Position Description

Heavy Equipment Operator

Overall Functions

Operates a variety of heavy construction grade equipment and trucks utilized in the construction, maintenance and repair of county roads and bridges. Performs additional various semi-skilled tasks in the maintenance of count roads, bridges, traffic control signs and storm drainage systems.

Nature and Scope of Job

A multi-incumbent position reporting to the Superintendent

Specific Responsibilities and Duties

1. Equipment Operator (General)

a. Performs all of the responsibilities or tasks assigned by the Superintendent

b. Operates trucks of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various materials, equipment and supplies

c. Operates small equipment and tools in daily maintenance functions

2. Road maintenance

a. Smoothes gravel roads using grader as needed

b. Gravels roads

1. Loads, hauls and unloads gravel

2. Uses the blade to smooth the gravel

3. Compacts gravel, spraying magnesium chloride

c. Sprays gravel roads with water or to keep dust at a minimum

d. Patches holes on blacktop roads with cold mix or asphalt

e. Plows snow during the winter months

f. Salts and sands roads where necessary

g. Mows grass along the road

h. Cleans cattle guards and ditches

i. Moves voting machines

3. Other

a. Surveys ditch lines, and cuts and fills in the road where necessary

b. Re-aligns, builds and fills roads when necessary

c. Builds cattle guards, culverts and bridges

d. Puts in cattle guards and culverts

e. Digs post holes and puts up fences

f. Re-builds road where washouts have occurred

g. Maintains and/or installs temporary and permanent traffic control signs

h. Performs various welding tasks in various positions

4. Maintenance of Equipment

a. Regularly cleans, lubricates and changes the oil on the equipment

b. Fills equipment with fuel as needed

c. Performs routine inspection and preventative maintenance on equipment

d. Performs major mechanical overhauls

e. Fixes any minor problems that may occur

f. Informs Superintendent of needed repairs

5. Safety

a. Operates all equipment in a safe and prudent manner

b. Maintains awareness of other vehicles, people and other safety hazards near work sites

c. Controls traffic at work sites by flagging or posting signs to guide traffic through work areas in a safe manner

d. Follows internal and external safety operating procedures as established by the Superintendent

e. Reports any accidents or injuries immediately to the Superintendent

f. Strives to maintain an accident free work place

6. Public Relations

a. Greets the public in a friendly, helpful manner

b. Answers questions regarding the county Road and Bridge Department or refers questions to appropriate personnel

c. Maintains professionalism by exercising tact, diplomacy and good judgment when dealing with the public or other county staff

d. Attends public meetings

7. Back-up Duties

a. Backs-up other Heavy Equipment Operators as needed

b. Backs-up the Foreman when necessary

Desired Minimum Qualifications

1. Education and Experience

a. High school diploma or equivalent

b. Three-Five years experience running heavy equipment

c. Three-five years road construction experience

d. Must have A CDL

e. Six months training programs in welding and mechanics or equivalent

2. Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

a. Working Knowledge of the methods, materials and tools used in construction

b. Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment

c. Working knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions common to construction operations

d. Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions

e. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

f. Ability to observe proper safety precautions

g. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and the public

h. Ability to operate and drive a variety of equipment under varying conditions

i. Must be able to work well as part of a team

j. Ability to “visualize” the final product

Tools and Equipment Used

Scrapers, Graders, Loaders, Belly Dump, dozer, Water Tanks, Flat Beds, Front-End Loader, End Dump, Vibratory compactor, Oil Distributor, Backhoe, Welding Truck, Mower, Air tools, Power tools, Hand Tools, Arch Welder, Gas Welder, Hydraulic Jacks, Compressor, Water Pumps, Shovels, Ax, Snow Plow, Cutting torch, Tractor, Vehicle, Radio, Surveying Instruments, Forklifts

Physical Demands

(The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

1. While performing the duties of this job the employee is constantly required to hear, taste or smell, reach with hands and arms and also use hands to finger, handle or feel objects. J The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, talk, read and climb or balance. The employee is also frequently required to drive a vehicle. Occasionally the employee must stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and write. The employee may infrequently be required to climb up and/or down stairs.

2. The employee is constantly required to life and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to life and/or move up to 50 pounds. Infrequently the employee is required to lift and/or move up to and more than 100 pounds (i.e. grader edges)

3. The employee is also required to weld and carry heavy metal pieces.

4. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

(The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee will encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

1. While performing the duties of this job the employee constantly works with/near moving objects and works in confined areas. The employee frequently works near fumes or airborne particles, works with/near vibrating objects, works outdoors, works in high places (up to 6 feet off the ground) and works around others. Occasionally the employee works indoors, works alone and works with others. Infrequently the employee works with/near toxic or caustic chemicals, works with the risk of electrical shock, works varying shifts and extended days/hours and also infrequently works in high, precarious places (over six feet off the ground).

2. The employee is exposed to dust and direct sunlight in the summer while operating heavy equipment and extreme cold in the winter while plowing snow in sub-zero weather.

3. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud

Mental/Motor Demands

(The mental/motor demands described here are representative of those that must b met by an employee to successfully perform the essential disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee constantly maintains attentiveness duration and intensity. Co-worker support is constantly available. The employee frequently works with time constraints and exercises flexibility (ability to shift from one task to another). Guidance and reinforcement are frequently available. The employee occasionally performs routine work. The employee is infrequently involved in social interactions, which frequently require oral communications and infrequently require written communications.

2. Memory and reasoning are constantly used/required on the job. Judgment is frequently used/required on the job. Problem solving is occasionally used/required on the job. Mathematics and estimating are infrequently used/required on the job.