Equipment Operator at Knoxville Utilities Board, TN

About the Department

Classification: Equipment Operator 

Work Hours: 40+ hours / week: rotational - shifts may vary

About KUB: KUB is one of the largest public utilities in the country providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric, gas, water, wastewater, and fiber services to more than 501,000 customers in Knoxville and parts of seven surrounding counties. We are looking for employees who want to be a part of a mission-driven organization with strong values that support a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce.

About the Role: This position is responsible for the safe operation of equipment and the performance of manual work in support of electrical construction, maintenance, and repair activities. Responsibilities may include loading and unloading; drilling, setting, anchoring, and removing poles ranging from 30 to over 100 feet in length; digging ditches; installing conduit; pulling cables; building forms and pouring concrete; erecting structures and buildings; and trimming or removing trees using aerial lifts at heights exceeding 100 feet. The role also includes loading and unloading transformers, responding to and cleaning up oil spills, and assisting with other assignments as needed. The operator drives and operates vehicles and equipment including mobile cranes, line trucks, bucket trucks, backhoes, pole-setting trucks, backlot equipment, cable plows, ditch witch, crawler tractors, and other equipment as necessary. The operator performs inspections of equipment and facilities in the field and may work alone as a single resource, with a labor crew, or with a line crew. This position requires availability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and for extended periods during system outages and events.

Minimum Qualifications

Physical Requirements:

Requires heavy physical work including, but not limited to lifting, bending, stooping, squatting, and operating equipment requiring physical strength and endurance. Must possess and maintain ability to operate heavy equipment. Requires above normal mental & visual alertness. Requires physical stamina to work for extended periods of time during emergencies and in extreme weather conditions.

Minimum Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Must be able to operate tools and construction equipment necessary for the job, including knowledge of proper rigging, interpretation and application of load ratings/charts, load securement, and related tasks

• Requires above normal safety knowledge, skills, ability, awareness and responsibility

• Valid Class A driver's license

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience operating applicable vehicles and equipment, knowledge of tools, materials and equipment used in construction and maintenance

• Ability to obtain certification for 40-ton (or larger) crane operation within 12 months

Preferred Requirements: 

• Five (5) or more years of experience as a Laborer or in a technically equivalent position

• Demonstrated ability to make independent decisions and work under general supervision

• Proven ability to perform productive work in compliance with applicable safety requirements, construction standards, and removal procedures

• Maintain an excellent safety and overtime response record, including positive response to call-out, hold-over, and scheduled overtime

• Certified in mobile crane operation (40 tons or larger)

• Class A CDL without 57 Restriction

Other Qualifications

About the Selection Process:

Phase 1 – Apply online at www.kub.org

Phase 2 – Experience, training, and education evaluation

Phase 3 – Interview with department representatives

Phase 4 – Written, performance, and behavioral exercises

Phase 5 – Background Investigation

Phase 6 – Physical assessment and/or drug screen*

*KUB is part of the Tennessee Drug Free Workplace Program

If special accommodations are needed at any phase of the selection process, please notify Human Resources in advance.

Knoxville Utilities Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer