Sewer Equipment Operator, Heavy

City of Tacoma•Tacoma, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Tacoma is recruiting experienced Sewer Heavy Equipment Operators for the Operations and Maintenance Division in the Environment and Public Works Department. The role involves skilled operation of heavy power-driven equipment and performing excavation and grading work for sewer construction and maintenance. Operators use equipment to install, repair, and maintain underground storm and sanitary sewers and related collection structures and facilities. This is an overtime-eligible position following a 9/80 schedule. Employees must be available and willing to work either the day or graveyard shift; graveyard shifts receive a 5% premium. Positions are generally staffed Sunday through Friday, with shift placement determined by union seniority and subject to semi-annual change. Employees must also respond to emergency callouts, including 24-hour emergency call-outs. The work is primarily outdoors and may involve adverse weather, travel between work sites, heavy traffic, fumes, raw sewage, confined spaces, excavation hazards, prolonged noise, and potentially hazardous materials. The position requires climbing, lifting, bending, good motor coordination, and depth perception.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent.
Two years of heavy equipment operating experience in construction or maintenance trades.
Valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with the Air Brake restriction removed at appointment, maintained thereafter.
Knowledge of the operation, care, and maintenance of assigned heavy equipment.
Knowledge of safe equipment operation, applicable traffic laws and rules, and construction methods, equipment, and materials.
Ability to operate, service, and make minor repairs on equipment.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions; communicate effectively orally and in writing; maintain records and prepare reports; and establish cooperative working relationships.
Ability to observe legal and defensive driving practices, accurately place materials, and excavate or move earth to required grade.
Ability to use GIS and City of Tacoma GovME and ESRI website resources to locate the City's sewer system, and to quickly and accurately learn City streets and sewer system locations.
Knowledge of construction standards and health and safety practices.
Availability and willingness to work either day or graveyard shift and respond to emergency callouts.
Ability to meet the physical and working-condition demands described, including climbing, lifting, bending, and work outdoors in potentially adverse or hazardous conditions.

Responsibilities

Regularly operate 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, and service and maintain assigned equipment.
Load and unload materials and equipment, and lift and move materials to designated areas.
Perform excavation, filling, compacting, and grading work 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 to clean paved streets and maintain roadside conveyance systems, ponds, regional holding basins, ditches, and City-owned properties.
Assist crews in completing work assignments.
Maintain appropriate supplies and equipment levels.
Maintain daily work reports and related forms.
Inspect equipment for safe operating condition and coordinate maintenance with appropriate persons or departments.
Work safely and cooperatively, and communicate effectively with coworkers and the public.
Respond to emergency callouts during off-duty hours.