Equipment Operator

Gas Department
Posted 09/17/2021

Job Title:  Equipment Operator GAS/15

Department:  Gas, City of Toccoa

Job Summary:  The work of this position involves operating equipment such as backhoe, trencher, tractor, dump truck and other equipment utilized in gas pipeline construction projects.

Major Duties:

• Operates a backhoe used in digging gas line ditches and equipment used to install gas line mains.
• Operates earth boring machines, trencher, plow and tapping machine.
• Operates a tractor, bush hog, tree cutter, chain saws, harrow, seeder, and tandem dump truck used in right-of-way cleaning and maintenance.
• Performs general laboring tasks related to gas pipeline construction.
• Operates tandem dump truck to haul materials.
• Cleans and maintains equipment and buildings as required.
• Operates pipe threader, jackhammer, and other tools in making gas line taps and repairs.
• Operates plastic fusion machine to repair plastic mains or services.
• Assists in setting large meters and laying pipes.
• Lights pilot lights.
• Responds to emergency calls to repair gas lines as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Required By The Position:

• Knowledge of departmental rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of equipment operation.
• Knowledge of gas line construction and repair techniques.
• Knowledge of proper safety procedures.
• Knowledge of the compaction characteristics of different soils.
• Skill in operating a backhoe, tractor, dump truck, and other equipment.
• Skill in the use of standard tools (e.g., shovels, picks, wrenches, etc.).
• Skill in following instructions.

Supervisory Controls:  The Gas Operations Superintendent assigns work in terms of general instructions.  The supervisor spot-checks work in progress and upon completion for compliance with instructions, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Guidelines:  Guidelines include oral instructions as well as departmental policies and procedures.  These guidelines are clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

Complexity:  The work consists of related duties in operating heavy equipment.

Scope and Effect:  The purpose of this position is to operate heavy equipment utilized in gas line construction and repair.  The work facilitates the activities of other gas construction and maintenance personnel.

Personal Contacts:  Contacts are typically with co-workers.

Purpose of Contacts:   Contacts are typically to give or exchange information and provide services.

Physical Demands:  Physical demands include intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, crouching, lifting light and heavy objects, and climbing ladders.  Physical demands also include the use of tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity and the ability to distinguish between shades of color.

Work Environment:  Work is performed outdoors where the employee may be exposed to occasional cold or inclement weather, noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, raw sewage, contagious or infectious diseases and irritating chemicals.  This work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, and gloves.

Supervisory and Management Responsibilities:  None.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to read, write and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• 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 driver's license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.