Backhoe Operator

Arlington County Government•Arlington, VA

3d•$59,093 - $94,702•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Environmental Services is hiring an experienced Backhoe Operator for its Water, Sewer, and Streets Bureau. The role operates heavy construction equipment, primarily a backhoe, to excavate trenches on construction sites and roadways, backfill, and perform fine grading. The employee also operates related equipment to support construction and maintenance of seasonal public works projects. The position requires a safety-oriented team player with effective communication skills and demonstrated experience operating a backhoe on construction projects in a public right-of-way. The employee provides technical guidance and on-site training to crew members, helps ensure safety requirements are followed, and serves as backup in the absence of the Master Technician. The position works outdoors in potentially hazardous conditions and requires extended periods of standing, crouching, stooping, bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying. Heavy work may require exerting up to 100 pounds occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds constantly. Required protective equipment may include safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and hard hats. Regular hours are 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday during spring, summer, and fall. Winter hours may be 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The employee must be available for rotating water-main maintenance standby; occasional overtime and alternate shifts may be required on short notice. The official title is Water/Sewer/Streets (WSS) Equipment Operator.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; additional qualifying experience may substitute for education year for year.
Three years of experience in public works, construction, or another trades vocation demonstrating the ability to perform semi-skilled to skilled manual maintenance and/or construction.
One year of experience operating heavy or specialized equipment such as backhoes, concrete trucks, medium and tandem dump trucks, crane trucks, front-end loaders, asphalt rollers, asphalt or concrete saws, skid steers, and forklifts.
Possess a Class A or Class B commercial driver's license (CDL) at the time of hire.
Must have or be able to obtain a Virginia Department of Transportation Basic Work Zone Certification within one year of hire.
Safety-oriented team player with effective communication skills and demonstrated experience operating a backhoe on construction projects in a public right-of-way.
Authorize or provide an official driving record; employment is contingent on a favorable driving-record review and passing required pre-employment drug screening and alcohol breath test.
Provide written consent for the County to obtain prior-employer drug and alcohol testing information required by Department of Transportation regulations; employees are subject to DOT drug screening as required by law.
Complete a pre-employment criminal records check, including criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history checks, and sign a release authorizing the County to obtain background information.
Additional special licensure, certifications, and/or endorsements may be required depending on assignment.
Applicants invited to interview may be asked to participate in equipment-operation skills testing.
Able to perform the physical demands and heavy work described, and wear required protective gear.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of experience operating a backhoe and/or similar equipment.
Experience excavating trenches below grade and around utilities.
Experience in field construction and reading or interpreting plans, cut sheets, and similar documents.
Experience performing preventive maintenance on equipment.

Responsibilities

Operate a uni-loader, backhoe, forklift, skid steer, and/or crane truck with precision.
Consider site conditions and utility-line locations when determining appropriate operating methods to protect other properties and infrastructure.
Move materials and equipment and grade surfaces for construction.
Load medium six-axle, tandem, and ten-axle trucks; operate equipment including asphalt rollers, asphalt and concrete saws, and front-end loaders.
Perform routine and preventive maintenance on equipment.
Provide technical guidance and on-site training to crew members.
Ensure applicable safety requirements are met and provide safety guidance to crew members.
Serve as backup in the absence of the Master Technician and perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Learn and follow job-related safety rules and regulations, including attending required safety classes and meetings.
Be available for rotating water-main maintenance standby and, when required, work overtime or alternate shifts on short notice.