Utilities Heavy Equipment Operator

City of Richmond•Richmond, VA

About The Position

The City of Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities is seeking a Utilities Heavy Equipment Operator to maintain and operate complex heavy motor equipment, machinery, and vehicles used in the installation, repair, and maintenance of natural gas utility infrastructure. The role includes routine equipment maintenance and safe operation, loading, and storage. The operator also serves as a lead on complex assignments, providing direction and technical oversight to equipment operators and crew members when a supervisor is absent. Work is performed under the limited supervision of a Gas Maintenance Crew Supervisor and may require independent decisions during critical field operations and emergencies. The anticipated hiring range is $54,789–$68,754. The position may involve responding to critical gas leaks and other emergencies, a one-hour emergency response time, and participation in an on-call rotation if needed. The role is subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing. Travel to locations within and outside the City of Richmond may be required. The work environment can include exposure to mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibration, fumes, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation, inadequate lighting, intense noise, imminent danger, and threatening or disruptive situations. The work requires managing multiple concurrent tasks, often with interruptions and time constraints. Essential duties may require regular fingering and seeing; frequent talking and hearing; and occasional balancing, stooping, crouching, standing, pulling, grasping, and feeling. This is classified as medium work, requiring exertion of up to 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Six years of relevant work experience, including at least two years of experience at the Equipment Operator, Principal level; an equivalent combination of training and experience may be accepted as approved by the department.
Training in the equipment used at this level of assignment.
Valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
Out-of-state candidates required to transfer their license to Virginia must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license within 30 days of hire.
Commercial Driver’s License with proper endorsements in accordance with Division of Motor Vehicles regulations.
Successful completion of NIMS ICS 700; additional NIMS ICS training courses may be required.
PHMSA operator certifications may be required depending on assignment; other licensing or certifications may also be required or preferred depending on assignment.
Must be able to meet a one-hour emergency response time and participate in an on-call rotation if needed.
Subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of experience operating heavy construction equipment, including at least two years in gas utility construction or maintenance.
Certification in plastic pipe fusion; certification must be obtained and maintained within one year of hire.

Responsibilities

Operate heavy construction and specialized equipment, including excavators, backhoes, vacuum excavation units, and fusion equipment, for gas infrastructure installation and repair.
Serve as a subject matter expert on equipment operation and gas utility construction procedures, supporting safety, compliance, and efficiency.
Train and mentor junior equipment operators and crew members in safe machinery operation and standard operating procedures.
Oversee and perform complex field procedures such as bagging for gas control, live main tapping, polyethylene pipe fusion, and emergency isolation.
Respond to critical gas leaks and other emergencies, operate detection equipment, and coordinate repair activities with minimal supervision.
Interpret construction drawings, schematics, and utility maps to identify and avoid conflicts with underground facilities.
Ensure work meets federal, state, and local compliance standards, including PHMSA and OSHA requirements.
Maintain daily logs and vehicle and equipment reports, and ensure materials and tools are available and in working order.
Conduct pre-operation inspections and make or recommend necessary equipment repairs.
Support the supervisor in scheduling, planning, and coordinating daily tasks, and serve as acting supervisor in the supervisor’s absence.
Perform related field duties, including trenching, shoring, meter setting, and facility restoration.