Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00019

Department: Public Utilities - Distribution & Collections

Job classification: Senior Heavy Equipment Operator - Utility System

Posting type: Open

Categories: Utilities

Summary

Hiring range is negotiable between $48,257.12 and $62,734.25 depending on a candidate's qualifications and experience.

Performs highly-skilled work in the repair, maintenance and replacement of the City’s water distribution and sewer collection infrastructure systems, requiring advanced experience and skill in the operation of light and heavy duty construction equipment. An employee in this class will be highly skilled to operate most of the equipment used within the Distribution and Collection division, to include dump trucks, backhoes, front-end loaders, excavators, Jet-Vacs, farm tractors with various attachments, etc. Employee will supervise multiple employees on the jobsite and lead a work crew in performance of duties through task completion, including maintenance and repair of the water distribution and sewer collection lines, meters, valves, and appurtenances. Basic work requirements include, but are not be limited to, excavating jobsites; loading and hauling materials, supplies, soil, dirt and debris; maintaining, repairing and installing pipes, manholes, meters, and valves; jet-rodding lines; maintaining outfalls; basic masonry work, etc. Employee performs work in accordance with established safety rules and regulations. Employee may be required to work shifts or on weekends when responding to water leaks, meter malfunctions, sewer clogs, and other similar customer service issues. Employee may also be expected to perform “on-call” duties on a rotational basis as needed. Employee is required to completed yearly evaluations for each employee that they supervise.

Examples of duties

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Serves as crew leader for the distribution or collection crew on a daily basis.
• Oversees work of assigned work crew; observes work in progress and instructs crew members as needed; provides input to the operations manager regarding crew’s performance.
• Operates various types of heavy equipment, including backhoes, front-end loaders, dump trucks, flatbed trucks, excavators, Jet-Vacs, tractors, etc. during the performance of daily responsibilities.
• Ensures machinery and equipment are properly maintained; completes daily checks and preventative maintenance requirements, and schedules maintenance and repairs accordingly to ensure equipment remains in good working order.
• Trains other employees in proper operation of equipment to assist in skill development.
• Uses GIS mapping technology to locate distribution and collection mains, service lines and laterals.
• Oversees loading and transporting of equipment and materials in preparation for work.
• Uses various pneumatic, gas or electric power tools, including compressors, jack-hammers, tapping machines, boring machines, tamps, concrete saws, drills, etc. to perform daily responsibilities.
• Uses various hand tools to perform daily tasks, including shovels, rakes, hoes, etc.
• Performs water distribution and sewer collection infrastructure maintenance, repair and replacement, including clearing, repairing and installing pipe; installing taps; exercising and replacing valves and hydrants; clearing outfalls; repairing and replacing meters; building and/or raising manholes, etc.
• Performs various landscaping duties to enhance jobsites, including leveling soil, seeding grass, spreading straw, etc.
• Ensures all safety procedures and protocols are in place and used effectively at all jobsites and work zones, including placement of safety signs, cones, flaggers, etc.
• Locates and marks City water and sewer lines for various construction projects.
• Serves as the crew leader and oversees small repair projects when operations manager is not on site.
• Works various shifts to operate equipment in support of natural disasters or major weather events.
• Prepares daily logs and other reports to track performance and completed tasks; uses computer and related software to input data.
• Assists other departments and agencies as needed
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the tools, materials and methods used to maintain and repair water distribution and sewer collection infrastructure and associated appurtenances.
• Knowledge of the operational and preventative maintenance requirements for light and heavy duty construction equipment and vehicles assigned to perform primary duties.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and proper safety precautions associated with working around raw sewage, operating heavy construction equipment, working around traffic and performing daily responsibilities.
• Knowledge of the municipal water and sewer service policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the traffic laws and regulations governing equipment operation.
• Knowledge of street locations and the geographic layout of the City.
• Skill in the fundamental use of computers and basic administrative software applications.
• Skill operating and maintaining light and heavy duty construction equipment, and using basic hand tools.
• Ability to provide training on the preventative maintenance and operational use of light and heavy construction equipment used regularly within the distribution and collection division.
• Ability to lead a work crew and oversee a jobsite through task completion, ensuring quality job performance and work.
• Ability to understand and follow specific instructions, both oral and written.
• Ability to read and interpret utility line maps and service manuals.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other co-workers, supervisors, and the general public.
• Ability to train, assign, and coach the performance of team members.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to be tactful and use diplomacy in dealing with the public, especially in handling and resolving complaints.
• Ability to keep accurate detailed records.

Supplemental information

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ten (10) years of experience in utility maintenance and construction work.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

• Possession of a valid North Carolina Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License or ability to acquire within one (1) year of hire date.
• Collections System Operator I certification and/or Distribution System Operator Level C certificate or ability to obtain one within one year and both within 2 years.
• Supervisor and/or crew leader experience preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs medium work that involves walking, standing, stooping, jumping, dancing, stretching, or lifting all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or exceptional skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs in tasks involving very close tolerances or limits of accuracy.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• Involves routine and frequent exposure to:
• Bright/dim light; Dusts and pollen.
• Extreme heat and/or cold; Wet or humid conditions.
• Extreme noise levels, Animals/wildlife.
• Vibration; Fumes and/or noxious odors.
• Traffic; Moving machinery.
• Electrical shock; Heights.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

The City of Goldsboro is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

STANDARD CLAUSES

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of the City.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures, and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed, and employees are properly trained.