Job Description
Salary : $44,345.60 - $59,259.20 Annually
Location : Gastonia, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01533
Department: Public Utilities
Division: Water & Sewer/Utilities Maintenance
Opening Date: 07/15/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
General Definition of Work , a subsidiary of the City of Gastonia, is seeking qualified individuals for the position of Motor Equipment Operator. This position performs semiskilled work in the operation of motorized equipment; does related work as required. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of a Crew Chief with explicit instructions and within defined procedures. Work is to be performed in accordance with OSHA standards, City safety rules, and all motor vehicle laws. Supervision may be exercised over assigned staff.
Essential Functions/Duties The following job functions listed are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each function satisfactorily. Other job functions and duties may be required as assigned.
- Safely operate a variety of motorized equipment, such as dump trucks, backhoes, mini excavators, tractors, and other heavy machinery, around underground and overhead utility lines and easements;
- Perform pre-operation checks and routine maintenance to ensure equipment is in good working condition; Assist with the upkeep of facilities and equipment storage areas; Ensure tools and equipment are properly cleaned and stored after use; Report any defects or necessary repairs to supervisors promptly
- Engage in physical labor related to construction, maintenance, and repair projects; Use hand tools and power tools as needed for various tasks
- Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries; Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE); and ensure the safety of the worksite.
- Aid in the construction and maintenance of infrastructure, such as water and sewer lines, roadways, and other public utilities projects; Assist with loading and unloading materials and equipment
- Coordinate with team members and supervisors to ensure efficient workflow; Provide updates on project progress and any challenges encountered.
- Keep accurate logs of equipment usage, maintenance, and repairs; Document work performed within an electronic work order system; Document any incidents or accidents
- Be available for on-call duties to respond to emergencies, such as water main breaks or severe weather events
- Participate in ongoing training and professional development to enhance skills and knowledge; Interact with the public courteously and professionally, addressing any questions or concerns they may have
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Extensive knowledge of operating various types of heavy motorized equipment, including backhoes, mini excavators, dump trucks, tractors, and other related machinery; Understanding of equipment maintenance, including how to conduct pre-operation checks.
- Familiarity with construction and maintenance practices, particularly those related water and sewer systems
- Comprehensive understanding of safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) usage to prevent workplace accidents and injuries; Awareness of environmental regulations and practices to minimize the impact on the surrounding area
- Basic understanding of mechanical systems and the ability to identify and troubleshoot common equipment issues; Knowledge of the proper use and maintenance of hand and power tools
- Physical strength and endurance to perform manual labor task, such as lifting, digging, and operating heavy machinery; Good hand-eye coordination and motor skills to handle complex machinery controls
- Effective verbal communication skills to interact with team members, supervisors, and the public; Ability to read and interrupt written directions, maps, and operational manuals
- Flexibility to adapt to changing work conditions, including varying weather conditions and emergency situations; Ability to handle a variety of tasks simultaneously and prioritize them effectively
Education/Experience/Physical Demands/Special Requirements/Additional Information Motor Equipment Operator I Minimally qualified starting pay: Grade 11 - $21.32 hr
- High School or equivalent with minimal experience in the operation of motorized equipment for pipeline utility installation, repair, and maintenance, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- CDL Class A permit is required within 90 days of hire. Execution of CDL agreement required upon hire.
- NC Grade I Wastewater Collections Systems Operators Certificate or Grade C Distribution System Operators Certificate within 12 months of hire
Motor Equipment Operator II Minimally qualified starting pay: Grade 12 - $22.39 hr
- High School or equivalent with 3 years of experience in the operation of motorized equipment for pipeline utility installation, repair, and maintenance,
- Or equivalent combination of education and experience
- CDL Class A permit is required within 90 days of hire. Execution of CDL agreement required upon hire.
- Possession of NC Grade I Wastewater Collections Systems Operators Certificate and Grade C Distribution System Operators Certificate
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - CDL Class A permit required within 90 days of hire. City sponsored CDL acquisition requires a 2-year commitment to the organization after completion of training.
- OSHA Competent Person Trenching/Shoring and Confined Space Entry certification within 12 months of hire.
- Basic Work Zone Safety and Flagger certifications within 12 months of hire.
- NIMS IS-700 certificate within 12 months of hire.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS, VISUAL ACUITY, AND WORKING CONDITIONS - Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized. This factor is important if the amount and kind of climbing required exceeds that required for ordinary locomotion.
- Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, or couching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. This factor is important if the amount and kind of balancing exceed those needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
- Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires full use of the lower extremities and back muscles.
- Kneeling: Bending legs at the knee to come to a rest on the knee or knees.
- Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the legs and spine.
- Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
- Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
- Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
- Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
- Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward,, or outward.
- Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion.
- Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires the substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
- Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling.
- Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
- Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture, by touching the skin, particularly the fingertips.
- Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
- Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal spoken word levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making fine adjustments on machined parts.
- Repetitive Motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION INCULDE: The worker is required to have visual acuity to perform one or more of the following:
- Operate machines such as lathes, drill presses, power saws and mills where the job is within arm's reach
- Performs mechanical or skilled trades tasks of a non-repetitive nature, such as carpenters, technicians, service people, plumbers, painters, mechanics, etc.
THE CONDITIONS THE WORKER WILL BE SUBJECT TO IN THIS POSITION INCLUDE: - Theworker is subject to environmental conditions; including protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.
- The worker is subject to outside environmental conditions. There is no effective protection from weather.
- The worker is subject to both environmental conditions: activities occur inside and outside.
- The worker is subject to extreme cold: temperatures below 32 degrees for periods of more than one hour.
- The worker is subject to extreme heat: temperatures above 100 degrees for periods of more than one hour.
- The worker is subject to noise. There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level.
- The worker is subject to vibration: Exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities or whole body.
- The worker is subject to hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat, or exposure to chemicals.
- The worker is subject to atmospheric conditions: One or more of the following conditions affect the respiratory system of the skin: Fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.
- The worker is subject to oils: There is air and/or skin exposure to oils and other cutting fluids.
- The worker is required to wear a respirator.
- The worker frequently is in close quarters, crawl spaces, shafts, manholes, small-enclosed rooms, small sewage and water line pipes, and other areas that could cause claustrophobia.
- The worker is required to function in narrow aisles or passageways.
Drug screening, criminal background, and reference checks are required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The City of Gastonia is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. We value diversity and promise to honor your experiences, perspective, and unique identity.
The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/H). High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
Dental
Vision
Life
Supplemental Insurance Plans
Pension (Local Government Employees' Retirement System)
401(k)
457
Short-term/Long-term Disability
Dependent Care Plan
Employee Assistance Program
On-Site Health Clinic
Employee Educational Assistance Program
Sick Leave (12 days per year)
Initial Employment Vacation: Starting at 12 days per year
Holidays (11 days per year)
Personal Day (1 day per year)
A comprehensive list of benefits can be found online at
01
How many years of experience do you have operating equipment such as mini excavators, backhoes, and trenching around underground utilities?
- 0-1 Years
- 2-3 Years
- 4-6 Years
- 7+ Years
02
Do you possess a CDL Class A license or permit?
03
If you do not have a CDL Class A license or permit, will you be eligible to obtain one within 90 days of hire if sponsored?
04
Please indicate your highest level of education.
- High School or Equivalent
- Associates
- Bachelors
- Masters
- Doctorate
Required Question
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Local area, Gangs, Long distance,