Heavy Equipment Operator, Tacoma Water Salary$40.37 - $42.39 HourlyLocation Tacoma, WAJob TypeClassifiedJob Number5021-24DepartmentWaterOpening Date04/03/2024Closing Date4/10/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
Position DescriptionTacoma Water (https://www.mytpu.org/tacomawater/about-tacoma-water/) is currently creating a civil service eligibility list that will be used to fill Heavy Equipment Operator vacancies as they occur for one year within the department. Heavy Equipment Operators in Tacoma Water operate heavy, power-driven equipment such as backhoes, mobile cranes, hydro excavator trucks, trailers, dump trucks, tractors and other large heavy equipment.Primary Responsibilities:
Operate a range of heavy construction and maintenance equipment including but not limited to boom trucks, waste compactors, dump trucks, front-loaders, heavy grinders, motor graders, mobile cranes, excavators, tractors, trailers, trenchers, asphalt cold milling machines, self-propelled asphalt pavers, vibratory and static rollers, bulldozers, rock chip spreaders, street sweepers, water trucks and other large vehicles
Operate and maintain auxiliary mechanical equipment, electronics and attachments used with heavy construction equipment
Load, unload, lift and move a variety of materials and equipment; lift and move materials to designated areas
Perform excavation and grading work used for water and public works construction and maintenance activities
Operate heavy construction equipment to cut, fill, mill, sweep, lay and compact material in the maintenance and cleaning of paved and unpaved rights-of-way and City-owned properties
Assist and lead coworkers to complete work assignments
Maintain proper levels of supplies, materials and equipment to efficiently complete work assignments
Communicate to coworkers on amount of materials to be dumped and position of trucks to load, spread or unload materials
Inspect and maintain equipment daily, such as lubricating and making minor repairs, to assure safe operating conditions, coordinate equipment maintenance with appropriate persons or departments
Maintain accurate records according to established procedures both in writing and using a computer
Operate computers and basic computer software programs
Work safely and cooperatively with co-workers and the public
Applicants who apply and meet minimum qualifications will be invited to take an online test. Details and the test link will be sent via email the week of April 15, 2024. Be sure to check your junk folder for this email so you don't miss the deadline.
QualificationsTwo years of work experience in construction or maintenance trades working with and around heavy equipment such as backhoes, mobile cranes, vactor trucks, trailers, dump trucks, tractors and other large heavy equipmentLICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTSPossession of a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License, with Tanker and Air Brake endorsement, at time of appointment and maintenance thereafterKnowledge & SkillsKnowledge of:
Principles, practices, and standards for operation, care and maintenance of assigned heavy equipment
Methods, materials, terminology and techniques used in road maintenance and construction activities
Requirements of operating equipment in a safe manner
Methods and techniques for maintaining records and prepare reports
Office practices, methods, computer equipment and applications
Skill In:
Interpreting, applying and explaining applicable laws, codes, rules, regulations policies and procedures
Providing clear and concise direction and training on heavy equipment
Understanding, following, and providing oral and written directions
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Read and interpret construction drawings, maps and specifications
Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others
Observe legal and defensive driving practices
Placing materials with accuracy
Excavating or moving earth to required grade
Prioritizing and organizing work in a wide variety of environments
Performing construction related math calculations
Selection Process & Supplemental InformationThis recruitment is being managed by Joanna Hambrick; if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hambrickjoanna/) ! City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and InclusionTacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play. The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws. Tacoma WaterTacoma Water has a proud tradition of operating and maintaining one of the country's oldest municipally owned water systems. We provide high-quality water at very competitive prices. We provide direct service to more than 300,000 people throughout Pierce and King counties. Our mission is to provide clean, reliable water. If you share our values of safety, customer-driven, employee invested, stewardship and adaptability, we are looking for you. ApplyInterested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online exam. Candidates who pass the online exam will have their supplemental question scored. Applicants must pass both portions to be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration. Candidates are encouraged to study the Washington CDL guide (http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/docs/cdlguide.pdf) available from the Washington Department of Licensing. Appointment is subject to passing a pre-employment medical exam and drug screen. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 117. Communication from the City of Tacoma:We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders. If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400 before 4pm on the closing date of this job posting. The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Public Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.Other Employment InformationDirect Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.01 Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration.
