Lead Equipment Operating Engineer (8117C), Facilities Services - #77230

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Facilities Services works to continuously improve the campus in partnership with all members of the University community to ensure that classrooms, laboratories, and offices support teaching, learning and research. With over 500 dedicated staff members serving over 10M building square feet and 1100 acres, Facilities Services includes the asset management program, custodial services, maintenance operations, engineering and technical services, environmental services, grounds operations, the Cal Zero Waste program.

Under supervision of Utilities Manager, The Lead Equipment Operator is responsible assigning work to Equipment Operating Engineers and for digging holes, trenches and ditches with the Backhoe and loading soil, gravel, salt mix, or debris to trucks from a work site with the front bucket.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: April 8, 2025

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy and light equipment, including bobcat, trucks, backhoe, trenching machines, and related earthmoving equipment for maintenance and moving activities.
• Incumbent operates air compressors, jackhammers, rotary-operated sump pumps, and tampers, including all hand tools.
• Clears and levels ground; transports and hoists, loads and unloads earth, equipment, and supplies.
• Levels roadways and paths.
• Incumbent may service and make minor repairs in the maintenance of equipment.
• Act as a training resource and establish training for tradespersons.
• The Lead Equipment Operator will use the following tools and equipment to perform their duties:
  • Clothing: Steel toe boots, ear protection, gloves.
  • Equipment: JCB 1700B - 215 Series 3, Case 590 or 570 Backhoe, 30 cm, 61 cm, and 106 cm Backhoe buckets, front scoop and clam bucket, tamper and jackhammer attachments, small hand tools.
• Perform a pre-trip vehicle inspection of the Backhoe every morning. This will include greasing the Backhoe, checking and topping up fluid levels, checking brakes, tire pressure, and ensuring all lights are in working order. After the pre-trip inspection, the Lead Equipment Operator will load a second bucket, jackhammer, and/or tamper into the front bucket of the Backhoe if they will be required during the day. The incumbent will then drive through traffic to a work site. Once the Backhoe is in position, the Lead Equipment Operator will swivel their chair from the front of the machine to the back. The digging position will have the front bucket and two rear stabilizers down on the ground while the wheels of the Backhoe may be suspended in the air. The incumbent will then pull up and slide the back window over their head so they are able to communicate with the Lead Cement Mason.
• The Lead Equipment Operator-Backhoe will communicate (non-verbal and verbal cues) with the Lead Cement Mason to dig the ditch to the required level and to dig around any underground utilities. As each load of debris (asphalt, concrete, debris) is removed from the ground, it is loaded into the back of a single or tandem axle truck or set to the side of the ditch. Two or four (depending on the machine) hand controls and one-foot pedal control the movements of the Backhoe. As required, different size Backhoe buckets, tamper, and jackhammer attachments are used by the Equipment Operator.
• The Lead Cement Mason or a laborer will assist with the changeover, and the Equipment Operator may or may not be required to get out of the Backhoe. The attachments are installed on the Backhoe arm by inserting large and small pins into each piece. Each attachment is maneuvered into position with the Backhoe arm.
• Has the ability to safely maneuver supplies and objects up to 100 lbs. in the normal course of duty with or without reasonable accommodation.
• May be asked to handle hazardous waste and will be responsible for safely handling, properly containing and labeling, and following appropriate emergency procedures as they relate to hazardous waste materials.
• Execute all job assignments in a safe and timely manner.
• Has the ability to work with a fitted work.
• Interact with UC shop personnel.
• Balance MOP and recharge responsibilities as directed by management.
• Duties include using the Work Order Scheduling Program to schedule and dispatch work requests.
• Checks completed jobs for accuracy and performs timekeeping duties.
• Provides expert technical advice as needed.
• Consult supervisors or project managers who administer requirements and standards for modification projects.
• Keep accurate work records and complete paperwork in a neat and timely manner.
• Define and describe materials, tools and/or equipment, work methods, and task sequences.
• Serve as liaison with clients, relaying their needs and requirements to the appropriate department or manager.
• Obtain/order materials and equipment when requested.
• Maintain records of materials ordered, utilized, and billed to others.
• Adhere to all university and departmental safety guidelines.
• Attend job-related and safety training as required.
• Schedule and document monthly shop safety and craft meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including the use of a respirator as required.
• Can be subject to callback in case of emergencies.

Required Qualifications

• 3 years of documented journeyman experience
• Experience using a variety of craft techniques and all tools pertaining to the trade, including digging holes, trenches and ditches
• Ability to gain access to small/tight areas and is able to work or maneuver around obstacles that requires stairs and ladders; ability to lift up to 75 lbs.
• Ability to operate heavy and light equipment, bobcat, trucks, back hoe, trenching machines and related earthmoving equipment for maintenance and moving activities
• Assists all crafts as necessary in a variety of other tasks, as assigned.
• Ability to operate air compressors, jackhammers, rotary-operated sump pumps, and tampers, Including all hand tools.
• Service and make minor repairs in the maintenance of equipment.
• Ability to clear and level ground; transport and hoist, load and unload earth, equipment and supplies.
• Levels roadways and paths,
• Operate machinery for underground excavation digging, building fences, walls and partitions, hauling wet concrete and finishing concrete.
• Has the ability to set up and use scaffolding and perform tasks above ground level.
• Knowledge and ability to use CMMS program to review and assign tickets and order supplies.
• Knowledge of and ability to conform to PP-CS, University, state, and federal policies and procedures including safety policies such as the EPA, IIPP, Hazardous Materials Communications Program, Health and Safety Manual.
• Ability to work with a fitted work respirator as required.
• Must possess excellent communication skills and ability to interact in a positive manner with campus community, including students, building managers, academic personnel, and craft personnel, In a multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to track jobs to completion and prioritize requirements; able to work and support project schedules to minimize interference with others.
• Must be able to read information from equipment manufacturers' manuals, service requests, layout sketches, blueprints, appropriate state and local government codes, trade-specific manuals and practices, and to determine how the fixture or equipment should perform.
• Knowledge of relevant building codes and regulations.
• Ability to communicate clearly over the telephone and two-way radio.
• Ability to execute all job assignments in a timely manner
• Must be available, and agree to respond to the following types of emergencies; work on-call, weekend on call, rotating swing shift and holiday coverage.

Education/Training:

• Four years apprenticeship and/or equivalent work experience.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

• The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $60.40, Step 1. This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
• This is a full-time, Career position that is eligible for full UC benefits.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Driving Required

Required to hold valid driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

Physical Exam

Employment is contingent upon passing a physical exam.

Mandated Reporter

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity.
• This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Skilled Crafts Unit (KB) between the University of California and the Alameda County Building and Construction Trades Council (ACBCTC). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/kb/index.html

Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

The University of California's Affirmative action policy.
The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy.