Sr. Equipment Operator - Heavy Equipment

As a Sr. Equipment Operator - Heavy Equipment with the City of Fort Worth, your responsibilities will include operating complex heavy machinery such as cranes, backhoes, and dump trucks. You will perform maintenance and repairs on water and wastewater systems, assist in emergency responses, and ensure the safety of operations. Keeping accurate records of equipment usage and maintenance is also vital to your role.

To qualify for the Sr. Equipment Operator position at the City of Fort Worth, you must have a high school diploma or GED, with a minimum of three years’ experience in operating heavy equipment. A Texas Class A CDL driver’s license is essential, and you will need to obtain a TCEQ Water Class C or Wastewater Collection I license within your first year.

The Sr. Equipment Operator - Heavy Equipment position at the City of Fort Worth offers an hourly pay rate between $22.90 and $25.76. Additionally, you can earn a $2,000 sign-on incentive, which is half paid after your first pay period and the remainder after six months of employment.

As a Sr. Equipment Operator - Heavy Equipment in the City of Fort Worth, you will work in a 24/7 operation, meaning weekend and after-hours work may be required. This role includes participating in an on-call rotation to respond to emergencies or severe weather situations.

Employees in the Sr. Equipment Operator - Heavy Equipment position with the City of Fort Worth can enjoy a variety of benefits, including 11 paid holidays, medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, participation in a pension plan, and professional development opportunities.

When answering this question, focus on specific types of equipment you have operated, your level of expertise, and any special training you might have received. Highlight your practical skills and any accomplishments that demonstrate your capability to handle heavy machinery safely and efficiently.

Discuss your approach to site safety, which includes pre-operation equipment checks, setting up safety barriers, and following safety protocols. Mention specific safety training or certifications you hold, and explain instances where your safety measures prevented accidents or issues.

Prepare a specific example that includes the challenge, your thought process, actions taken, and the outcome. This illustrates your problem-solving abilities and adaptability in high-pressure scenarios while using heavy equipment.

Express your understanding of the demands of working in various weather conditions and describe your past experiences. Highlight your willingness to adapt to these situations and any strategies you employ to work safely in extreme temperatures.

Discuss the routine maintenance checks you perform before and after using equipment, the importance of regular servicing, and how you keep records of maintenance activities. This shows your dedication to equipment longevity and operational effectiveness.

Emphasize collaboration with fellow employees and understanding each team member's roles. Share an example of a successful team project where your communication and teamwork contributed to achieving safety and efficiency.

Explain your passion for the industry, your enjoyment in overcoming challenges, and the satisfaction you get from contributing to community infrastructure. This reveals your commitment to the position and what drives you to excel.

Discuss your troubleshooting process, including how you diagnose issues, communicate with supervisors, and take appropriate measures to address equipment failures. Highlight your capability to remain calm under pressure.

Outline any experience you have with utility systems, details of the tasks you have performed, and your understanding of best practices in that field. Mention any relevant training or certifications to strengthen your response.

Share your commitment to keeping up-to-date with safety regulations and your proactive approach to compliance, such as attending training sessions, staying informed about updates, and promoting a culture of safety in your work ethic.