Heavy Equipment Operator – Vacuum/Jetter

Quick facts

• Pay: $46,467 to $75,816 a year
• Schedule: Full-time, includes weekends
• Location: Kissimmee, FL
• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Physical: Lifting up to 50 lbs

About this job

Operate combination vacuum/jetter trucks to clean and maintain wastewater lift stations and collection system infrastructure for Toho Water Authority. Perform high-pressure water jetting, vacuum operations, equipment maintenance, and emergency response work.

Good fit if you have three years operating commercial vehicles or heavy equipment, a Florida Class A CDL, and can work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Full job description

General Description

Heavy Equipment Operator I $22.34 - $27.91Heavy Equipment Operator II $25.60 - $34.08Senior Heavy Equipment Operator $27.36 - $36.45
The purpose of this position is to operate and maintain specialized heavy equipment, primarily a combination vacuum/jetter truck, to support the cleaning, maintenance, and operation of Toho Water Authority's wastewater lift stations and collection system infrastructure.

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for performing vacuum cleaning, high-pressure water jetting, and removal of sludge, grease, sediment, debris, and other accumulated materials from lift station wet wells, piping, and associated equipment. This position requires the safe operation, inspection, and routine maintenance of specialized equipment to ensure reliable performance and minimize operational disruptions.

When the vacuum/jetter truck is unavailable or operational needs require, the employee may be assigned to assist System Mechanics with lift station inspections, preventive maintenance, general maintenance activities, and other related duties.

The position may also be required to operate other heavy equipment and commercial vehicles as assigned.

Essential Functions

1. Operates combination vacuum/jetter trucks to perform routine and scheduled cleaning of wastewater lift station wet wells, piping, and associated infrastructure.
2. Performs high-pressure water jetting and vacuum operations to remove grease, sludge, sediment, debris, and other accumulated materials to maintain proper lift station operation.
3. Operates vacuum pumps, high-pressure water pumps, hydraulic booms, hoses, nozzles, and associated equipment safely and efficiently.
4. Coordinates cleaning activities with Lift Station Maintenance personnel to minimize disruptions to lift station operations and prevent sanitary sewer overflows.
5. Performs daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections of assigned vehicles and equipment, including inspections required by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
6. Performs routine preventive maintenance on assigned equipment, including lubrication, fluid level inspections, cleaning, and minor mechanical repairs within the employee's training and authorization.
7. Identifies and reports equipment deficiencies, mechanical issues, unsafe conditions, and necessary repairs to the appropriate supervisor.
8. Properly transports and disposes of collected wastewater, sludge, sediment, and debris at approved disposal locations in accordance with established procedures and applicable regulations.
9. Assists System Mechanics with lift station inspections, preventive maintenance, equipment cleaning, and general maintenance activities when the vacuum/jetter truck is unavailable or as assigned.
10. Assists with emergency response activities, including sanitary sewer overflows, lift station failures, sewer blockages, and other wastewater collection system emergencies.
11. Operates additional heavy equipment and commercial vehicles, including dump trucks, roll-off trucks, front-end loaders, skid steers, excavators, and other equipment, as qualified and assigned.
12. Establishes and maintains safe work areas, including traffic control, proper equipment positioning, and implementation of applicable safety procedures.
13. Maintains accurate daily work records, equipment inspection reports, cleaning logs, disposal documentation, and other required paperwork or electronic records.
14. Follows established safety procedures related to high-pressure water systems, vacuum equipment, wastewater exposure, confined spaces, and hazardous working conditions.
15. Attends required safety meetings, training sessions, and equipment operation certification programs.
16. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. A minimum of a high school diploma or GED issued by an approved GED Administrator.
2. A minimum of three years of relevant work experience operating commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, or specialized utility maintenance equipment.
3. Experience operating combination vacuum/jetter trucks or similar wastewater cleaning equipment.
4. Any combination of education and experience demonstrating the candidate's ability to successfully perform the essential functions of this position may be considered.
5. Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted State of Florida Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
6. Must possess or obtain a Tank Vehicle (N) Endorsement within the first six months of employment, subject to applicable vehicle operating requirements.
7. Must possess the ability to safely operate specialized equipment, follow written and verbal instructions, and complete required operational documentation.
8. Must be able to work outdoors under varying weather conditions and respond to emergency situations as required.

Physical Demands

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to operate tools and equipment, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to pull, push, kneel, bend, squat, crawl, climb, reach, and twist.
The position requires frequent and repetitive climbing in and out of commercial vehicles, accessing equipment compartments, and mounting and dismounting equipment multiple times throughout the workday. Employees are required to repeatedly assemble, connect, disconnect, lift, carry, and maneuver vacuum tubes, suction hoses, high-pressure water hoses, and associated equipment during daily lift station cleaning operations.
The employee must be capable of maintaining balance and stable footing while working around open lift station wet wells, access hatches, uneven terrain, and wet or slippery surfaces. Duties require physical coordination, manual dexterity, and the ability to safely position and maneuver equipment near open wet wells while maintaining awareness of surrounding hazards.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. The position requires repetitive physical movements and sustained physical activity throughout the workday.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work is primarily performed outdoors at wastewater lift stations and other utility facilities under varying environmental conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, humidity, and adverse weather conditions.
Environmental factors include rugged or uneven terrain, wet and slippery surfaces, noise, vibrations, traffic, darkness, bright sunlight, confined or congested work areas, and exposure to wastewater, human waste, sludge, biological agents, chemicals, sewer gases, fumes, and unpleasant odors.
The position requires frequent work in close proximity to open lift station wet wells and access hatches, presenting potential fall hazards and exposure to hazardous atmospheres. Employees routinely operate around high-pressure water systems, vacuum equipment, moving vehicles, hydraulic equipment, and other operating machinery.
Employees are required to follow established safety procedures, utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and comply with applicable fall protection, hazardous atmosphere monitoring, and confined-space safety procedures.
Work may also involve indoor environments, including maintenance facilities and office areas. The employee may be required to work extended hours, weekends, holidays, or respond to emergency situations as operational needs require.