About this role
POSITION TITLE: EQUIPMENT CREW LEADER
POSITION ID NUMBER:
DEPARTMENT: OPERATIONS
REPORTS TO: C&M SUPERVISOR
PAY GRADE: $33.01 PER HOUR / $68,660.80
FLSA STATUS: NON-EXEMPT
JOB SUMMARY:
Operates light, medium, heavy, and specialized equipment in the construction and maintenance of natural gas distribution and transmission systems. Assists with and, at the higher levels, leads crews performing construction, maintenance, emergency response, lifting, rigging, towing, excavation, and specialized equipment operations. The career series provides progressive responsibility based on demonstrated equipment proficiency, independent judgment, crew leadership, training capability, and required qualifications.
Customer Service Standard: Incumbents in this position will be held to the District's Gold Standard for Customer Service.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsibilities Applicable to All Levels
• Loads, transports, and delivers equipment and materials in accordance with District procedures and applicable requirements.
• Excavates for and assists with the installation of service lines and main extensions, including trenching, handling pipe, and backfilling.
• Assists with repairs to distribution and transmission facilities, including exposing damaged facilities and supporting repair activities.
• Performs polyethylene (PE) pipe fusion and tapping tasks for which the employee is trained, qualified, and authorized.
• Assists with service and main retirement activities, including excavation, isolation, and capping of facilities as directed.
• Responds to gas leak calls and assists with emergency repairs when assigned and qualified.
• Safely and responsibly operates assigned District vehicles; performs required operator inspections and maintenance and keeps vehicles clean and orderly.
• Maintains tools and equipment in the prescribed manner and promptly reports defects, damage, or unsafe conditions.
• Maintains accountability for inventory obtained from stock or carried on assigned vehicles and completes required records accurately.
• Follows the District's Operations and Maintenance Manual, safety procedures, work practices, and applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
• Provides the District's Gold Standard for Customer Service when interacting with customers, contractors, the public, and coworkers.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Equipment Crew Leader I
• Safely and efficiently operates assigned light and medium equipment for which required training and qualification have been completed, including skid-steers, forklifts, tractors, trenchers, directional boring machines, small excavators, and comparable equipment.
• Performs pre-operational and post-operational inspections, conducts routine operator maintenance, and promptly documents and reports equipment deficiencies before placing equipment into service.
• Assists Equipment Crew Leader II and Senior Equipment Crew Leaders with heavy or specialized equipment operations, directional boring, critical excavations, rigging, lifting, towing, and other complex field activities.
• Prepares work sites by establishing safe work zones, verifying basic job-site controls, positioning equipment as directed, and supporting excavation and construction activities in accordance with District standards.
• Performs assigned work safely, efficiently, and in compliance with established procedures while demonstrating sound judgment and maintaining situational awareness.
• May provide task-specific guidance and assistance to less-experienced employees when assigned but is not routinely responsible for directing overall crew activities.
Equipment Crew Leader II
• Safely and independently operates light, medium, heavy, and specialized equipment for which qualification has been completed, including excavators, front-end loaders, cranes, bulldozers, directional boring machines, forklifts, tractors, skid-steers, and comparable equipment.
• Independently plans and performs routine lifting, rigging, towing, load-handling, excavation, and directional boring activities while verifying equipment, attachments, rigging, and materials are suitable for the intended work.
• Serves as Crew Leader for routine projects and designated phases of complex projects by organizing daily work activities, assigning tasks, monitoring progress, and providing technical guidance to assigned personnel.
• Reviews job plans and field conditions to determine equipment, personnel, and material requirements while coordinating work sequencing and equipment placement to maximize safety and efficiency.
• Identifies changing site conditions, evaluates operational risks, resolves routine field issues within assigned authority, and escalates complex, hazardous, or non-routine situations to supervision.
• Provides hands-on instruction, coaching, and technical guidance to Equipment Crew Leader I employees, Utility Workers, and other assigned personnel while reinforcing safe work practices and District standards.
• Assists with employee skills development, equipment familiarization, and classroom or field-based training as assigned.
Senior Equipment Crew Leader
• Serves as the District's technical field expert in the operation of light, medium, heavy, and specialized equipment and safely operates the full range of equipment for which qualification has been completed.
• Plans, coordinates, and leads complex, high-risk, and non-routine construction, maintenance, and emergency operations involving specialized excavation, directional boring, heavy lifting, rigging, towing, load securement, confined work areas, and other technically demanding activities.
