HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR - South Florida Water Management District
West Palm Beach, FL
About the Job
Operates multi excavation earthmoving equipment to preserve and maintain ditches, canals, and levee systems. Such equipment includes dragline, excavator, backhoe, grader, dozer, front-end loader, dump truck, and knuckle boom. Specializes in installation, removal and repair of District infrastructure, including weirs, culverts, water control structures, boat ramps, locks and bridges on District waterways, canals, and levees.
Operates specialized aquatic plant harvesters such as towboats to cut and/or remove submerged, emergent, and free-floating noxious plants/ vegetation from canals that impede navigation and flow and degrade water quality.
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.
Reads and understands 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 verifies 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.
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Moves 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.
Becomes familiar 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.
Removes cut plants from the water and stores 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, enters water to remove snags, debris, etc.
Assists with field surveys to determine the need for and location of aquatic plant control operations.
This position is subject to random mandatory drug and alcohol testing.
This position may be required to participate in the Pumping Operations Program as either a pump station assistant or pump station operator.
All other duties as assigned.
Work hours: Monday - Thursday 6:30 am - 5:00 pm - Closed Friday
This position is located at our Big Cypress Basin Field Station in Naples, Florida.
Employment Guidelines
Typically has High School Diploma or GED and 2+ years' experience operating and transporting multiple pieces of heavy equipment including excavation and earthmoving equipment, aquatic harvesters, large farm tractors, dump truck with knuckle boom, and lower unit dragline. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
The hiring range for this position is $47,174.40 to $57,241.60 (based on education and years of relevant work experience).
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:
Forklift Operations Certification (Required)
First Aid/CPR/AED (Required)
A valid State of Florida Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) without restriction to operate vehicle equipped with a manual transmission and air brakes. If selected candidate does not currently possess CDL, the District will provide 60 days from date of hire to obtain CDL Learner’s Permit and 180 days to obtain CDL License. District is willing to pay cost of CDL training program. (Required).
Veterans' 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.