Heavy Equipment Operator (Streets Division)

Salary

$57,865.60 - $72,800.00 Annually

Location

CA 91942, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

23-16

Department

Public Works Operations

Opening Date

07/26/2023

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Position Summary

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

To perform the most difficult assignments involved in operating and maintaining a variety of light and heavy equipment to maintain and repair streets, sidewalks, parking lots, alleys, and related structures and systems; to perform excavating, grading, trenching, loading and related operations according to required standards; to train others in the use of equipment; and to ensure safe working practices and procedures.

This class is distinguished from the Equipment Operator by the performance of the most difficult assignments involved in operating and maintaining a variety of light and heavy equipment to maintain and repair streets, sidewalks, parking lots, alleys, and related structures and systems and has lead responsibility over a small group of workers on assigned projects.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Operate a variety of light and heavy construction equipment such as backhoe, roller, paver, grader, front-end loaders, and dump trucks involved in the maintenance and repair of streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, water and sewer, and related structures and systems and in tree removal; perform difficult and skilled work using heavy equipment.

• Grade City streets, roads and alleys using a motor grader; read grade stakes as necessary; roll and compact asphalt.

• Gather and load waste products from job sites onto trucks; transport to appropriate location.

• Identify equipment needs for each assigned project; pick-up and deliver heavy equipment from construction sites.

• Perform preventive maintenance on heavy and light equipment; perform minor repairs on equipment and report the need for major repairs; service and lubricate equipment as necessary.

• Perform additional construction and maintenance tasks such as concrete work, truck driving, shoveling, spreading, and raking asphalt and other material, and a variety of repair activities when equipment is not in use.

• Tack streets for overlay; overlay streets and patches using paving machine; seal cracks in roadway using asphalt sealant.

• Direct the work of employees operating equipment on a training basis; provide instruction on the techniques of equipment operation.

• Lead a small group of workers on an assigned project; insure that safe procedures are followed; provide direction to resolve unanticipated problems, in the absence of a supervisor.

• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.

• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

• Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Formal or informal education or training which ensures the ability to read and write at a level for successful job performance, supplemented by specialized training in heavy and light equipment operation and maintenance principles and practices.

Experience:

At least two years of directly-related experience, which includes street maintenance operations and equipment.

License or Certificate:

Possession of a valid unrestricted Class A driver’s license. New employees must receive tanker endorsement within six months of hire.

Examination Process

Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire.

This recruitment is open until filled, interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. First review of applications will occur on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. Unless specifically stated otherwise in this announcement, all requirements must be met at the time of application; and all required licenses and certificates must be current and valid. Candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in the examination process for this position. The examination process will consist of an appraisal interview (50%) and practical skills assessment (50%). The following equipment may be used for the practical skills assessment: 5-yard dump; 3-yard loader, backhoe, roller, skid-steer loader, tracked asphalt paver, and/or patch truck. Eligible candidates will be notified when testing dates have been established.

NOTE: In accordance with DOT standards, employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment medical evaluation, including drug screen and background investigation. Employee will be subject to random drug and alcohol tests during employment.

The City of La Mesa offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

Retirement: All regular City employees are members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Non-safety employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire. Additional benefits are provided in accordance with the City’s CalPERS contract.

Retirment Formula and cost sharing

Tier 1 - Hired on January 21, 2011 through December 31, 2012 = 2.5% @ 55

Employee Contribution = 8%

Employee Cost Sharing = 1.5%

Final Compensation = 1 Year

PEPRA - Hired on or after January 1, 2013 = 2% @ 62

Employee Contribution = 7.75%

Employee Cost Sharing = 0%

Final Compensation = 3 Years

• CalPERS Classic Members hired on or after January 1, 2013 will be enrolled in the Tier 1 retirement formula.

Vacation: Employees accrue vacation based on years of service as follows:

0 – 60 Months: 80 hours a year

61 – 120 Months: 120 hours a year

Over 120 Months: 160 hours a year

Once an employee reaches the maximum accumulation of vacation hours (two and one-half times the annual allowance), the employee will not accumulate additional vacation until the vacation time is reduced below the maximum allowable.

Sick Leave: Earned at the rate of 3.692 hours per pay period (96 hours per year).

Sick Leave Conversion: Employees may convert a portion (above 192 hours) of accumulated sick leave to an equal amount of vacation or pay, based on the formulas below. For purposes of this program, usage is calculated using a defined (12) month period that begins and ends with the first pay period in November.

Sick leave conversion for regular part-time employees will be pro-rated based on the regularly scheduled hours compared to a 40-hour workweek.

Unused Sick Leave Reimbursement: Employees with ten (10) or more years of service shall be paid an amount equal to 50 percent of a maximum of 150 days (1200 hours) of the current cash value of the unused sick leave credited to his or her account upon normal or disability retirement, or death. Employees with ten (10) or more years of service, who terminate for reasons other than retirement or death, shall be paid an amount equal to 25 percent of a maximum of 150 days (1200 hours) of the current cash value of the unused sick leave credited to his or her account.

Holidays: All employees shall be granted the following holidays, or the days celebrated for these holidays, with pay:

New Year’s Day

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veteran’s Day

Thanksgiving Day

Friday after Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

In lieu of celebrating Admission day, Cesar Chavez’s Birthday, and President’s Day, employees will be granted three floating holidays to be used at the convenience of the employee with the approval of the department head. For employees hired on or after July 1, 1991, unused floating holidays may be accumulated up to a maximum of 160 hours.

Holiday Closure: The City will close City Hall between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day each year. The City will cover 50% of the closed days and employees will be responsible for using their vacation, floating holiday or comp time leave banks to cover the remaining 50% of closed days (50%/50% split). Some employees may be required to work some or all of the closed days based on operational needs of the City at the City Manager’s discretion.

Use of Paid Leave Upon Resignation: An employee who resigns shall not use paid leave to extend his/her resignation date. The last day worked shall be considered the date of resignation, and compensable accrued paid leave shall be paid off in lump sum. Leave (except catastrophic and compensatory leave) must be earned prior to the pay period in which it is used.

Out-Of-Class Pay: Where an employee is temporarily assigned to a higher job classification for the convenience of the city for a period equal to or exceeding 36 hours in a Monday through Thursday period or 40 hours in a Monday through Friday period, he/she will be paid at least five (5) percent above his/her regular rate for the period he/she continues in the new assignment.

*Cafeteria Plan: The City offers a Cafeteria-style plan in which each employee receives a fixed amount of FlexNet credits to purchase health coverage. Health coverage is available through CalPERS. Dental coverage is available through MetLife. Vision coverage is available through EyeMed.

Employees may also contribute pre-tax earnings into the City’s Section 125 Flex Spending plan. Employees may make contributions for both health and dependent care reimbursement. Effective the first full pay period in January 2024, the City shall make contributions to the cafeteria benefit plan according to the following formulas:

WAIVE CITY HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE (TAXABLE)

115.00 per month ($57.50 per pay period)

EMPLOYEE ONLY

754.72 per month

EMPLOYEE + 1 DEPENDENT

$1,294.32 per month

EMPLOYEE + 2 OR MORE DEPENDENTS

$1,694.58 per month

Life Insurance: The City pays for the cost of life insurance in an amount equal to the employee’s annual compensation.

Voluntary Life Insurance: Employees may purchase voluntary life insurance up to 5x annual compensation (maximum of $500,000) at a monthly cost of $0.95 cents per $10,000 of coverage. The City also purchases $5,000 in life insurance for a Spouse and $2,500 for each eligible Dependent Child. Spouse voluntary life insurance may be purchased in units of $5,000 but cannot exceed 50% of the employee benefit. Child life insurance may be purchased in units of $2,000 up to $10,000.

Accident Indemnity/Critical Illness: The City provides voluntary benefits through The Standard. The personal Accident plan features benefits for emergency treatment, follow-up treatment, initial hospitalization, hospital confinement, physical therapy, accidental death, and other wellness benefits.

The Critical Illness plan features benefits for heart attack, stroke, invasive cancer, major organ failure, and health maintenance screening wellness benefits.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Provides confidential professional assistance to employees and members of your household who need emotional wellbeing support (six sessions per EAP issue). There is no cost for EAP counseling. If further treatment is recommended, there may be costs to the employee.

Deferred Compensation: City employees have the opportunity to build their retirement savings and reduce taxable income by participating in the City’s Section 457 deferred compensation program, or the post-tax 457 Roth deferred compensation program. The City’s plan is administered by Mission Square Retirement Corporation (formerly ICMA-RC). Participation is handled through payroll deduction. The City does not make any contributions to this plan.

Tuition Reimbursement: $2,000 in tuition reimbursement per fiscal year for pre-approved college courses, non-college courses, certificates or tests related to employee’s job responsibilities. Additional, limited reimbursement may be distributed to eligible employees if funds are available.

Social Security and Medicare: Employees are required to pay into Social Security at 6.2% and Medicare at 1.45%.

