Heavy Equipment Operator - Locating

Operates a wide variety of equipment for the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of Las Cruces Utility (LCU) owned services and main lines and utilities infrastructure to ensure efficient and effective services to the community. Environmental Factors Works is performed outdoors 95% and 5% indoors; exposure to all weather conditions, noise, dust, dirt, open manholes, street cave-ins, chemicals, gases, mechanical, electrical, explosive and burn hazards. Safety equipment required includes safety shoes, vest, ear plugs, sound attenuator, hard had, safety visor and gloves. Physical Factors Heavy physical work involving balancing, bending, climbing, crouching, stooping, kneeling, reaching above shoulder height; lifting and carrying items weighing up to 90 pounds; digging with a shovel weighing up to 10 pounds up to eight hours per day; ability to work in confined spaces, wear and use SCBA confined space equipment, and pass annual physical, visual and verbal ability to recognize and communicate hazardous situations to others. Work Situation Factors Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, requires overtime for responding to emergency operational needs and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies. Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

FIRST CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES EMPLOYEES WHO MEET ALL THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.

Full-Time; Regular; Non-Exempt; Union-Represented This recruitment will be used to fill a full-time, represented, non-exempt position within the Locating section of the Utilities Department but may be used to fill other vacancies to include full-time, part-time and/or contract positions. This position is graded at BC11 Operates, uses, and employs backhoe, tractor, truck, vactor truck and other equipment required to perform exclusive activity to meet the need of the specific job and performs preventive maintenance and minor repair on equipment and LCU systems. Digs potholes for LCU systems; operates a pipe locator to locate meters, valve boxes, manholes and other LCU infrastructure. Participates with crew leaders and other crew members in the overall operation of the City water, gas, and wastewater systems and infrastructure; Prepares and gathers equipment and materials for jobs; draws maps and completes work orders for jobs; ensures excavations adhere to LCU policies and procedures related to excavation safety. Responds to water, gas and wastewater emergencies by assessing the situation, coordinates work crews and completes necessary processes to resolve the emergency. Ensuring traffic control is coordinated as needed for each specific job. Respectfully interacts with the public to inform them of maintenance, repair, and installation activities; ensures work is completed with minimal disruption to services. May operate a dump truck with a GVWR of 53,000 pounds and a 2.5 ton truck to transport equipment to the work site and an excavator for larger jobs which require digging deeper than 10 feet. May provides work direction and training to other crew members. Equivalent to a high school diploma AND four (4) years of experience in the construction/installation of Utilities systems which includes one (1) year of operating construction equipment. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy. Licenses/Certification(s) Valid State of New Mexico Class A commercial driver's license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies.

Knowledge of :

Practices and methods regarding the construction and maintenance of Utility systems; principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to:

Operate various motorized light equipment and vehicles in all weather conditions perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; perform basic mathematical calculations, including linear and cubic measurements; maintain minimum proficiency in backhoe operation navigate across even and uneven surfaces; ability to work in confined spaces, use SCBA equipment, and pass annual confined-space physical,. timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in:

Performing manual labor and semi-skilled maintenance and repair activities; operating a variety of power driven equipment; operating small hand and power tools and other job-related equipment and vehicles, reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.