Special Equipment Operator - Field (Utilities)

Pasco County • Port Richey, FL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Performs work of more than ordinary difficulty in the skilled operation of heavy and complex construction, maintenance, and transport equipment for public works, utilities, and solid waste activities. The position may involve operating a variety of equipment and vehicles, serving as a lead worker for other equipment operators and laborers, and maintaining and servicing assigned equipment. The employee is responsible for safe and efficient equipment operation and performs related work as required.

Work may take place outdoors for long hours and occasionally in adverse weather. The role requires lifting or moving up to 80 pounds and pushing or pulling heavy objects. Employees must pass a pulmonary function test and fit test within 60 days of employment; the position may require being clean-shaven to meet safety standards. Employees may be required to work before, during, or after emergencies and may be temporarily assigned duties, locations, or schedules outside their normal scope to meet County needs.

Requirements

• High school graduation or an acceptable equivalency diploma.
• Four years of experience in utilities/solid waste and/or public works maintenance and/or construction, including two years operating a variety of heavy and complex construction and/or maintenance equipment.
• Valid Florida Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Class A, with N Tanker endorsement.
• Ability to obtain Confined Space Entry Supervisor Certification within one year of hire.
• Ability to obtain Intermediate Maintenance of Traffic Certification within one year of employment.
• Ability to obtain Trenching & Shoring Certification within three months of employment.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 80 pounds and push or pull heavy objects; a handling device or another team member may be used for excessively heavy objects.
• Ability to read for comprehension and communicate effectively through verbal, written, and visual communication.
• Ability to frequently bend, climb, stoop, squat, and walk, and to work long hours outdoors, occasionally in adverse weather.
• Must pass a pulmonary function test and fit test within 60 days of employment.
• May need to be clean-shaven to comply with safety standards.
• Knowledge of the operation of machines and equipment used in public works, utilities, and solid waste construction, maintenance, and repair.
• Knowledge of traffic and safety rules, accident-prevention precautions, and safe heavy-equipment operating practices.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Skill in minor maintenance of assigned equipment.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the public.

Nice To Haves

• FDEP Level 3 Water Distribution System Operator License or FWPCOA Class C Wastewater Collection Technician Certification, depending on discipline, preferred.
• FDEP Level 2 Water Distribution System Operator License or FWPCOA Class B Wastewater Collection Technician Certification, depending on discipline, preferred.
• Veterans’ preference is provided to preference-eligible applicants under applicable Florida law.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy and complex equipment requiring skill and independent judgment, including track and wheel excavators, finish graders, landfill compactors, dozers, backhoes, and trackhoes.
• Operate transport vehicles and specialized equipment as assigned, potentially including tractor-trailers hauling tankers or trailers, sludge trucks, roll-off trucks, dump trucks, jet vactors, TV inspection trucks, and sealing trucks.
• Act as a lead worker for equipment operators and laborers performing public works, utilities, or solid waste construction, maintenance, and repair activities.
• Maintain and service assigned equipment as required.
• Ensure the safe and efficient operation of all assigned equipment.
• Give instructions and prepare necessary reports, including Sanitary Sewer Overflow Reports, work orders in the Computerized Maintenance Management System, and preliminary employee evaluation recommendations for review by the Labor Supervisor.
• Perform related work as required.
• Work before, during, or after emergencies and, when temporarily assigned, perform duties outside the normal scope, location, or schedule of the position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED