Special Heavy Motor Equipment Operator / Catch Basin Cleaner (Sewer)

City of Somerville, MA • Somerville, MA

317d • $1,305

About The Position

The Special Heavy Motor Equipment Operator (SHMEO)/Sewer works in the construction, maintenance, and operation of the sewer system including but not limited to sewer mains, drains, connections, and catch basins. The individual shall have a thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of maintaining sewer systems. Performs all other related duties that may be assigned.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of the principles and practices pertaining to the correct, proficient, and safe operation of equipment and assigned vehicles.
• Applicable State, Municipal, and Department rules and regulations pertaining to safe operation of assigned motor equipment.
• Rules, regulations, and applicable laws relative to job-related safety.
• Principles and practices for the operation and maintenance of sewer systems.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize conditions requiring maintenance and repair.
• Exercise proper professional and technical judgment.
• Operate equipment with a high degree of skill and efficiency.
• Read and follows the specifications on interpret engineering blueprints and maps and specifications as they pertain to municipal sewer and sewer systems.
• Regularly enter and make observations in manholes, pump stations, sewer lift stations, trenches, and other confined spaces.
• Work alone or with others without close supervision.
• Comply with all related Federal, State, City, and Department policies and provisions.
• Frequently lift, move, push, pull, and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
• Occasionally lift, move, push, pull, and/or carry up to 100 lbs.
• Balance, stoop, bend, and crouch.
• Reach and handle tools with both hands.
• Work under varying weather conditions.
• Perform duties of this job description on scheduled and unscheduled overtime.

Responsibilities

• Performs the installation and repair of mains, valves, manholes, drainage systems, and any other appurtenances using whatever methods, tools, and procedures are necessary to complete the task in a safe, proper, and proficient manner.
• Digs, braces, backfills and tampers excavations.
• Installs and repairs asphalt and concrete.
• May be required to climb into catch basins and sewer lines to remove and dispose of solid substances.
• May assist private contractors during City construction or excavations.
• Read and follows specifications on engineering blueprints, sketches, and diagrams of the water and sewer system.
• Locate, operate, repair, and maintain underground utilities and controls related to the sewer infrastructure.
• Ensures operational, maintenance, and staff compliance with applicable safety regulations and other requirements governing construction, repair, and maintenance operations.
• Operates equipment including but not limited to front-end loaders, backhoes, compacting equipment, skid-steer loaders, vactor-type equipment, jetting machines, and catch-basin machines in a professional and competent manner and with care taken to perform the work safely and with efficiency.
• Uses standard hand tools including but not limited to shovels, picks, axes, saws, heavy wrenches, and small power tools.
• Responds to emergencies as directed.
• Reports any emergencies to a Foreman.
• Assists with emergency response activities related to system failures and/or crisis situations of the City sewer and drainage system.
• Performs the safe collection and transport of sewer effluent in compliance with all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and State DEP sewer regulations.
• Responsible for reporting any Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) to a superior for notification to DEP.
• Performs minor maintenance functions on equipment including but not limited to checking and maintaining air pressures and fluid levels, lubrication of mechanical joints by applying necessary greases, and routine cleaning of vehicle exterior and interior.
• Performs daily vehicle condition inspections and reports as required by law or by Department policy.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and the general public.
• Takes lead role toward customer response and problem resolution as related to sewer system issues and reports such issues to a Foreman.
• Assists with cross-departmental Water and Sewer emergencies.
• Uses electronic work order system.
• Trains personnel as necessary.

Benefits

• 4 weeks annual vacation (for non-union positions) union positions vary by contract
• Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
• Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna
• Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
• Long term disability through Sun Life
• Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
• Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
• Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
• Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
• Annual cancer screening & wellness release
• Somerville Retirement Pension System
• Tuition reimbursement
• MBTA pass program
• FREE Blue Bikes membership
• Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees