
Monday-Thursday 9 hours each (with 30-minute unpaid lunch each workday);
Friday off.

Graduation from high school or equivalent is required.

AND

Two (2) years of heavy equipment operating experience in construction or maintenance trades.

Licences, Certificates and Other Requirements

• Possession of a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License, with Air Brake restriction removed, at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.
• Operation, care and maintenance of assigned heavy equipment
• Requirements of operating equipment in a safe manner
• Applicable traffic laws, ordinances and rules
• Methods, equipment and materials used in the construction field
• Operate, service and make minor repairs on equipment
• Understand and follow oral and written directions
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Maintain records and prepare reports
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices
• Place materials with accuracy
• Excavate or move earth to required grade
• City's sewer system locations using GIS and City of Tacoma GovME and ESRI website.
• Quickly and accurately learn City…