• Serves as Crew Leader on major projects by directing field operations, assigning personnel and equipment, coordinating multiple work activities, monitoring project progress, and adjusting work plans to safely address changing conditions.
• Evaluates job-site conditions before and throughout the workday to verify personnel qualifications, equipment readiness, rigging configurations, work-zone protection, excavation requirements, and regulatory compliance, exercising stop-work authority whenever unsafe conditions exist.
• Interprets construction drawings, utility maps, bore profiles, engineering plans, and field conditions to recommend equipment selection, construction methods, sequencing, resource allocation, and operational improvements.
• Develops, delivers, and evaluates field and classroom training related to equipment operation, excavation, rigging, lifting, towing, directional boring, inspections, and safe work practices while documenting employee progress and identifying development opportunities.
• Mentors Equipment Crew Leader I and II employees by promoting technical proficiency, leadership development, safety culture, equipment stewardship, work quality, documentation accuracy, productivity, and customer service excellence.
• Partners with supervisors in field coordination, incident investigations, equipment damage reviews, job-site assessments, operational planning, and continuous improvement initiatives while serving as a trusted technical resource without assuming formal supervisory authority.
The preceding is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. The principal duties and responsibilities enumerated are essential job functions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Equipment Crew Leader I
• High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
• Two (2) years of directly related construction, utility, equipment-operation, or natural-gas-system experience is preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Valid Florida CDL required.
• Must obtain and maintain forklift certification within the timeframe established by the District.
• Must complete assigned equipment qualifications and applicable OQ tasks within established progression timeframes.
Equipment Crew Leader II
• High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of directly related construction, utility, equipment-operation, or natural-gas-system experience, including demonstrated proficiency with heavy equipment. An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Valid Florida CDL required.
• Must possess and maintain forklift certification.
• Must maintain required equipment qualifications and applicable OQ tasks for assigned work.
Senior Equipment Crew Leader
• High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible construction, utility, equipment-operation, or natural-gas-system experience, including advanced heavy and specialized equipment operation and demonstrated crew-lead experience. An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Valid Florida CDL required.
• Must possess and maintain forklift certification.
• Must maintain required qualifications for the full range of assigned equipment and applicable OQ tasks.
• Completion of District-approved leadership, crew-chief, or instructor development may be required within the timeframe established by the District.
ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES:
Competencies Applicable to All Levels
• Ability to read, understand, and follow safety procedures, work instructions, records, reports, policies, procedure manuals, the District's Operations and Maintenance Manual, and applicable blueprints or construction drawings.
• Working knowledge of OSHA, EPA, DOT/PHMSA, and other requirements applicable to equipment operation in and around natural gas facilities and pipelines.
• Knowledge of safe excavation, lifting, towing, rigging, load securement, and equipment inspection practices appropriate to assigned duties.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, contractors, customers, and the public.
• Ability to properly use, care for, and maintain assigned equipment, tools, vehicles, materials, and supplies.
• Commitment to continuous improvement in workplace safety, environmental practices, work quality, and customer service.
• Knowledge and successful task evaluation as required by 49 CFR Part 192, Subpart N, Operator Qualification (OQ), for covered tasks assigned to the position.
Equipment Crew Leader I
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate assigned light and medium equipment under routine job-site conditions.
• Basic knowledge of equipment capabilities, limitations, stability, load ratings, and clearance requirements.
• Ability to recognize common hazards and stop work to obtain direction when conditions change or exceed training or authority.
Equipment Crew Leader II
• Demonstrated proficiency in the safe operation of light, medium, heavy, and assigned specialized equipment under varied job-site conditions.
• Working knowledge of equipment capabilities, limitations, stability, load ratings, ground conditions, overhead and underground clearances, and safe operating zones.
• Ability to read and apply blueprints, utility maps, bore profiles, job plans, and manufacturer operating instructions relevant to assigned work.
• Ability to direct routine crew activities, communicate expectations, monitor performance, and correct unsafe or inefficient practices.
Senior Equipment Crew Leader
• Advanced knowledge and demonstrated expertise in operating techniques, equipment capabilities and limitations, stability, load ratings, ground conditions, clearances, and safe operating zones.
• Advanced knowledge of pulling, lifting, rigging, towing, load securement, and inspection practices for complex field operations.
• Ability to independently plan and lead complex work, assess risk, make sound field decisions within authority, and communicate promptly when conditions require supervisory or technical review.
