Equipment Operator I

Position Description

About Harris County Flood Control District:

The Harris County Flood Control District’s (District’s) core mission is to mitigate the risk of flooding in Harris County, which has a population of over 5 million and includes the City of Houston, the fourth-largest city in the United States. The District’s responsibilities extend to approximately 1,500 channels spanning nearly 2,500 miles, over 60 regional stormwater detention basins covering more than 10,000 acres, and several wetlands mitigation banks. The Harris County Flood Control District (District) is seeking qualified candidates for the role of Equipment Operator I, who will be responsible for operating various small engines and small- to moderate-sized equipment used to maintain clear channels, drainage elements, and rights-of-way in accordance with the District’s mission to maintain the Infrastructure.

What you will do at Harris County Flood Control District:The Harris County Flood Control District (District) is seeking qualified candidates for the role of Equipment Operator I, who will be responsible for operating various small engines and small- to moderate-sized equipment used to maintain clear channels, drainage elements, and rights-of-way in accordance with the District’s mission to maintain the Infrastructure.

Essential Functions & Duties:

Equipment Operation

• Operate trucks and equipment, including spray equipment, tractors, chainsaws, 4-wheel drive extreme utility vehicles (XUV), and weed trimmers.

Herbicide Handling

• Mix herbicide(s) in accordance with the manufacturer's and the District’s formulas and instructions and dispense from the truck, tractor, XUV, or from a backpack.
• Clean and repair all spray equipment and properly store herbicides and supplies.

Vegetation & Debris Control

• Cut weeds, grass, and brush in, along, and around channels, drainage elements, and rights-of-way using equipment designated for that purpose.
• Dislodge and remove drifts and debris (trees, limbs, brush, vines, trash, and refuse) from channel berms, slopes, and bottoms for proper disposal.

Equipment Maintenance & Reporting

• Check and maintain all equipment fluids, perform daily inspection(s), and fuel and wash equipment, as needed.
• Report necessary replacement or repair of defective equipment to the supervisor.

Additional Duties

• Assume additional responsibilities as required, adapting to the District's evolving demands, responsibilities, needs, and objectives.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education:

• High School Diploma/GED or equivalency

Experience:

• One (1) year of experience in field operations or a related field

Required Licenses:

• Requires a valid Class “C” Texas Driver's License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Good verbal & written communication skills.
• Can effectively communicate with coworkers and the public.
• Good analytical skills in applying guidelines and adapting standard methods to fit facts and conditions.
• Ability to work in an outdoor setting.
• Familiarity with operating gasoline- powered equipment and off-road vehicles.
• Ability to work well with a team in a field environment.
• Can work independently with limited to no supervision.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.Preferences

Experience:

• Prefer some knowledge of bayou, drainage area, and right-of-way maintenance, including, but not limited to, mowing, application of various herbicides, cutting and clearing brush, and debris removal.

License:

• Prefer a valid Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License.
• Prefer a valid Texas State-licensed ATV Operator to operate four-wheel vehicles with a trailer.
• Prefer a valid Texas State Commercial or Non-commercial Pesticide Applicator License.

General Information

Position Type:

• Regular Full Time

Hours:

• 40 hours per week

Salary:

• To be discussed at the interview

Location:

• Facilities Maintenance | 7522 Prairie Oak Dr, Houston, TX 77086

Physical Demands & Environmental Exposure:

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Frequently walking up and down steep slopes of ditches or on rough and uneven surfaces or ground such as sloping terrain, plowed or furrowed areas, or construction sites.
• Frequent stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying items up to 20 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 40 pounds.
• Frequent driving of vehicles with automatic and four-wheel drive controls.
• Occasional ascending and descending stairs.
• 100% of duties are performed outdoors where there will be routine exposure to significant levels of heat, cold, moisture, air pollution, wind, and dust.
• Will be exposed to vegetation retardants, herbicides, and fertilizers.
• Will be exposed to petroleum products, including but not limited to gasoline, oil, grease, diesel, and other fuels and lubricants.
• Will be exposed to snakes, wildlife, wasps, bees, and other flying or walking insects.
• May be exposed to aquatic bacteria, viruses, and other micro-organisms.
• May be exposed to vibration or noise in excess of 85 decibels.
• May be exposed to fluids, compounds, or chemicals used in cleaning offices and work areas.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Benefits

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.

The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:

Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*
• Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.

For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:

www.benefitsathctx.com