Heavy Motor Equipment Operator

Department: DPW Water

Summary: This position performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled manual work in the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of a water system including water mains, service connections, hydrants, meters and valves. In addition to performing the duties of a water system maintenance worker, responsibilities include the operation of various Water Department heavy equipment for the repair and installation of water mains, water services, and appurtenances. This person must be available for emergency work in the event of a water main or service failure and may be required to work emergency standby duty.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential functions and/or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Other duties may be assigned. During these duties, they must avoid damage to power lines, underground utilities and public and private property.

• Operates Water Department equipment for the repair and installation of water mains, water services, and appurtenances.
• Is responsible for the operation and maintenance of Water Department equipment, including keeping a maintenance log, scheduling maintenance at the Central Maintenance Garage in accordance with equipment specifications with prior approval of the supervisor. Also performs minor maintenance on equipment such as greasing and lubricating, washing and waxing.
• Excavates and backfills trenches. Lifts and lowers materials. Loads and unloads trucks and trailers. Picks up and hauls materials.
• May perform any and all duties of a Water System Maintenance Worker, as follows:
  • Operates motorized vehicle as directed by a supervising authority and under his direction.
  • Performs semi-skilled manual work in the construction, operation, and maintenance of a water system.
  • Excavates and backfills trenches.
  • Installs and repairs water mains and appurtenance. Installs and repairs water service connections.
  • Operates, cleans, and maintains tapping and drilling machines.
  • Operates, cleans, and maintains pumping equipment used in the installation and maintenance of water mains and service connections.
  • Repairs patches with bituminous and concrete materials. Installs, maintains, and repairs fire hydrants. Installs and removes domestic, commercial, and industrial meters.
• May be required to read water meters, on a part-time basis.
• Washes and cleans all motor vehicles, as directed by the foreman or other supervising authority.
  • The excavation and backfill of trenches
  • The installation and repair of water mains and appurtenances.
  • The installation and repair of water service connections.
  • In conjunction with the Water Department Engineer, measure (tie-in) valves, mains, hydrants and service connections to maintain and record locations.
  • The operation, cleaning and maintenance of tapping and drilling machines.
  • The operation, cleaning and maintenance of pumping equipment used in the installation and maintenance of water mains and service connections.
  • The repair of trenches and excavations by patching with bituminous and concrete materials.
  • The installation, maintenance, and repair of fire hydrants.
  • The installation and/ or removal of domestic, commercial and industrial meters.
  • The snow removal for access to Water Department quarters and adjacent ways for employee vehicle parking and other city properties.
• Must be available for emergency work in the event of a water main failure.
• May be required to work Emergency Stand-by Duty.
• Required to participate in snow/ice removal operations at Water Department property and areas maintained by the Water Department.
• May be required to participate in water infrastructure-related tasks/operations as assigned by the Water Superintendent, the Superintendent of Public Works, and/or their designee.
• Abide by City of Chicopee Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Competencies:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Ethics: Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Written Communication: Writes clearly and informatively.
• Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team morale; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Attendance/Punctuality: Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Organizational Support: Follows policies and procedures; supports organization's goals and values.
• Dependability: Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Innovation: Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that best works with others.

Responsibility for City & Private Property:

Responsibility to avoid damage to public and private property, underground utilities and power lines. Major responsibility for City tools, equipment, vehicles, supplies/materials.

Degree of Contact with Other Workers and Public:

Moderate degree of contact with other departments within the City, also with a variety of Vendors, occasionally contractors, and the general public.

Records & Reports:

Depending on the specific job, certain reporting must be made to foreman (daily).

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrated experience with operation of department heavy motor equipment, specifically backhoe and front-end loader.
• Working knowledge of a wide-variety of hand tools, air tools and hydraulic tools.
• Ability to work effectively in emergencies.
• Ability to report findings and communicate effectively.
• Ability to work independently.

Education and/or Experience:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED), and five (5) years' experience with construction and excavation work, with a minimum one (1) year of experience working with a municipal water system; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

License Required:

Must possess a valid Massachusetts Class B CDL driver's license required, Class A CDL driver's license preferred.

Massachusetts Grade 2B Hoisting license required, Grade 2A preferred.

Language Skills:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to effectively present information in one on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Ability to perform these operations using units of weight measurement, volume, distance, and pressure.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have knowledge of Windows, and Microsoft Office software, as well as knowledge of work order management systems such as SeeClickFix.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, and airborne particles/debris. Traffic hazards exist due to the majority of the water mains are in the street. Potential danger of cave-ins, and falling objects. Potential exposure to hazardous waste (blacktop and asbestos). Potential exposure to natural gas leaks, electrical lines, and water main failures.

If this position aligns with your goals, experience, or skills, apply today using one of the following methods:

Apply online via our Employee Self Service page, select a position and click 'Apply Now'.

OR

Select 'Download Application', fill it out and mail it or hand deliver it (along with your resume) to the City of Chicopee Human Resources Department, located at 274 Front Street, Chicopee, MA 01013.

Questions?

Call, Email or Text:

ChicopeeCAREERS

P: (413) 594 - 1584

C: (413) 523 - 2394

E: resume@chicopeema.gov

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The City of Chicopee is an Equal Opportunity Employer