Backhoe Operator

Arlington County VA•Arlington, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is hiring an experienced Backhoe Operator for its Water, Sewer, and Streets (WSS) Bureau. The employee operates heavy construction equipment, primarily a backhoe, to excavate trenches on construction sites and roadways, backfill, perform fine grading, and assist with construction and maintenance of seasonal public works projects. The position’s official title is Water/Sewer/Streets (WSS) Equipment Operator. The successful employee is safety-oriented, works effectively as part of a team, communicates effectively, and has demonstrated experience operating a backhoe on construction projects in a public right-of-way. The role includes outdoor work in potentially hazardous conditions and requires physical effort, use of protective gear, and compliance with applicable safety rules. Work hours are generally 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday during spring, summer, and fall. The employee may be required to work 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. during winter, be available on a rotating basis for water-main maintenance standby, and work occasional overtime or alternate shifts on short notice.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; additional qualifying experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
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/concrete saws, skid steers, and forklifts.
Possess a Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) at the time of hire.
Must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or provide, an official driving record; employment is contingent on a favorable driving-record review and passing a pre-employment drug screening and alcohol breath test.
Provide written consent for Arlington County to obtain required DOT drug and alcohol testing information from previous employers; employees are subject to DOT drug screening as required by law.
Pass a pre-employment criminal records check, which includes criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history checks, and sign a release authorizing the County to obtain background information.
Have or be able to obtain Virginia Department of Transportation Basic Work Zone Certification within one year of hire.
May be required to obtain additional special licenses, certifications, or endorsements depending on assignment.
Applicants invited to interview may be asked to complete equipment-operation skills testing.
Be available for rotating water-main maintenance standby; occasional overtime and alternate shifts on short notice may be required.
Meet the physical demands of heavy work, including exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds constantly.

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 and utility-line locations and determine appropriate operating methods to protect other properties and infrastructure.
Move materials and equipment and grade surfaces for construction.
Load medium six-axle, tandem, and 10-axle trucks; operate other equipment, including walk-behind and riding asphalt rollers, handheld and walk-behind asphalt/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.