This position is located at the Okeechobee Field Station and is a working Heavy Equipment Operator for the Heavy Construction/Dredge Crew, which consists of a project team that specializes in a broad range of large-scale heavy construction projects throughout the District. Operates excavation and earthmoving equipment to install, remove and repair District infrastructure, including weirs, culverts, water control structures, boat ramps, locks and bridges on District waterways, canals, and levees. Such equipment includes but is not limited to: Loader, On/Off Road Dump Trucks, Tractor with various attachments, Skid Steer, Forklift, Grader, Excavator, Gradall, Dozer, Lowboy/Tractor Trailer, Backhoe, Bucket Truck, Long Reach Trash Truck, Dragline, Boats (Towboat, Airboat, and Conver Boat), and other construction type equipment. Mentor junior level staff in the operation and maintenance of heavy equipment.
Assume leadership role on jobsite when Crew Chief/Supervisor is not present. Assists in the training of Heavy Equipment Operators. Inspects equipment for safety issues on a daily basis as well as the condition of the work site prior to setting up equipment. Ensures adherence to safe work practices and procedures. Experienced in reading and understanding signs, signals, load charts, grade stakes, excavation plans, load charts for dredging operations, operating manuals and service procedures.
Loads, hauls, and dumps materials operating a 15–25-yard dump truck, trailer, and transport equipment and machinery on semi-trailer to and from job site and its loading or off-loading. Measures and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, and other excavated material. Monitors gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure equipment is working properly. Operates, inspects, cleans, and performs routine mechanical maintenance on assigned equipment. Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, canal banks, or warehouse. Observes hand signals, grade stakes, and other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
Experienced with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and with efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application. Uses relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with regulations or standards. May require some dragline operation. Remove cut plants from the water and store them on the machine until they can be off-loaded and disposed of properly.
Removes vegetation jams and fallen trees that block navigation, access and water flow. When necessary, enter water to remove snags, debris, etc. Assists with field surveys to determine the need for and location of aquatic plant control operations. This position may be required to perform general welding, fabricating and modifying of materials and equipment.
This position is subject to random mandatory drug and alcohol testing.
This position will require overnight travel throughout the District area of responsibility.
Other Duties as Assigned
Work Hours are Monday – Thursday, 6:30 am – 5:00 pm
Employment Guidelines
Heavy Equipment Operator - Lead: High School Diploma or GED and 4+ years of experience operating and transporting multiple pieces of heavy equipment. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
The hiring range for this position is $55,016.00 to $78,852.80 (based on education and years of relevant work experience).
Licenses
Valid State of Florida Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement, without restriction to operate vehicle equipped with a manual transmission and air brakes or the ability to obtain a CDL Learner's Permit within 2 months and/or CDL License within 6 months from date of hire or placement in the job. District is willing to pay cost of CDL training program.
Ability to obtain and maintain certifications: Rigging (one-time certification), Forklift Operations (re-evaluation every year), First Aid and CPR/AED (recertification every two years).
Physical Requirements/Working Environment
Due to the District's response role and in the total scope of emergency management, this position may at times, be required to provide support before, during and after major storm events and emergency situations, such as hurricanes or other declared emergencies, depending on assigned emergency response role.
Primarily field work with regular exposure to unpredictable weather conditions. Work environment may be hot and humid in remote and heavy vegetative areas with no facilities.
Overtime will be required based on weather and/or environmental conditions.
Regularly sets up, adjusts, controls, tests and operates equipment to complete assignments. Moves or otherwise transports equipment weighing up to 50 pounds or more.
This position normally involves daily travel from the employee’s assigned station to work sites located within the District’s jurisdiction. Some assignments require travel to remote locations and may require travel throughout the state of Florida.
Frequent overnight travel is required for extended periods of time. Travel expenses will be paid by the District based on approved lodging and meal reimbursement rates.
Veteran’s Preference
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the close of the job posting.
Americans with Disabilities Act
The South Florida Water Management District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Bureau at
[email protected].
