CITY OF ATHENS
JOB POSTING—INTERNAL/EXTERNAL
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR                                     
UTILITIES—GAS DEPARTMENT
Military Leave Replacement

Position will be filled as full time regular status which includes all benefits.  However, selected candidate will be required to sign a letter of understanding that he or she may be laid off when the city employee on military leave returns and if no suitable vacancy exists. Please refer to the City of Athens Human Resources Department for further details.  

JOB SUMMARY:  This position operates heavy equipment in the construction, maintenance, and repair of the natural gas distribution system.

MAJOR DUTIES:   Operates backhoe, track hoe, trencher, and other equipment to excavate existing gas lines or prepare for the installation of new lines.  Lays gas pipe in accordance with DOT regulations.  Levels land following excavations; operates tractor to landscape and grade residential yards and other areas.  Operates equipment to assist with electric utilities operations as needed.  Operates a locator machine to detect and identify underground gas lines.  Operates CGI meter to identify gas leaks; operates gas tracker to identify large leaks in gas lines; operates leak detection truck to identify gas leaks from underground lines; calibrates leak detection equipment.  Assists in conducting leak surveys, including surveys of transmission lines, industrial customer piping, and system update surveys.  Repairs lines with fuse-a-matic couplings to weld pipes together.  Operates a variety of directional drilling machines.   Operates dump truck to transport dirt and other materials and to pull lowboy trailer.  Performs safety and maintenance inspections of equipment; reports repair needs to supervisor; performs basic equipment maintenance, including oiling and greasing machinery.  Completes leak and other reports.  Completes required training.  Responds to after-hours emergencies as required.  Performs related duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  18 year or older.  High School Diploma, GED and/or equivalent work experience.  Valid Alabama Driver’s license.  Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.              Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid Class A commercial driver’s license.  Possession of or ability to readily obtain Journeyman Pipe Fitter, Journeyman Gas Fitter, and Plastic Pipe Installation Certifications.  Valid Gas Systems Operations Qualifications.  CPR and First Aid certification preferred.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:   Knowledge of equipment and tools used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of gas lines. Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions associated with working around gas lines.  Knowledge of OSHA and DOT regulations.

Knowledge of county and departmental policies and procedures.  Knowledge of the geography of the county, including road names and locations.  Skill in the operation of assigned vehicles, trucks, and heavy equipment.  Skill in the operation of leak detection equipment.  Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.  Skill in the use of hand and power tools.  Skill in planning and prioritizing work.  Skill in oral and written communication.

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