Job Summary
Join our dynamic construction team as an Equipment Operator/Laborer, where your skills will drive the success of diverse projects. The Equipment Operator cares for and operates light and heavy equipment to install, maintain, and repair water and wastewater infrastructure. Work includes excavation and trenching around existing utilities, pipe installation/repairs, service and appurtenance work, restoration of disturbed areas, and on-call emergency response. The role performs daily inspections and basic service, follows work-zone and confined-space safety practices, and performs Laborer duties as needed to support crew operations (e.g., hand excavation/potholing, material handling, traffic control, site cleanup).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Equipment Operation
- Operate heavy/light equipment: wastewater cleaning truck/module and easement machine; backhoe/track hoe/excavator; front-end loader; trenchers; compaction equipment; dump trucks, etc.
- Load, haul, and stage pipe, fittings, aggregates, spoils; use attachments safely, and snow/ice removal as assigned.
Utility Construction & Maintenance
- Excavate, shore, and backfill utility trenches; pothole/locate to protect existing facilities (811 safe-dig).
- Install and repair water/wastewater mains and services, valves, hydrants, manholes, and related appurtenances.
- Perform basic grading/leveling; place base and restore pavement, sidewalks, landscaping, and yards after work.
- Assist with concrete/asphalt placement and small surface repairs tied to utility work.
Equipment Inspection & Safety
- Perform pre/post-trip inspections (fluids, belts, hoses, hydraulics, tires, pins/pivots); grease, clean, and fuel; report defects.
- Set up MUTCD-compliant traffic control; follow trenching/shoring and confined-space entry/atmospheric monitoring procedures; use required PPE.
Communication
- Interact professionally with customers, supervisors, coworkers, and emergency personnel; relay site conditions and progress.
Emergency Response
- Respond to after-hours callouts for main/service breaks, sewer backups, SSOs, and weather-related events; stabilize scenes and restore service.
Other Duties
- Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including Laborer tasks during peak workloads or emergencies.
Prequalifying Items:
Required Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent.
Years of Experience:
- Three (3) years of experience or apprenticeship in a similar position involving the operation of earthmoving equipment and utility work.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Understanding of underground utility installation/repair, service connections, valves/hydrants/manholes, and restoration practices.
- Knowledge of departmental procedures, work-zone traffic control, trench safety, and confined-space practices.
- Skill in equipment inspection, basic maintenance, and minor repairs.
- Ability to read plans/sketches, locate marks, and follow oral/written instructions; operate equipment precisely around existing utilities.
- Strong communication; willingness and availability for on-call, nights, weekends, and emergencies.
Licensing/Certifications:
- Must possess or obtain Class A CDL with Tanker endorsement within one (1) year of hire date (see CDL Agreement).
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must pass background check.
Valid resident Driver’s License
Pay: From $17.79 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