• Ability to train, coach, mentor, and evaluate employees while maintaining accountability, professionalism, and consistent work standards.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with supervisors, engineering, damage prevention, warehouse, contractors, customers, emergency responders, and other stakeholders as assignments require.
TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIRED
Technical Skills Applicable to All Levels
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and a driving record satisfactory to the District and its insurers.
• Skill in the use of construction materials, tools, and equipment assigned to the position.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to use software applications and electronic devices required for assigned work.
• Ability to perform construction and demolition work using equipment such as jackhammers and to dig trenches or pits and load and unload materials or equipment at job sites.
• Ability to safely operate lawnmowers, jackhammers, chain saws, trenchers, generators, compressors, tampers, rollers, concrete saws, core drills, augers, and hand tools, as assigned and after required training.
Equipment Crew Leader I
• Demonstrated ability to complete routine equipment inspections and basic operator maintenance.
• Developing ability to perform minor mechanical troubleshooting and identify when equipment requires repair by authorized personnel.
Equipment Crew Leader II
• Proven ability to perform routine pulling, lifting, rigging, towing, excavation, grading, and material-handling operations.
• Ability to troubleshoot common equipment or operational issues and coordinate appropriate repair or support.
Senior Equipment Crew Leader
• Proven advanced ability in light, medium, heavy, and specialized equipment operation and in diagnosing operational or mechanical issues within the limits of authorized operator maintenance.
• Ability to recommend appropriate equipment, attachments, rigging, and work methods for unusual or complex assignments.
• Ability to use District software and electronic systems for work documentation, training support, equipment records, inventory, and communication.
CAREER PROGRESSION
• Advancement from Equipment Crew Leader I to Equipment Crew Leader II and from Equipment Crew Leader II to Senior Equipment Crew Leader is based on demonstrated readiness and an available District position. Advancement is not automatic based solely on time in level.
• Consistent satisfactory job performance, attendance, safety, customer service, and conduct.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the equipment and work activities assigned to the next level.
• Completion and maintenance of required CDL, forklift, equipment, safety, and OQ qualifications.
• Demonstrated judgment, communication, documentation, and leadership appropriate to the next level.
• Successful completion of any District-established written, practical, interview, or leadership assessment.
OTHER FACTORS
• Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.
• The incumbent is required to participate in the standby rotation for after-hours duty, including weekends and holidays, and may be required to work overtime.
• The incumbent may be required to work outside normal work hours with little or no notice.
• The incumbent must be appropriately dressed in a clean and neat District-authorized uniform during work hours.
• Physical effort: Considerable physical activity and heavy physical work. The position requires lifting, pushing, or pulling objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Physical work or exertion is a primary part of the job (more than 70%).
• Working conditions and hazards: Work involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations requiring extensive safety precautions and protective equipment. Work may include considerable exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, loud noise, traffic, excavations, and active construction sites.
Drug testing: Employees in this classification are subject to testing for prohibited drugs and alcohol in accordance with applicable DOT Pipeline Safety Regulations, including 49 CFR Part 199 and 49 CFR Part 40.
BENEFITS:
Okaloosa Gas Districts offers a competitive benefits package, including:
BCBS Medical 100% employer paid for employee, 92% employer paid for family,
BCBS Dental 100% employer paid for employee or family,
BCBS Vision,
Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA),
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA),
Life insurance 100% employer paid,
Short Term Disability 100% employer paid,
Long Term Disability 100% employer paid,
Accidental Death and Dismemberment 100% employer paid,
AFLAC supplemental insurance,
Air Ambulance insurance,
Pet insurance,
Vacation Leave (80 hours per year) accrual based for the first 5 years, increases thereafter,
Sick Leave (80 hours per year) accrual based
11 Paid Holidays, includes 2 days for Thanksgiving and 2 days for Christmas
401(a) 8% Employer Defined Contribution Retirement, (employer paid, does not require employee contributions)
457(b) Employee Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan
Gym reimbursement/incentive up to $50 per month
Health Fair 100% employer paid
Wellness Program w/ incentives
Safety shoe reimbursement up to $150 per year
Uniforms 100% employer paid
Employer Assistance (Counseling) Program
Employee Events - Spring Crawfish Boil, Summer Picnic, Thanksgiving Lunch, Annual Banquet/Holiday Party
and up to $3,500 annual education reimbursement.
If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact 850-729-4700 or [email protected] for assistance.
$33.01