Bilingual Pay: Employees who are regularly required to use their bilingual or sign language skills in the performance of their duties may receive an additional $50 per month. An exam is required to substantiate fluency for pay eligibility.

Uniform Reimbursement/Boot Allowance/Tool Allowance: The City will provide employees in certain classifications an annual uniform allowance as listed below, payable the first pay period in October of each year, for the purchase and maintenance of uniforms in accordance with departmental uniform policies. The uniform allowance for new employees hired after October 1 shall be prorated for the period from date of hire to September 30, and shall be paid to the employee as soon as possible and practical after date of hire.

Downtown Operations Assistant: $650

Fire Inspector I/II: $650

Public Works and selected positions listed in the General MOU are provided an annual boot allowance of $250 per year. These are payable the first pay period in October.

Selected positions in the Public Works Fleet Department, as listed in the General MOU, are provided a tool allowance of $600 per year.

Safety Glasses Reimbursement: Employees who are required to wear prescription safety glasses to perform their duties may be reimbursed up to $100 for out-of-pocket costs per pair. The employee should attempt to utilize the City’s insurance coverage to the extent possible. Reimbursement for new glasses will be limited to instances where the employee’s glasses are damaged on-duty or when his/her prescription has been changed. In order to be eligible for reimbursement, the safety-glasses must meet CalOSHA standards.

Jury Duty: Court leave is paid leave granted by the city to enable an employee to fulfill his/her duty as a citizen to serve as a juror, or as a prospective juror, or to serve as a witness in a court action to which the employee is not a party, before a Federal, Superior, or Municipal Court located in the County which the employee resides. Paid leave shall not be granted when the employee is paid an expert witness fee. Employees on jury duty are required to have a court timesheet to be considered on paid leave.

State Disability Insurance (SDI): All General and Public Works employees pay into, and are covered by SDI. Premiums are automatically deducted from paychecks. In case of a non-work-related injury, it pays 66 2/3rd of an employee’s salary.

Computer Loan Program: Employees may obtain an interest-free loan, up to $2,500, to purchase computers, related equipment, and software. This program is intended to increase computer literacy, which is beneficial to employees, the City, and the citizens we serve.

Union Membership: All full-time, benefited employees in classifications represented by LMCEA have the right to elect membership.

Part-Time Regular Employees: Salary and benefits for regular employees on halftime (.5) or three-quarter-time (.75) status with the City will be proportional to the equivalent of fulltime regular employees. These hours must be worked on a regular and continuous basis, or as a result of a mutually agreed upon reduced work period.

60 - 69 hours per pay period = 75% Benefits

40 - 59 hours per pay period = 50% Benefits

39 or less hrs. per pay period = No Benefits

Part-Time Sick Leave:

All temporary and part-time employees will receive 40 hours of paid sick leave. To be eligible, the part-time employee must be employed with the City for 90 days and worked at least 30 days.

For additional detailed information regarding salaries and benefits, you may request a copy of the MOU document (https://www.cityoflamesa.us/435/MOUs) from a representative of the bargaining unit that represents you.

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes

• No

  02

  Do you possess a valid Class "A" California driver's license?

• Yes

• No

  03

  Describe your experience working with asphalt as it relates to street maintenance. Include name of employer(s). Note: Entering "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.

  04

  Please indicate how many years of experience you have performing increasingly responsible maintenance and repair work that includes maintenance and construction equipment.

• None

• Less than 1 Year

• 1-2 Years

• 2-4 Years

• 4+ Years

  05

  Please indicate how many years of experience you have in concrete work.

• None

• Less than 1 Year

• 1-2 Years

• 2-4 Years

• 4+ Years

  06

  Please indicate which operating equipment you have experience with. (Check all that apply).

• Backhoe

• Dump Truck

• Front End Loader

• Patch Truck

• Roller

• Skid-Steer Loader

• Tracked Asphalt Paver

  07

  In addition to the equipment listed in Question 6, please describe any additional experience you have operating other light and/or heavy equipment? If no additional experience, type "N/A".

  08

  The current vacancy for Heavy Equipment Operator is in Public Works Operations located at 8152 Commercial Street, La Mesa. This position works from 6:00 am until 3:30 pm (9/80 schedule) with alternate Fridays off. Are you willing and able to work this schedule?

• Yes

• No

  Required Question

Agency

City of La Mesa

Address

8130 Allison Avenue La Mesa, California, 91942

Phone

619-667-1175

Website

http://www.cityoflamesa.us

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