Yes
No
02
Do you have two years of work experience in the construction or maintenance trades working with and around heavy equipment such as backhoes, cranes, hydroexcavators, and dump trucks?
Yes
No
03
Do you have a valid Washington State Class A Commercial Drivers License with Air Brake endorsement?
Yes
Yes, at time of appointment
No
04
Please indicate which of the following pieces of heavy, power-driven equipment you have at least 2 years of work experience operating. Check all that apply.
Backhoes
Mobile Cranes
Hydroexcavator Trucks
Trailers
Dump Trucks
Tractors
None of the above
05
Do you have NCCCO Crane Operator certification?
Yes
No
06
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST:
Questions #7-15 are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to any of your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answers to the questions. Your answers must stand on their own merit. DO NOT RESPOND WITH "SEE RESUME" in lieu of answering this question, as raters will not have access to your resume or application and this will result in a score of 0 points and you will fail the test. Your score on the experience and training test will ONLY reflect your response to the questions asked.
Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions #7-15.
Yes
No
07
What are the responsibilities of a Heavy Equipment Operator on a construction crew?
08
In 250 words or less, please describe in detail your experience operating a backhoe. Include the types of equipment operated, the amount of time operated, and the work you performed. Be as descriptive as possible when answering this test question.
09
Please select your experience related to operating a backhoe in a utility environment.
No Experience
1 year or less
More than 1 year to 5 years
More than 5 years to less than 10 years
10 or more years
10
In 250 words or less, please describe your experience operating crane trucks. Include the types of equipment operated, the amount of time operated, and the work you performed. Be as descriptive as possible when answering this test question.
11
Please select your experience related to loading, unloading and setting utility vaults, road plates and large pipe.
No Experience
1 year or less
More than 1 year to 5 years
More than 5 years to less than 10 years
10 or more years
12
In 250 words or less, please describe your experience operating mini and large excavators. If no experience, please write N/A. Include the types of equipment operated, the amount of time operated, and the work you performed. Be as descriptive as possible when answering this test question.
13
Please select your experience related to operating a mini and large excavator in a utility environment.
No experience
1 year or less
More than 1 year to 5 years
More than 5 years to less than 10 years
More than 10 years
14
In 250 words or less, please describe your experience operating a hydro excavator (vactor). If no experience, please write N/A. Include the types of equipment operated, the amount of time operated, and the work you performed. Be as descriptive as possible when answering this test question.
15
Please list your experience related to operating a hydro excavator (vactor).
No Experience
1 year or less
More than 1 year to 5 years
More than 5 years to less than 10 years
More than 10 years
16
One of the City's Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe any experience you have working with diverse groups of people.
17
The City of Tacoma has a technical requirement that employees filling classified roles be residents of the City at the time of their original appointment to a classified job. However, there is a process to request a waiver of this requirement from the Civil Service Board if we identify an outstanding candidate who is a nonresident. Not residing within the City of Tacoma is not an automatic disqualifier and everyone is encouraged to apply.
I understand that the City will request a waiver for me if necessary
Not applicable, I'm a City of Tacoma resident
18
Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.
Job Interest Card notification
Professional organization
Military organization
City of Tacoma employee
Online job board posting
Word of mouth
Tacoma Training & Education Program (TTEP)
Indeed
Careers in Government
Government Jobs
Outreach Event
National Diversity Network
African American Job Network
Disability Job Network
Asian Job Network
Latino Job Network
Retirement Job Network
LGBT Job Network
Veteran Job Network
Other
19
Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.
Required Question
AgencyCity of TacomaAddressHuman Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764 Phone253-591-5400 Websitehttp://www.cityoftacoma.org Apply Please verify your email address Verify Email
